Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 7:01 AM AWST
23/07/2026 7:01 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Instruct basic to intermediate surfing skills
Instruct basic to intermediate surfing skills
Unit of competency
National Code
SISOSRF409A
SISOSRF409A
State Code
D6507
D6507
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Transition (Replaced)
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/10/2014
Field of Education
092103 - Sports Coaching, Officiating And Instruction
Original Release Date
14/10/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to instruct basic to intermediate surfing skills. This unit focuses on planning, instructing and evaluating instructional surfing sessions to enable participants to achieve the skills and knowledge required to participate independently, or with minimal supervision, in basic to intermediate surfing activities.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan a surfing session.
- 1.1. Establish participant's needs and characteristics.
- 1.2. Assess participant's current surfing knowledge in order to determine the session'saims and objectives.
- 1.3. Determine an appropriate instructional plan according to participant's needs and characteristics.
- 1.4. Develop a surfing plan according to participant's needs and characteristics, relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.5. Identify potential hazards associated with surfing and minimise risks according to organisational policies and procedures.
- 1.6. Access relevantsources to interpret detailed weather and environmental information and determine contingency plans.
2. Select and organise equipment and resources.
- 2.1. Select and access equipment and resources according to contextual issues and organisational policies and procedures and check serviceability.
- 2.2. Check equipment for safety and suitability according to relevant legislation and manufacturer's recommendations and adjust and fit to ensure personal comfort.
- 2.3. Check contents of first aid and repair kits to ensure suitability to the location and activity.
3. Brief participants.
- 3.1. Communicate instructions and relevant information about the surfing session in a manner appropriate to the participants.
- 3.2. Encourage participants to seek clarification, information and feedback as required during the session.
- 3.3. Establish a suitable communication system for participants to use while surfing.
- 3.4. Inform participants of known and anticipated hazards, safety procedures and appropriate behaviour.
- 3.5. Check and confirm that all participant equipment is fitted and adjusted.
4. Instruct a surfing session.
- 4.1. Conduct introductory activities for participants to reduce the risk of injury.
- 4.2. Monitor individual participant's performance during surfing session.
- 4.3. Apply clear and accurate instructional techniques to impart activity specific knowledge, basic surfing manoeuvres or intermediate surfing manoeuvres, intermediate surfing techniques and safety and rescue procedures.
- 4.4. Inform participants of opportunities to further develop their surfing skills and knowledge.
5. Complete post session responsibilities.
- 5.1. Retrieve, inspect, repair and store equipment according to organisational policies and procedures.
- 5.2. Provide opportunities for participants to identify their personal progress and satisfaction with the session, and give feedback as required.
- 5.3. Evaluate relevant aspects of the surfing session and determine the level of learning achieved.
- 5.4. Identify potential areas of improvement for future surfing instructional sessions.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Participant's needs and characteristics may include:
age
cultural factors
fitness level and physical capabilities
surfing skills and knowledge.
Session's aims and objectives may include:
developing surfing skills and techniques
education
development
therapy
fitness targets
recreation.
Instructional plan may include:
surfing activities and drills
duration of activities and drills.
Surfing plan may include:
session's aims and objectives
date and time
location
instructor and participant ratios
resources and equipment
food and water
weather details
safety requirements.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations
marine regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety:
time and budget constraints
communication protocols
confidentiality of participant information
code of ethics
support personnel.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment and course failure
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
coastal patrol or coastguard
volunteer marine rescue
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts
high and low tide predictions.
Contingency plans may include:
change in weather
change in surf conditions
equipment failure
unavailability suitable surfing site.
Equipment may include:
surfing equipment
safety and rescue equipment.
Resources may include:
appropriate clothing
food and water
teaching aids.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Relevant information may include:
equipment and resource requirements, selection and use
safety procedures
risk prevention measures
objectives
rules and codes
responsible and safe behaviour.
