Dream of becoming a certified surf instructor? Then get in touch with Era Adventures to book a course and enjoy 15% off your stay at our surf camp in Nicaragua. Read on for more information.
Surfing is a sport of positives. It connects people around the world, opens doors to international travel and otherwise fosters improved physical and mental wellbeing. As such, it has the power to make peoples lives more fulfilling, more exciting and most of all… more fun.
Taking all of this into account, it’s no wonder that practically everyone would love to work as a certified surf instructor at one point or another in their life. Whether you actually get around to pulling the trigger and following through with the training though is another story. Who has the time these days between work, studies pr family life, right?
Well, here at Rapture Surfcamps, we believe it’s important to take time off to enjoy the things that make you happy. And if you can learn something along the way, well that’s just an added bonus. So to make the process of becoming a surf coach easier for you, we’re turning our surf camp in Nicaragua into a temporary training ground. Whereby you can book a stay with us and enroll in either an official International Surfing Association (ISA) Surf Coaching course, RLSS Beach Lifeguard program, Water Safety course or a combination of the three.
This means that you can visit one of the most beautiful surf destinations in the world, stay at our luxurious surf camp in Nicaragua and leave as a fully competent surf instructor with all the necessary credentials.
Curious? Keen? Frothing? Read on for an overview as to what this once in a lifetime opportunity entails. For further details on each course, including how to reach us, payment information and accommodation, please get in touch with us.
When?
All coaching courses will be held in November. This somewhat coincides with the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season. During this transition period, we experience fewer overcast days and considerably less rain than in previous months. Although we can pretty much guarantee you’ll get plenty of days in the water in waist to head high waves, the swell may not be as consistent as July, August or September.
Fear not though visiting surfers, because you’ll still be able to score a few epic days at Maderas, Hermosa or any one of the other nearby beaches. What’s more, there’s a chance that the lineups won’t be as crowded, given that many of the more experienced surfers are chasing the Caribbean swells this time of year. All in all, November is a great time to visit our Nicaragua surf camp if you’re thinking about undertaking our coaching courses.
- 2 Day ISA Level 1 – 16th – 17th
- 2 Day ISA ILS Aquatic Rescue & Safety – 18th – 19th
- 5 Day RLSS NVBLQ Beach Lifeguard – 18th – 22nd
- 3 Day ISA Level 2 – 23rd – 25th
- 2 Day ISA ILS Aquatic Rescue & Safety – 26th – 27th
- 5 Day RLSS NVBLQ Beach Lifeguard – 26th – 30th
- 4 Day combined ISA Level 1 & ISA ILS Water Safety – 16th – 19th
- 7 Day combined RLSS Beach Lifeguard & ISA Level 1 – 16th – 22nd
- 8 Day combined RLSS Beach Lifeguard & ISA Level 2 – 18th – 25th
What?
ISA Level 1
The ISA Level 1 surf instructor course is an internationally recognized qualification. With it, you can work as a surf instructor or a surf coach with just about any surf school, surf retreat, surf lodge or surf camp anywhere around the world. This course covers the fundamentals of surf coaching such as surf safety, coaching techniques and group management. To undertake your ISA Level 1, you must first meet the following prerequisites:
- You must be able to demonstrate your surfing ability is of an acceptable standard
- Be aged 16 or over
- Have at least 2 years of surfing experience
- Attending or hold a current Beach Life Saving qualification
Note: Your Level 1 us valid for one year from the date of accreditation. After one year has ended, you’ll be required to pay an annual membership fee to the ISA in order to stay qualified along with proof of a current RLSS Beach Lifeguard certificate.
ISA Level 2
The ISA Level 2 surf instructor course is for individuals who have completed their ISA Level 1 and want to take their surf coaching skills to the next level. With it, you’ll be better equipped to coach intermediate and advanced lessons and work with high performance or competitive surfers. Traditionally, this is the qualification that many Level 1 certificate holders aspire to. Given that only the most dedicated surf coaches tend to go through with it. To undertake your ISA Level 2, you must first meet the following prerequisites:
- You must have at least 4 years of personal surfing experience
- Be a holder of an ISA Level 1 certification for at least 2 years
- Hold a current Beach Life Saving qualification
Note: Your Level 1 us valid for one year from the date of accreditation. After one year has ended, you’ll be required to pay an annual membership fee to the ISA in order to stay qualified along with proof of a current ILS RLSS Beach Lifeguard certificate.
ISA Water Safety
An ISA Water Safety certification is also a necessary requirement if you plan on taking your ISA Level 1 or 2 exams. This ensures that you know how to respond to an emergency and can safely oversee or manage a surfing lesson. The course includes both practical and theory components in addition to group activities. Expect to undergo a surf fitness test and complete a number of skills such as basic first aid and unconscious board rescue.
RLSS Beach Lifeguard
In order to obtain either your ISA Level 1 or Level 2 awards, you must be a holder of an official RLSS Beach Lifeguard certificate. Luckily for you, this course will also be offered to guests staying at our Rapture surf camp in Nicaragua during November. Taking a minimum of 40 hours to complete, this course is then followed by a beach theory assessment in addition to life support, swimming pool, first aid and open water training. If you’d like to receive your RLSS Beach Lifeguard award, you must first meet the following prerequisites:
- Be over 16 years of age
- Physically fit
- Able to swim 400 meters in under 8 minutes
Note: Either an ISA Water Safety or RLSS Beach Lifeguard award can be held if you want to do your Level 1 or Level 2. However, the Beach Lifeguard award we’ll be running at Rapture surf camp in Nicaragua is the gold standard and far more comprehensive than the Water Safety course. As such, many surf schools and surf camps prefer applicants with this award.
Cost?
All costs will have to be paid directly to Era Adventures and aren’t included in Rapture’s packages. Applicants who sign up, however, will receive 15% off on accommodation at our surf camp in Nicaragua. Simply arrange a course with Era Adventures today then use the voucher provided when you book with Rapture to secure your discount.
- 2 Day ISA Level 1 – €355
- 2 Day ISA ILS Aquatic Rescue & Safety – €178
- 5 Day RLSS NVBLQ Beach Lifeguard – €310
- 3 Day ISA Level 2 – €590
- 4 Day combined ISA Level 1 & ISA ILS Water Safety – £450/$600
- 7 Day combined RLSS Beach Lifeguard & ISA Level 1 – £525/$700
- 8 Day combined RLSS Beach Lifeguard & ISA Level 2 – £625/$780
Where?
Located on a hillside above the famous Playa Maderas, our surf camp in Nicaragua is the perfect place to host the ISA coaching courses. You only need to walk 15 minutes before you arrive at one of the most fun to surf beaches in the country, we have a range of accommodation options to suit all types of travelers and the general vibe of our camp is tropical, chilled and incredibly unique.
In addition, we’ve got plenty of hammocks for you to doze off on as you stare out over the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Plus, common spaces with games and couches. Not to mention one of the most photographed infinity pools in all of Central America that’s perfect for cooling off in with a refreshing drink after a long day surfing and learning.