National Surf Schools and Instructors Association (NSSIA)
Instructors Application

Name __________________________________________ Date ___________Age_____

Address_________________________________________________________________

City __________________________________ State _______ Zip __________________

Email ______________________________ Phone ______________________________

Accreditation applying for: Apprentice ______ Coach ______Instructor ______ Master ______

Note: NSSIA endorsed instructor training may be acceptable for instructor experience. 

In the space below, provide a detailed record of employment/instruction activities, or attach information as indicated.  Also, include NSSIA training (location, date, etc.) that may be relevant.  Please return the completed application package with $25 annual fee to NSSIA, P.O. Box 550, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732.

Requirement 1

Resume to include major competitions and judging experience if any

Requirement 2

Copies of Certificates (include other instructor certifications if available)

CPR

First Aid

Lifesaving

Requirement 3

Evidence of number of years of surfing experience.

Requirement 4

Your school, instructor, and/or coaching references the NSSIA will be receiving

Note: Recommendation letters on your behalf should be sent by the surf schools and individuals identified on this application directly to the NSSIA.  You will be notified of acceptance status when all supporting documentation is received.

Other Information

Formal education and/or teaching certificate in education.

Copy of articles published about you, your programs, or articles you have written

Memberships in Surfrider, surf clubs, recreation groups, etc.

Contracts you have received from large corporations, government agencies, educational institutions, etc. related to surf instruction.

List of surfing events you have directed.

Current Certification Levels

4    Apprentice - Level 1 (New Instructors)

4    • Completion of Instructor Manual-based training course and/or passing a NSSIA approved training course presented by a NSSIA Master Level Instructor.
• 2 surfing references.
• Sign a waiver certificate that also states they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved surf etiquette/water safety training in their programs and that they will follow the NSSIA approved Surf School code of ethics.
• Minimum of 7 years verifiable surfing experience.

4    Instructor – Level 2

4    • 2 years minimum experience as a surf instructor in a licensed surf school.
• 2 school or certified instructor references or 1 NSSIA Master Instructor reference.
• Sign a waiver certificate that also states that they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved surf etiquette/water safety training in their programs and that they will follow the NSSIA approved Surf School code of ethics.
• CPR certificate
• Minimum of 10 years verifiable surfing experience.

4    Coach – Level 2

4    • 2 years experience as a surf coach for a high school or college
• 2 years experience as a competitor and/or contest judge
• 1 letter of recommendation from an athletic director or letter of recommendation from a current or former top 25 professional surfer
• Sign a waiver certificate that also states certificate that they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved surf etiquette/water safety training in their programs and that they will follow the NSSIA approved Surf School code of ethics.
• CPR certificate.
• Police background investigation.*
• Minimum of 10 years verifiable surfing experience.

4    Senior Instructor - Level 3

4    • 4 years experience as a surf instructor.
• 3 accredited school or certified instructor references.*
• Sign a waiver certificate that also states that they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved surf etiquette/water safety training in their programs and that they will follow the NSSIA approved Surf School code of ethics.
• CPR certificate.
• Minimum of 10 years verifiable surfing experience.

4    Master - Level 4

4    • 8 years working as a surf instructor.
• 4 accredited school or certified instructor references.
• 1 certified master instructor endorsement.*
• Sign a waiver certificate that also states certificate that they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved surf etiquette/water safety training in their programs and that they will follow the NSSIA approved Surf School code of ethics.
• CPR certificate.
• Police background investigation.*
• Minimum of 20 years verifiable surfing experience.

4    Exceptions

4    * Police background investigations exclude marijuana offenses older than 4 years, alcohol offenses older than two years, and misdemeanor offenses.

4    † At this time both colleges and lifeguard groups offer surfboard lessons and surfboard classes. Recommendations and proof of experience in these venues is also acceptable.

4    † Additional Experience: Formal training in a NSSIA sponsored and endorsed instructors' training course may be acceptable for one additional year of instructor experience.

4    † If an applicant cannot meet the 2 accredited surf school or 2 certified instructor references requirements, but are otherwise qualified, they may submit an application to the Director of Certifications without references. Certifications will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

4    † If the person applying owns the surf school and has been established for a number of years, the number of reference letters and what the necessary reference letter states can be negotiated on a case by case basis. Submit your application and the NSSIA will get back to you.

4    Note: The certificates are annually renewable.