CSSC Surf Academy Program

While we always try to work with volunteers where possible, the safety of our members is paramount when running programmes. There will be a small contributory fee to take part in some of of our planned programmes so that we can ensure that there is always the correct ratio of professional certified instructors keeping us safe.

This Ocean Awareness program is a fun educational and activity based program using Blue Mind Philosophy with focus on both physical and mental health benefits. Participants will have the chance to participate in a mix of Surfing, Bodyboarding, Snorkelling & Ocean Education. The Ocean Awareness Program is a pathway to enjoying the ocean and a healthy life and a stepping stone to building the CSSC Surf Academy.

The Ocean will decide when we begin the sessions this year. Once the water warms up enough will communicate with the members. As we did last year, we will continue to accommodate changes as the programs continues to evolve.

When will the sessions run?

To begin, we will be running afternoon sessions after school picking the best conditions Monday to Friday. Once holidays are upon us, we will have more options to run sessions which accommodate everyone. We will also be creating groups to surf together based on age and ability as the season progresses.

Who is it for?

Fun and confidence is the focus. This program is for the children and adults who have had some experience in the surf but are not getting in regularly. It is for the families who have invested in wetsuits and boards who need some coaching and confidence to surf and enjoy the ocean.

It is clear from the programs run over the last number of years that, the children surfing with their friends and peers cultivates a fun, positive learning environment. Its so fun to watch it , and they are advancing at an incredible pace.

The main objective is to develop the child's skills, fitness and confidence to the point that they are comfortable to progress with their family and friends after they finish the sessions. This is already working, and we want to build on the success of the Surf Academy so far. We are encouraging the parents to get involved with the sessions also as this program is a pathway for local families to develop the confidence to surf more regularly as a family and with friends.

We are encouraging parents to also participate in the sessions. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

What do we do?

We have the best level 2 ISA certificated coaches in the country bringing children out who have varied levels of ability and experience. We generally aim for a 1:5 instructor ratio which allows us to target weaknesses, and work one to one with the children on their skills. Having a lower instructor ratio also adds to the safety and fun element. We have found over the last number of years that running concurrent sessions builds strength to get the children to the stage where they then have the fitness and confidence to progress.

The ocean will decide which activities will run an any given day.

What are the objectives?

1. Fun and confidence. Essentially we are continuing to create a safe and fun pathway to people who would otherwise not get the opportunity to learn about, and enjoy the ocean.
2. To raise the standard of safety on our local beaches and to improve etiquette in the line-up so more people are enjoying their ocean time.
3. Increase Ocean Awareness and educate people on the benefits of our amazing local natural resources.

The sessions:

We will continue to run sessions by our level 2 surf coaches with the objective of developing everyone's skills and confidence to bring them on to the next level of surfing. To begin, we will be running afternoon sessions after school. Once holidays are upon us we will have more options to run sessions which accommodate everyone.

We require the parents to confirm attendance the evening before so we can plan for safety, and instructor numbers for each session. This is done via the WhatsApp group.

*If conditions are unsafe and alternatives or refunds are required, we will manage this with the parents on a session by session basis.

Host or Publisher (CSSC) County Sligo Surf Club