CSSC Surf Academy Program
Based on the success of pervious years we look forward to seeing you all joining the Dolphins and Paddlers Ocean Awareness Programs in 2024
Date and time
Location
Strandhill
Strandhill Beach Sligo IrelandRefund Policy
About this event
While we always try to work with volunteers where possible, the safety of our members is paramount when running programmes. There will be a small contributory fee to take part in some of of our planned programmes so that we can ensure that there is always the correct ratio of professional certified instructors keeping us safe.
This Ocean Awareness program is a fun educational and activity based program using Blue Mind Philosophy with focus on both physical and mental health benefits. Participants will have the chance to participate in a mix of Surfing, Bodyboarding, Snorkelling & Ocean Education. The Ocean Awareness Program is a pathway to enjoying the ocean and a healthy life and a stepping stone to building the CSSC Surf Academy.
The Ocean will decide when we begin the sessions this year. Once the water warms up enough will communicate with the members. As we did last year, we will continue to accommodate changes as the programs continues to evolve.
When will the sessions run?
To begin, we will be running afternoon sessions after school picking the best conditions Monday to Friday. Once holidays are upon us, we will have more options to run sessions which accommodate everyone. We will also be creating groups to surf together based on age and ability as the season progresses.
Who is it for?
Fun and confidence is the focus. This program is for the children and adults who have had some experience in the surf but are not getting in regularly. It is for the families who have invested in wetsuits and boards who need some coaching and confidence to surf and enjoy the ocean.
It is clear from the programs run over the last number of years that, the children surfing with their friends and peers cultivates a fun, positive learning environment. Its so fun to watch it , and they are advancing at an incredible pace.
The main objective is to develop the child's skills, fitness and confidence to the point that they are comfortable to progress with their family and friends after they finish the sessions. This is already working, and we want to build on the success of the Surf Academy so far. We are encouraging the parents to get involved with the sessions also as this program is a pathway for local families to develop the confidence to surf more regularly as a family and with friends.
We are encouraging parents to also participate in the sessions. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian.
What do we do?
We have the best level 2 ISA certificated coaches in the country bringing children out who have varied levels of ability and experience. We generally aim for a 1:5 instructor ratio which allows us to target weaknesses, and work one to one with the children on their skills. Having a lower instructor ratio also adds to the safety and fun element. We have found over the last number of years that running concurrent sessions builds strength to get the children to the stage where they then have the fitness and confidence to progress.
The ocean will decide which activities will run an any given day.
What are the objectives?
- Fun and confidence. Essentially we are continuing to create a safe and fun pathway to people who would otherwise not get the opportunity to learn about, and enjoy the ocean.
- To raise the standard of safety on our local beaches and to improve etiquette in the line-up so more people are enjoying their ocean time.
- Increase Ocean Awareness and educate people on the benefits of our amazing local natural resources.
The sessions:
We will continue to run sessions by our level 2 surf coaches with the objective of developing everyone's skills and confidence to bring them on to the next level of surfing. To begin, we will be running afternoon sessions after school. Once holidays are upon us we will have more options to run sessions which accommodate everyone.
We require the parents to confirm attendance the evening before so we can plan for safety, and instructor numbers for each session. This is done via the WhatsApp group.
*If conditions are unsafe and alternatives or refunds are required, we will manage this with the parents on a session by session basis.
Tickets
10 Sessions - Surf Academy
0€150.00+€11.86 Fee5 Sessions - Surf Academy
0€75.00+€6.42 Fee
Frequently asked questions
It is €15 per session. You can sign up for 5 or 10 sessions in Eventbrite. You have 2 months to use up the sessions from the first day you join a beach session. eg. If you join a session on 5th of June, you need to use the sessions up by 5th August. This can be reviewed on a case by case basis.
No. Families can purchase 5 or 10 sessions and use these for multiple children. For example, you can have one, or a number of children participate on the same day. Their sessions can be counted together. We just need to know the night before how many children are joining for the next day’s session.
We plan to begin in late April, or the start of May. We will be updating you via the club's communication channels.
We will continue with the start time of 4.30 weekdays
The children are mainly 8+, however we have children join in who are as young as 6. The younger and less experienced children much be accompanied by an adult or guardian in the water at all times for safety. The team evaluates the need for supervision as the child's confidence builds in the surf.
This is already happening with Level 1 & 2 , and the teenage groups. We are already running regular sessions for the rippers. We will be looking at everyone’s progress and can match groups accordingly. We will be evaluating everyone in the first few sessions.
We do try as best we can to accommodate any last minute changes. However, it can compromise safety, and in some cases we have to refuse allowing unexpected arrivals to join the session as it can compromise the safety of the group. Please let us know via WhatsApp the night before so we are prepared.
We meet up, in wetsuits, at the container at the beach beside the carpark to get rashies, boards and instruction for each day at 4.30pm.
It depends on the board, ability and their parent's ability to supervise. They should bring it to the sessions but the conditions will dictate the equipment to use on any given day. We want to see to kids on the right board to accelerate their learning. We can also advise parents on boards to get.
We are already running regular sessions and coaching for the rippers with competitions planned for the season.
We supply foamies, bodyboards and snorkel gear. All children must arrive in a good quality 5mm wetsuit and booties for the sessions. This is critical for their safety and the club reserves the right to refuse a participant if the wetsuit is not suitable for Atlantic conditions
We plan to start bringing new families into the sessions toward the end of May. Please contact us at enquiries@countysligosurfclub.com if you think your child is comfortable enough in the surf to begin earlier with the Dolphin or Paddler groups.
When a family has one session left we will send you a WhatsApp message letting you know. We will then send you another message after you have used the last session to let you know you can sign up for more sessions if you wish.
No, we pick the optimum days and update you on WhatsApp as we did last year. Sessions start at 4.30. It is better to run sessions only when the group will benefit from it. The focus is to create a fun, safe mentoring environment that everyone is enjoying.
Yes, for both parents and children. The code of conduct and fair play policy can be found on the CSSC website.
Please send an email to enquiries@countysligosurfclub.com and we will get back to you