National Surf Schools & Instructors Association National Surf Schools & Instructors Association (NSSIA)
The Official Professional Association for the Surf School Industry
Protecting Both Industry and Students • Established 2005
AN IRS REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Skudin Surf School Surf Camp Surf Sisters Surf School
NSSIA Surfing Instructor, SUP Instructor, Surf/SUP Coach, and Surf Dog Instructor Certification
 
Application Process
The potential licensee turns in an application for accreditation with fee. The proprietors/references and organizations then submit statements and/or supporting letters to the NSSIA attesting as indicated below. NSSIA will send the applicant a self study to complete and provide information for the online manual. Upon completion of the self study, an online or classroom (groups only) class will be scheduled for the applicant. NOTE: All requirements listed below may be negotiated depending on the experience and foreign certifications of the applicant.
Application for Instructor/Coach Certification
click here
 
Certification Annual Renewal
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Qualifications for NSSIA Surfing Instructor Certifications - Note that high grades on the self study and exam may reduce the requirements for the next level certification.

1    Apprentice - Level 1 (New Instructors)

1    Completion of online Instructor Manual-based training course and/or passing a NSSIA approved training course presented by a NSSIA Master or Senior Level Instructor.
1 SUP 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 4 years verifiable SUP experience.

Photo (or color copy) of you paddling
Head photo

2    Instructor Level 2

2    2 years minimum experience as a SUP instructor.
2 school or certified instructor references or 1 NSSIA Master/Senior Instructor reference
.
Sign a waiver certificate that also states that they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved SUP/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 5 years verifiable SUP experience.

Photo (or color copy) of you paddling
Head photo

2    SUP Coach Level 2

2    Any of below may be acceptable.
4 years experience as a SUP instructor or a SUP coach for a high school or college
1 years experience as a SUP competitor.
1 letter of recommendation from an athletic director or letter of recommendation from a current or former top 25 professional SUP.
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/SUP School code of ethics.
CPR certificate.
Police background investigation.*
Minimum of 4 years verifiable SUP experience.

Photo (or color copy) of you paddling.
Head photo

3    Senior Instructor - Level 3

3    4 years experience as a SUP instructor.
3 references.*
Sign a waiver certificate that also states that they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved surf/SUP etiquette/water safety training in their programs and that they will follow the NSSIA approved Surf/SUP School code of ethics.
CPR certificate.
Minimum of 8 years verifiable SUP experience.

Photo (or color copy) of you surfing
Head photo

4    Master - Level 4

4    7 years working as a SUP instructor.
1 certified master instructor endorsement (Normally provided by NSSIA).*
Sign a waiver certificate that also states certificate that they have read and will implement the NSSIA approved surf/SUP etiquette/water safety training in their programs and that they will follow the NSSIA approved Surf/SUP School code of ethics.
CPR certificate.
Police background investigation (at our expense).
Minimum of 10 years verifiable SUP experience. Certify one new instructor (or teach a class).

Photo (or color copy) of you surfing
Head photo

4    Exceptions

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

4   

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 SUP school or 2 certified SUP 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.

4    Updates on Instructor Certification
4    - The NSSIA instructor exams are keyed to our instructors manual. When the self study exam is returned, you will be provisionally certified. At that point you have up to 6 months to attend the online or classroom provided one is available in your area. Recertification does not require a re-examination.
Surfing instructors training manual Certified instructors can access a soft copy of the NSSIA instructors training manual.

contact | www.nssia.org
The National Surf Schools and Instructors Association (NSSIA) official website © 2005 • All rights reserved
AN IRS REGISTERED NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Always use NSSIA Accredited Surf Schools or NSSIA Certified Surfing Instructors for your surfing lessons and surf camps.