Communication system may include:
signs
hand signals
calls
whistles.
Safety procedures may include:
correct fitting equipment
appropriate spacing between participants
understanding of contingency and risk management plans
use of safety and rescue equipment.
Participant's performance may include:
use of appropriate communication system
basic surfing manoeuvres
intermediate surfing techniques and manoeuvres
surfing control and balance in various conditions
attitude
surf etiquette
negotiation of hazards
use and maintenance of equipment.
Instructional techniques may include:
simple to complex
part to whole
chronological
known to unknown
D.E.D.I.C.T:
demonstrate
explain
demonstrate
instruct
critique
test
E.D.I.C.T:
explain
demonstrate
instruct
critique
test
I.D.E.A:
introduce
demonstrate
explain
apply
Required knowledge may include:
basic surfing manoeuvres
intermediate surfing techniques and manoeuvres
surf environment and conditions
surf and weather reading skills
minimal impact practices
equipment selection, use and maintenance.
Basic surfing manoeuvres may include:
catching and riding wave
standing
traversing
turning.
Intermediate surfing manoeuvres may include:
appropriate wave selection
catching and riding wave
standing where appropriate to craft
traversing left and right along green face of spilling wave
performing and linking surfing manoeuvres
maintaining control of the board.
Intermediate surfing techniques may include:
forehand and backhand:
top turn
bottom turn
cutback
re-entry.
Safety and rescue procedures may include:
emergency response procedures
group management in emergency situations
understanding of safety practices
symptoms, treatment and prevention of common surfing risks
equipment checked and in good working condition
correct fitting and undamaged equipment
use of communication systems.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
food selection
instructional content
instructional technique
assessment technique
group feedback
directing techniques
rescue techniques employed.
Participant's needs and characteristics may include:
age
cultural factors
fitness level and physical capabilities
surfing skills and knowledge.
Session's aims and objectives may include:
developing surfing skills and techniques
education
development
therapy
fitness targets
recreation.
Instructional plan may include:
surfing activities and drills
duration of activities and drills.
Surfing plan may include:
session's aims and objectives
date and time
location
instructor and participant ratios
resources and equipment
food and water
weather details
safety requirements.
Relevant legislation may include:
occupational health and safety
permits or permission for access
environmental regulations
marine regulations.
Organisational policies and procedures may include:
occupational health and safety:
time and budget constraints
communication protocols
confidentiality of participant information
code of ethics
support personnel.
Hazards may include:
temperature extremes
slippery or unstable terrain
dangerous animals and insects
stinging trees and nettles
dense vegetation
group management hazards.
Risks may include:
hypothermia
heat exhaustion
injuries
exhaustion
lost party or party member
equipment and course failure
Relevant sources may include:
Bureau of Meteorology
media
land managers or agencies
coastal patrol or coastguard
volunteer marine rescue
local knowledge.
Weather and environmental information may include:
satellite images
daily and weekly forecasts
maximum and minimum temperatures
event warnings
river levels
synoptic charts
high and low tide predictions.
Contingency plans may include:
change in weather
change in surf conditions
equipment failure
unavailability suitable surfing site.
Equipment may include:
surfing equipment
safety and rescue equipment.
Resources may include:
appropriate clothing
food and water
teaching aids.
Contextual issues may include:
weather conditions, including times
season
transport
location
trip distance and duration
group objectives
group size.
Relevant information may include:
equipment and resource requirements, selection and use
safety procedures
risk prevention measures
objectives
rules and codes
responsible and safe behaviour.
Communication system may include:
signs
hand signals
calls
whistles.
Safety procedures may include:
correct fitting equipment
appropriate spacing between participants
understanding of contingency and risk management plans
use of safety and rescue equipment.
Participant's performance may include:
use of appropriate communication system
basic surfing manoeuvres
intermediate surfing techniques and manoeuvres
surfing control and balance in various conditions
attitude
surf etiquette
negotiation of hazards
use and maintenance of equipment.
