THE WORLD'S FIRST
SURF-SPECIFIC TRAINING CERTIFICATION
for Surf Enthusiasts | for Personal Trainers | for S&C Coaches | for Surf Coaches | for Physical Therapists | for Physiotherapists | for Breathing Coaches | for Movement Coaches | for Exercise Physiologists
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Become certified to avoid guesswork & help your surfers unlock their potential
A Surf-Specific Training Certification powered by research

#1 ONLINE
Flexible education experience, from wherever you are, whenever you want
#2 EVIDENCE-INFORMED
Informed by research and experience from university scholars, educators, scientists and industry professionals
#3 ACCREDITED
The SFS is accredited with the Australian Strength & Conditoning Association and Fitness Australia
#4 COMMITTED
Every time we register a new certified Surf Foundation Specialist we donate to SurfAid to help promote their current and future projects.
Become an SFS and stand out from the rest
Core Fitness Concepts Made Surf-Specific
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Learn to give precise and clear instructions
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Translate knowledge to action from day one
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Discover how to adapt your coaching to different learning styles
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Understand the common problems that are holding surfers back
COURSE CONTENT
01 INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Mission and Values Watch PREVIEW
Understanding Surf Foundation
The ADDIE Process
SFS Components
References
Mission and Values Watch PREVIEW
Understanding Surf Foundation
The ADDIE Process
SFS Components
References
02 TSP COACHING JOURNEY
Introduction
Communication
Motivational Discovery
Goal Achieving Process
Surfer Profiling Template
Surfer Profiling Template PDF
Learning & Coaching Styles Watch PREVIEW
Effective Listening Questionnaire
What type of coach do I want to be?
References
Communication
Motivational Discovery
Goal Achieving Process
Surfer Profiling Template
Surfer Profiling Template PDF
Learning & Coaching Styles Watch PREVIEW
Effective Listening Questionnaire
What type of coach do I want to be?
References
03 BREATH DEVELOPMENT
Introduction
Breathing Essentials
Breathing Mechanics
Breathing Support
Breathing Efficiency
Breathing Control
CO2 Tolerance Watch PREVIEW
Breathing Summary
AIDA Medical Statement
Discomfort Scale
References
Breathing Essentials
Breathing Mechanics
Breathing Support
Breathing Efficiency
Breathing Control
CO2 Tolerance Watch PREVIEW
Breathing Summary
AIDA Medical Statement
Discomfort Scale
References
04 FOUNDATION DEMANDS
Introduction
M & E Demands Watch PREVIEW
Paddling determinants
Chronic injuries
Paddling technique
Paddling Technique Analysis Template
References
M & E Demands Watch PREVIEW
Paddling determinants
Chronic injuries
Paddling technique
Paddling Technique Analysis Template
References
05STABILITY & MOBILITY
Introduction
Defining Stability and Mobility
Assessment tools Watch PREVIEW
Stability Program Design
Mobility Program Design
Stability & Mobility Workflow
Interactive Practice
References
Defining Stability and Mobility
Assessment tools Watch PREVIEW
Stability Program Design
Mobility Program Design
Stability & Mobility Workflow
Interactive Practice
References
06 RESISTANCE TRAINING
Introduction
Resistance Training Principles
Surf Specificity Watch PREVIEW
Strength Program Design
Interactive practice Q&A
Interactive practice - exercises using minimal equipment
References
Resistance Training Principles
Surf Specificity Watch PREVIEW
Strength Program Design
Interactive practice Q&A
Interactive practice - exercises using minimal equipment
References
07 ENERGY SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT
Introduction
Surf Foundation ESD
Energy Systems Analysis Watch PREVIEW
ESD Program Design
References
Surf Foundation ESD
Energy Systems Analysis Watch PREVIEW
ESD Program Design
References
08 RECOVERY
Introduction
Stressor Types and Magnitudes
The Surfer Monitoring System
Recovery Strategies Watch PREVIEW
References
Stressor Types and Magnitudes
The Surfer Monitoring System
Recovery Strategies Watch PREVIEW
References
09 FINAL EXAM
Conclusion
SFS Exam
Feedback Form
Certificate of Completion
SFS Exam
Feedback Form
Certificate of Completion
STUDY NOW. PAY LATER.
