You can ask your surfing instructor to see their coaching card. In Australia we have two main accreditation bodies which are ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors: https://www.academyofsurfing.com/ ) and Surfing Australia.
You're coach should have a card on them from either of these organisations. If they do, you can be assured that they have completed the minimum of a Level 1 Surfing Instructors Course, they have Surf Rescue qualifications, up to date senior first aid qualifications plus the minimum of intermediate surfing skills and knowledge.
With a valid coaching card you can also be assured your surfing coach is completing professional development training each year which ensures their skills and knowledge are up-to-date.
The other tell-tale sign that your instructor is qualified is that to attain re-accreditation each year they have to work a minimum of twenty hours in an accredited surf school. So look for these logos from the surf school where you're coach is working.
So if you're surfing lesson claims to have qualified professional coaches, it's in your best interest to ask for the proof!
As an ASI Accredited Surf School we have to uphold the ASI Code of Practice which covers:
*Ethics
*Anti-Discrimination
*Child Safe and Child Friendly Environment
*Workplace Health & Safety
*Sexual Harassment
*Privacy
*Environment
*Compliance and Government Regulation
*Insurance
*Instructors Qualifications and Experience
*Marketing and Advertising
We are subject to annual audit to ensure we are showing compliance with all the above policies and procedures.
If you have any questions or doubts, just ask!
Yours In Surfing & Fun
Sarah & JD