British Surfing Association

Approved Surfing Schools Scheme 2001

The British Surfing Association Approved Surfing Schools Scheme was introduced in 1990 to help the public obtain better value for money and greater safety whilst being taught to surf.  Since then the number of Activity Centres offering surfing lessons has greatly increased with many now seeking B.S.A. approval.  In order to become a B.S.A. Approved Surfing School, an applicant must satisfy the following criteria;

1. The Surf School/Activity Centre must be covered by public liability insurance for claims by 3^rd parties for injury of damage arising out of the operators business of giving surfing lessons.

2. Soft skinned surfboards must be available for novices to use.

3. All surfing instructors must be B.S.A. Level I Accredited Coaches, which includes an open water lifesaving qualification. Trainee /Assistant coaches must be supervised by an accredited instructor.

4. No more than 10 pupils are to be coached in the water at one time by each qualified instructor.

5. All surfboards must have suitable leashes (ankle straps).

6. Each instructor will have a suitable life saving aid near at hand whilst pupils are in the water.

7. A first aid kit must be available at the beach.

8. The names of Accredited instructors at the school will be sent to the B.S.A. prior to the start of the lesson.

N.B. The B.S.A. does not inspect of approve a surfing schools accommodation, food, transports etc.  We are only concerned to ensure that the school’s clients receive a good standard of tuition from qualified coaches, with safety being the paramount consideration.

The B.S.A. endeavours to carry out at least 2 unannounced “Spot checks” on each Approved School each year.  Any school that does not comply with the above regulations will be removed from our Approved Schools list immediately.

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