The organisation shall be known as the Surf School Alliance (SSA).
THE ALLIANCE BEGINS
A vision to improve surf instruction and build stronger professional coaching standards.
Surf School Alliance · Founded 1999
OUR STORY, MISSION & CONSTITUTION
From a vision to improve surf instruction in 1999 to a growing international network of instructors, surf schools, surf camps and training academies today.
1999Surf School Alliance founded
4,450+Instructors trained
285+Schools, camps & academies
GLOBALUK · Europe · Africa · Asia
Performance
SURFING AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING
Professional education should stay connected to real surfing, real conditions and real coaching.
Community
PEOPLE & PROGRESSION
Worldwide
A GLOBAL SURF NETWORK
Our Story
DEVELOPING SURF INSTRUCTORS & SUPPORTING SURF SCHOOLS SINCE 1999
Founded in 1999, the Surf School Alliance is a global organisation dedicated to developing professional surf instructors, supporting surf schools and promoting high standards of coaching, safety and professionalism throughout the surf industry.
What began as a vision to improve the quality of surf instruction has grown into an international network of instructors, surf schools, surf camps and training academies working together to build stronger coaching communities.
Today, SSA works alongside the International Surfing Association, National Governing Bodies and industry partners to support internationally recognised instructor education, surf-school development and professional best practice.
Our mission is simple: to raise the standard of surf coaching worldwide.
COACHES & SCHOOLS DEVELOP
Thousands of instructors trained and hundreds of surf schools, camps and academies supported.
A GLOBAL PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
Connecting instructor education, surf-school support, CPD, safety, industry relationships and international opportunities.
Our Mission
RAISING THE STANDARD OF SURF COACHING WORLDWIDE
We invest in people, education and quality coaching to help create safer surf schools, more confident instructors and better experiences for surfers of all ages and abilities.
EDUCATION
Support internationally recognised instructor education and clear professional pathways.
SAFETY
Help surf schools and instructors operate safely, professionally and responsibly.
DEVELOPMENT
Encourage lifelong learning through continuing professional development.
ENVIRONMENT
Promote ocean education, sustainability and responsible use of coastal environments.
SAFER, STRONGER & MORE PROFESSIONAL OPERATIONS
SSA supports surf schools with practical resources, professional guidance and access to an experienced international network.
- Normal / Standard Operating Procedures
- Emergency Action Plans
- Dynamic Risk Assessments
- Instructor training and development
- Business and operational support
- Professional networking
- Marketing opportunities
- Access to qualified instructors
FROM FIRST QUALIFICATION TO LONG-TERM CAREER
SSA provides clear pathways for instructors at every stage of their career, from first professional training through advanced qualifications, presenter development and ongoing CPD.
- ISA instructor pathways
- Advanced coaching development
- Water safety and lifesaving
- SUP instructor education
- Professional CPD
- Presenter development
- Employment and network opportunities
A Global Community
BUILT ON COLLABORATION
SSA works alongside recognised surfing bodies, professional organisations, local authorities, activity providers and industry partners to strengthen surf education and improve coaching standards.
By sharing knowledge, supporting one another and promoting best practice, we continue to build stronger instructors, stronger surf schools and stronger surfing communities.
United Kingdom
Europe
Morocco
Indonesia
Sri Lanka
Worldwide
Global Community
BUILT AROUND PEOPLE, SURFING & SHARED STANDARDS
Protecting Our Oceans
SURF COACHING IS ABOUT MORE THAN TEACHING PEOPLE TO RIDE WAVES
SSA encourages member schools and instructors to promote environmental responsibility, ocean education and sustainable surfing practices. Through education and community engagement, we aim to inspire future generations to respect, protect and enjoy our coastlines.
Governance
CONSTITUTION OF THE SURF SCHOOL ALLIANCE
The formal constitution sets out the name, purpose, membership, governance and professional standards of the Surf School Alliance.
ARTICLE 1 · NAME +
ARTICLE 2 · PURPOSE +
The purpose of the SSA is to:
- Promote the development, recognition and growth of surfing and stand-up paddleboarding worldwide.
- Deliver and support internationally recognised instructor education.
- Support surf schools, surf camps and community clubs in providing safe, professional and high-quality coaching.
- Help instructors establish and develop successful coaching businesses.
- Promote professionalism, safety, sustainability and continuous improvement throughout the surf industry.
- Work collaboratively with recognised National and International Governing Bodies to advance surf education.
ARTICLE 3 · MEMBERSHIP +
Membership is open to:
- Surf schools and surf camps.
- Community surf and paddleboarding clubs.
- ISA-qualified instructors and coaches.
- Instructor training academies.
- Organisations committed to maintaining SSA coaching and operational standards.
Members agree to uphold the values of the Surf School Alliance and operate in accordance with recognised coaching, safety and professional standards.
ARTICLE 4 · GOVERNANCE +
The Surf School Alliance is governed by a Board of Directors made up of experienced Official ISA Presenters and industry professionals with extensive experience in surf coaching and instructor education.
The Board is responsible for:
- Upholding the mission and values of the SSA.
- Maintaining professional coaching standards.
- Supporting instructor education and professional development.
- Developing guidance and resources for member organisations.
- Promoting safe, sustainable and responsible surf coaching.
ARTICLE 5 · PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS +
The SSA is committed to maintaining high standards throughout its international network.
Members are encouraged to:
- Maintain effective Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Develop and regularly review Emergency Action Plans (EAPs).
- Complete Dynamic Risk Assessments.
- Participate in continuing professional development.
- Promote safe, inclusive and environmentally responsible coaching.
ARTICLE 6 · ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY +
The SSA recognises the importance of protecting the natural environments in which surfing takes place.
Members are encouraged to promote environmental awareness, coastal conservation and responsible use of the marine environment through education, community engagement and sustainable operating practices.
ARTICLE 7 · AMENDMENTS +
This Constitution may be amended by the SSA Board following consultation with its members. Any amendments must support the mission, values and long-term objectives of the Surf School Alliance.
Join The Surf School Alliance
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF PROFESSIONAL SURF EDUCATION
Whether you are an instructor, surf school, surf camp, club or training organisation, SSA is building a professional network around stronger coaching, safer operations and long-term development.