Surf coaching has got to be the coolest job (if you can call it that) in the world. The thing is your office is your playground - outdoors, wind in hair and sand on your feet, how awesome is that? No collar, no tie and no traffic to the CBD, it’s a good life.
First the client makes the booking. You the Surf Coach confirm the appointment and the length of the lesson (anything from 2 hours to a full day) and of course the price. Try to get sum cash up front, petrol money at least… things happen on the last second so make sure you charge for any cancellations. It’s your time you’re selling so make ‘em pay.
A Surf Coach meets most of his clients in various parking lots around the peninsula and its surrounds. Usually the acquaintance is made over good cup of coffee & chocolate pastry.
The chit chat… here you chat about anything from horses to needlework to working on Oil Riggs. It depends on the individual and believe me everyone wants to surf, its great. The main aim is to introduce yourself and to make them believe that you are capable of rescuing them from any situation that might occur during the session. (like a shark, viscous seal or bikini top coming off).It’s such a con but hey anything can happen, be sure to emphasize and also make them sign some kind of indemnity, be professional, you are pro? Right!
Down by the Sea
From there on it's into the Wettie. Be sure to tell them that the zip is supposed to be on the back NOT the chest. It’s amazing how many first timers make that mistake. Once you’re suited up a standard warm up is recommended, this is a quick run followed by a series of stretching exercises. It lasts for about 15 min and takes place at the waters edge (almost there).
After you have the novice huffing, puffing and warmed up ready to go, take 3 minutes to demonstrate some techniques, they may have some questions or need be reassured. Safety is the main priority here so make them feel comfortable.
Now it's off to the water. We walk until it gets deep enough for the paddle to begin. This is were the novice would realise that surfing is 90% paddling and 10% ride. After about 45 min of paddling around aimlessly he/she realises that they need to catch that wave.
With some encouragement, positive statements and a bit of luck, you (the coach) shout at the novice “Your wave’s here, paddle, paddle, paddle hard, hold on to the rails, stand up with both feet on board at the same time!”
At this point all you (the coach) see is white water and you hope that after the next blink your student has come to his feet, riding the already broken wave, going hysterical after 7 or so seconds of pure heart thumping adrenalin, no needles or light bulbs required!
So what's the reward?
As the coach, the reward is knowing that the knowledge you imparted to the novice has equipped him/her to start the life changing experience of riding waves and everything that goes with this lifestyle. You can't really define or describe it. It’s pretty wild, pure stoke.
You know they’re hooked when you see the ridiculous, adrenaline pumped faces that emerge from our blue green playground… the real world thinks we’re all on drugs but hey as the saying goes “One Surfer, One Ride, A lifetime of Stoke”.
by Clint Stevens
