Surf Sports Coaching
Lead, motivate and develop athletes
Surf sports coaches play a vital role in developing athletes across all disciplines of Surf Life Saving.
Coaches are mentors, motivators and role models who help athletes build skills, confidence and performance in a safe and supportive environment.
Coaching in Surf Life Saving is delivered under the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS), with clear pathways for all levels of experience.
Why become a coach?
Coaching is a great way to stay involved in surf sports and give back to your club.
As a coach, you can:
Develop athletes and support their growth
Build leadership and communication skills
Progress through recognised coaching qualifications
Contribute to your club and surf sports community
Coaching pathways
There are several levels within the coaching pathway, allowing members to develop over time.
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![A woman with a hat and a beige jacket with 'AGE MANAGER' written on the back stands on the sandy beach, raising her right hand as children in pink and blue swimming caps enjoy the ocean waves. Two adults wearing orange jackets assist some children in the water.]()
Age Manager (Junior Development)
A key role supporting junior members (ages 5–14).
Delivers Nippers sessions
Supports skill development and participation
Focuses on fun, safety and engagement
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![Young woman lying face down on sandy beach, wearing a black and white swim cap and black swimsuit, looking directly at the camera.]()
Foundation Coach
Your starting point in surf sports coaching.
Introduces coaching across swim, beach and board disciplines
Focuses on participation and skill development
Suitable for new coaches, parents and developing athletes
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![A man in a yellow swim suit and a red and white swim cap paddles on a surfboard in the water, leaning forward.]()
Development Coach
Build your coaching capability and support performance progression.
Delivers structured training sessions
Focuses on technical skill development
Supports athletes in competitive environments
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![Two smiling athletes, a woman and a man, standing on a sandy beach with surfboard paddles, wearing yellow and orange life saver outfits, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.]()
Performance Coach
Coaching at an advanced level.
Focuses on athlete performance and competition outcomes
Delivers high-level training programs
Mentors other coaches and supports club development
Step 1 - Community coaching essential skills
Before beginning your surf sports coaching accreditation, members must complete the Australian Sports Commission’s Community Coaching Essential Skills course. This course is designed to build general coaching foundations, especially for working with children and developing positive sporting environments.
Step 2 - SLS Coaching accreditation
Surf Life Saving’s Coaching courses combine:
Online learning (eLearning)
Practical experience through clubs
Ongoing development and mentoring
All coaching accreditation is aligned with the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme (NCAS).
Coaching Resources
If you are interested in becoming a coach or progressing your accreditation, contact your club Surf Sports contact or the SLST Surf Sports Coordinator for support and upcoming opportunities.