Instructional techniques may include:
simple to complex
part to whole
chronological
known to unknown
D.E.D.I.C.T:
demonstrate
explain
demonstrate
instruct
critique
test
E.D.I.C.T:
explain
demonstrate
instruct
critique
test
I.D.E.A:
introduce
demonstrate
explain
apply
Required knowledge may include:
basic surfing manoeuvres
intermediate surfing techniques and manoeuvres
surf environment and conditions
surf and weather reading skills
minimal impact practices
equipment selection, use and maintenance.
Basic surfing manoeuvres may include:
catching and riding wave
standing
traversing
turning.
Intermediate surfing manoeuvres may include:
appropriate wave selection
catching and riding wave
standing where appropriate to craft
traversing left and right along green face of spilling wave
performing and linking surfing manoeuvres
maintaining control of the board.
Intermediate surfing techniques may include:
forehand and backhand:
top turn
bottom turn
cutback
re-entry.
Safety and rescue procedures may include:
emergency response procedures
group management in emergency situations
understanding of safety practices
symptoms, treatment and prevention of common surfing risks
equipment checked and in good working condition
correct fitting and undamaged equipment
use of communication systems.
Relevant aspects may include:
objectives
planning process
activity site
weather
equipment selection
clothing selection
food selection
instructional content
instructional technique
assessment technique
group feedback
directing techniques
rescue techniques employed.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
plans and delivers precise relevant information, explanations and demonstrations for multiple surfing sessions to ensure activities are conducted safely according to participant's needs and characteristics
observes and monitors the progress of participants and provides constructive feedback and intervention to improve basic to intermediate level surfing performance
uses and modifies instructional techniques and or activities to cater for a range of individual learning styles
evaluates and reflects on own instruction performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure instruction of safe surfing activities that reflect the needs and characteristics of a range of participants to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must ensure access to:
a suitable surfing site for the conduct of instructional sessions
a group of participants to take part in the basic to intermediate surfing session
equipment such as a suitable craft, wetsuit, safety and rescue equipment, personal clothing and food and water
resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, instruct and document surfing sessions for a variety of participants.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
oral or written questioning to assess application of legislation and organisational policies and procedures to safe conduct of all surfing activities
observation of safe surfing instruction, monitoring and adjustment according to participant's needs and characteristics
portfolio of surfing session plans
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISOSRF304A Perform simple rescues in moderate surf conditions.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
plans and delivers precise relevant information, explanations and demonstrations for multiple surfing sessions to ensure activities are conducted safely according to participant's needs and characteristics
observes and monitors the progress of participants and provides constructive feedback and intervention to improve basic to intermediate level surfing performance
uses and modifies instructional techniques and or activities to cater for a range of individual learning styles
evaluates and reflects on own instruction performance to identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that need improvement.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure instruction of safe surfing activities that reflect the needs and characteristics of a range of participants to demonstrate competency and consistency of performance.
Assessment must ensure access to:
a suitable surfing site for the conduct of instructional sessions
a group of participants to take part in the basic to intermediate surfing session
equipment such as a suitable craft, wetsuit, safety and rescue equipment, personal clothing and food and water
resources and information regarding participants and location to accurately plan, instruct and document surfing sessions for a variety of participants.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
oral or written questioning to assess application of legislation and organisational policies and procedures to safe conduct of all surfing activities
observation of safe surfing instruction, monitoring and adjustment according to participant's needs and characteristics
portfolio of surfing session plans
third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
SISOSRF304A Perform simple rescues in moderate surf conditions.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OBE63 | SISOSRF005 | Lead surfing activities, intermediate manoeuvres | Unit of competency |
| OBE64 | SISOSRF004 | Lead surfing activities, small waves and basic manoeuvres | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J768 | SIS40313 | Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation | Qualification |
| J764 | SIS30713 | Certificate III in Sport Coaching | Qualification |