ISA

Term from Surfing Instruction industry explained for recruiters

ISA (International Surfing Association) is the world's leading organization for professional surf instruction certification. When you see ISA mentioned in a resume, it means the person has completed formal training and received official recognition to teach surfing. This is similar to how a fitness trainer might have a certification from a recognized fitness organization. ISA certification shows that an instructor understands teaching methods, safety procedures, and surfing techniques according to international standards.

Examples in Resumes

Certified ISA Level 2 Surf Instructor with 3 years of teaching experience

Completed ISA Safety and Rescue course certification

Led beginner surfing classes as an ISA certified instructor

Typical job title: "Surf Instructors"

Also try searching for:

Surf Coach Surfing Instructor Water Sports Instructor Surf School Instructor Beach Activities Instructor Watersports Coach

Example Interview Questions

Advanced Level Questions

Q: How do you develop and implement a surf school's safety protocol?

Expected Answer: Should discuss comprehensive beach safety assessments, emergency response plans, student evaluation methods, and equipment maintenance protocols. Should mention experience training other instructors and handling various emergency scenarios.

Q: What methods do you use to train and mentor new surf instructors?

Expected Answer: Should explain teaching techniques, mentoring approaches, how to assess instructor progress, and methods for maintaining consistent teaching standards across a surf school.

Intermediate Level Questions

Q: How do you adapt your teaching method for different skill levels?

Expected Answer: Should explain how they assess student abilities, modify teaching approaches for beginners vs. intermediate surfers, and handle group dynamics with mixed skill levels.

Q: What safety procedures do you follow when teaching in challenging conditions?

Expected Answer: Should discuss weather and wave assessment, student capability evaluation, and specific safety protocols for different conditions.

Entry Level Questions

Q: What are the basic components of a surf lesson for beginners?

Expected Answer: Should cover basic safety briefing, beach assessment, equipment selection, fundamental techniques taught on sand, and progression into water.

Q: How do you ensure student safety during a basic lesson?

Expected Answer: Should mention basic safety rules, checking equipment, assessing conditions, maintaining proper student-to-instructor ratios, and basic emergency procedures.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-1 years)

  • Basic surf instruction techniques
  • Fundamental water safety
  • Basic equipment knowledge
  • Teaching beginner-level students

Mid (2-4 years)

  • Advanced teaching methods
  • Group class management
  • Intermediate surfer coaching
  • Emergency response handling

Senior (5+ years)

  • Surf school management
  • Instructor training
  • Advanced safety protocols
  • Program development

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No formal ISA certification
  • Lack of current first aid and CPR certification
  • No experience with basic water safety protocols
  • Poor communication skills
  • Missing liability insurance knowledge