01 · Recognition
PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATION
Demonstrate your commitment to professional coaching, safety and recognised operating standards.
Surf School Alliance Membership
BECOME AN SSA ACCREDITED MEMBER
Join an international network of surf schools, surf camps and coaching organisations committed to safer operations, stronger instructor development and professional surf education.
€100Annual accredited membership
285+Schools, camps & academies in the wider network
GLOBALInternational professional community
CPDOngoing staff & coach development
Why Join SSA?
MORE THAN A LOGO ON YOUR WEBSITE
Membership is designed to strengthen your organisation in three areas: professional recognition, practical operational support and connection to the wider surf industry.
02 · Operations
PRACTICAL BUSINESS SUPPORT
Access guidance around SOPs, EAPs, dynamic risk assessment, health and safety and professional best practice.
03 · Network
GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Connect with instructors, schools, camps, educators and industry professionals across an international network.
Member Benefits
WHAT YOUR SSA MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES
01
SSA ACCREDITATION
Professional recognition for your surf school, camp or coaching organisation.
02
SOP GUIDANCE
Support around clear Standard Operating Procedures for professional delivery.
03
EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS
Templates and support to strengthen emergency planning and response.
04
RISK MANAGEMENT
Dynamic risk-assessment guidance and health-and-safety best practice.
05
STAFF DEVELOPMENT
CPD opportunities to help instructors and teams continue progressing.
06
INSTRUCTOR NETWORK
Connect with qualified instructors and relevant employment opportunities.
07
NETWORK PROMOTION
Visibility through the Surf School Alliance website and professional community.
08
ONGOING SUPPORT
Guidance from experienced surf educators and industry professionals.
Who Can Apply?
MEMBERSHIP FOR PROFESSIONAL SURF ORGANISATIONS
SSA membership is open to organisations and developing operators committed to high-quality coaching, safe operating standards, environmental responsibility and continuous professional development.
SURF SCHOOLS
Independent and established professional surf schools.
SURF CAMPS
Surf camps combining accommodation, coaching and surf experiences.
COMMUNITY CLUBS
Surf and paddle-sport clubs supporting local participation.
TRAINING ACADEMIES
Professional organisations delivering instructor development.
COACHING ORGANISATIONS
Businesses and organisations delivering surf coaching programmes.
NEW OPERATORS
Qualified instructors establishing their own surf school or coaching business.
Application Requirements
WHAT YOU'LL NORMALLY NEED TO APPLY
Accreditation is designed to reflect genuine professional practice. Applicants will normally be asked to provide information and documentation showing how their organisation operates.
- Public Liability Insurance
- Details of your coaching team and qualifications
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
- Risk Assessments
- Lesson plans and coaching programmes
- Business information and supporting documentation
Applying for the first time? The SSA team can guide you through the process.
How It Works
YOUR PATH TO SSA ACCREDITATION
1
APPLY
Submit your organisation and membership information.
2
PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION
Share the operational, insurance and coaching information required for review.
3
SSA REVIEW
Your application and professional standards are reviewed by the SSA team.
4
JOIN THE NETWORK
Become an accredited member and access ongoing support and opportunities.
More Than Accreditation
JOIN A PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY
SSA membership is not simply permission to display a logo. It connects your organisation with a professional community that supports instructors and surf schools throughout their development.
From operational guidance and coaching standards to recruitment, networking and continuous professional development, the aim is to help you build a safer, stronger and more successful organisation.
Apply Today
BECOME AN SSA ACCREDITED SURF SCHOOL OR SURF CAMP
Join a growing international network committed to professional accreditation, practical support, safer operations and stronger surf coaching.
€100
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
KEEP YOUR EXISTING UMBRACO MEMBERSHIP / PAYMENT COMPONENT HERE
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Membership Questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MUCH DOES SSA MEMBERSHIP COST? +
SSA Accredited Surf School or Surf Camp Membership is currently €100 per year.
WHO CAN APPLY? +
Membership is open to surf schools, surf camps, community surf clubs, instructor training academies, surf coaching organisations and qualified instructors establishing a professional coaching business.
WHAT DOCUMENTATION WILL I NEED? +
Applicants will normally be asked for Public Liability Insurance, coaching-team qualifications, NOPs, Emergency Action Plan, Risk Assessments, lesson plans and relevant business information.
WHAT IF MY SCHOOL IS NEW? +
New operators can apply. The SSA team can guide first-time applicants through the information and professional standards expected as part of the accreditation process.
IS MEMBERSHIP ONLY ABOUT ACCREDITATION? +
No. Membership also provides access to operational guidance, continuing professional development, networking, promotion and the wider SSA instructor and surf-school community.