Click here to book and pay immediately for your Walkin' On Water Surf Lessons

As well as surf skills, the Safe Surfing Program includes topics such as first aid, oceanography and equipment selection. This means the participant gains skills that will enable a lifetime of safe participation in surfing. The Safe Surfing program takes beginner surfers to a level of competency where they can get the maximum out of their time in the water.
The Safe Surfing Program is supported and endorsed by the Australian Sports Commission

Each certificate course is conducted by qualified Surfing Australia instructors (minimum qualification is Australian Coaching Council Surf Coaching level 1) at a licensed Surf Schools Worldwide surf school. Soft boards, rash vests and wetsuits (where necessary) are supplied. There will be at least one qualified Surfing Australia instructor for every eight participants. The delivery time is flexible. Participants are awarded the certificate of completion by the surf school at the end of the course. An optional 64 page work book is available.

Participants will need to provide their own swimwear, towel and 30+ water resistant sun block. Participants will be required to sign a participant declaration before entering water.
Everything else required for the Safe Surfing Program lessons will be provided by Walkin' On Water Surf School.

The Safe Surfing Program is a five-tiered certificate program delivered by Surfing Australia surf schools in which participants obtain a certificate of completion at each level. The Safe Surfing Program is a nationwide program - meaning participants can complete the certificates anywhere there is a Surfing Australia surf school. At Walkin' On Water, we offer all 5 Safe Surfing Program Certification Levels for students to progress through.

The completion criteria for the certificates are divided into four categories.

(a) Compulsory Assessment Items
Participants must complete these components satisfactorily to gain a certificate of completion.
1. Attendance:
• Participants must have 90% attendance record.
2. Observation & Participation:
• Participants must observe & participate in activities to obtain an understanding of underpinning knowledge and skills.

(b) Optional Assessment Items
Although this is a participation-based program, there may be benefits in assessing competencies in some situations. These assessment items will be administered by the group supervisor/s in conjunction with Surfing Australia surf school instructors.
Use of these assessment categories needs to be negotiated before the commencement of the course.
3. Theory Assessment:
• Participants must complete student workbook worksheets to a satisfactory level.
4. Skills Assessment:
• Assessment of practical skills involves the participant demonstrating an understanding of underpinning knowledge and skills in an assessment environment and under assessment conditions.

What do participants in the Safe Surfing Program learn?
The Safe Surfing Program presents participants with physical, social and environmental opportunities. It incorporates action situations of increasing complexity as participants work through the program. In completing the certificate, the participant:
• Performs and repeats linked movements that display consistency and control
• Has an understanding of sun smart behaviour and takes the necessary measures on the beach
• Demonstrates the linking of a series of motor skills using equipment in a situation that requires communication and cooperation
• Has an understanding of the career pathways within the surfing industry
• Has an understanding of the ethical dimensions of various rules and codes of behaviour within the sport
• Has an understanding of the ecological dynamics surrounding a coastal environment and can make a judgment that provides for their own safety and that of their peers
• Interacts confidently with others and contributes to group discussions

Participants in the Safe Surfing Program have the opportunity to gain knowledge in:
• Safe surf condition awareness
• Rules of the surf zone
• Safe surfing procedures
• Tides and currents
• Equipment for surfing
• Marine safety professionals and their role
• Surfers as environmental ambassadors
• Basic surfing first aid

Participants in the Safe Surfing Program have the opportunity to perform the following skills:
• Ability to manoeuvre in various surf conditions
• Application of basic surfing first aid and rescue procedures
• Assessment of beach conditions
• Basic fitness skills for surfing
• Basic paddling skills and surfing skills
• Wave zone negotiation skills