One time payment
A$1100
One time payment - Save $200
Instalment payments
A$325/month
4 payments - Total A$1300
THE SURF FOUNDATION SPECIALIST IN YOUR WORDS
"Out of the box" | "Practical" | "The core of surf coaching"
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"THE BEST SYSTEM TO LEARN SURF-SPECIFIC TRAINING PRINCIPLES ONLINE"
Interact | Watch | Learn | Discuss | Read | Improve
DISCOVER THE SFS MASTER COACHES
CONNECTING TO THE PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Surf Foundation Specialist FAQ's
How much does it cost?
The SFS On-line course is AUD$1300
How long can I access the course content for?
Once you've purchased the SFS Online course, you will have lifetime access to all the video and e-book content.
Why is the SFS course delivered Online?
The SFS On-line course delivery mode helps us make education accessible all around the world. The Covid pandemic has come with massive improvements in Online education. Our surf education online platform includes interactive videos and learning activities, interactive questions, downloadable PDF's and a lot more.
Read a review from one of our recently certified SFS Coaches: "The SFS course was very well presented and laid out - the way the topics were structured meant that I could very easily "hit pause" when life got in the way - and come back to my place in learning with no difficulty to resume where I had left off. I felt all of the presenters and the entire SFS Community of fellow learners' (which exists as an additional form of background support), were readily approachable if I got out of step with any course concepts to quickly help me back on track."
Read a review from one of our recently certified SFS Coaches: "The SFS course was very well presented and laid out - the way the topics were structured meant that I could very easily "hit pause" when life got in the way - and come back to my place in learning with no difficulty to resume where I had left off. I felt all of the presenters and the entire SFS Community of fellow learners' (which exists as an additional form of background support), were readily approachable if I got out of step with any course concepts to quickly help me back on track."
Are the SFS lectures live or recorded?
The SFS Online certification is pre-recorded so that you can study self-paced, from anywhere at any time.
What is Surf Foundation?
Surf Foundation involves all non-wave riding components, including coaching, breathing, paddling and duckdiving.
What will I learn in the SFS online course?
After the completion of this course, you will understand The Surf Pentagon mission and values, and become an expert within all elements of Surf Foundation. The SFS brings foundational coaching concepts to your awareness, improving your ability to communicate, motivate, understand and coach surfers. It dives deep into the breathing pillars of; essentials (basic physiology), mechanics (respiratory muscle activation patterns and awareness), support (dynamic stability), efficiency (respiratory muscle strengthening), control (physiological and psychological regulation) and CO2 tolerance (hypercapnic exercises specific to surf situations). In this course, we will explore paddling and duckdiving in great detail, including movement phases, muscle activation patterns, mobility, stability, strength and energy systems. We will present the ADDIE System and provide a Foundational Analytic Tool Kit to assess surfers abilities and design efficient training programs for peak performance, while mitigating injury risk. Finally, the Surfer Monitoring System has been designed to track surfer's stress and recovery levels to guide the application of evidence-informed recovery strategies to elicit the best adaptations.
Can I earn CPD's or CEC's? How many?
The accreditation of the SFS with ESSA, ASCA, Fitness Australia and the NSCA is under revision and the outcome (i.e. number of CEC's or CPD's) will be announced as soon as the accreditation becomes official.
Will this course cover wave-riding?
No, this course is focused on Surf Foundation so you become an expert at improving the activities that account for more than 80% of a surf session. Surf Performance will be covered in the Surf Performance Specialist (SPS) course. However, we strongly recommend completing the SFS to solidify your foundational knowledge. Register your interest for the SPS below to stay up-to-date with the latest news.
How does the SFS compare to other options?
The SFS is a pioneering course like no other on the market. It is the first time a group of passionate surfers and exercise scientists analyse the sport and build a training system to certify professionals.
What type of work can I do with surfers after I get certified?
Using the ADDIE System, you will be able to Analyse, Design, Develop, Implement and Evaluate cutting edge surf-specific training programs to improve foundational components that account for the majority of a surf session (80%). This includes a systematic and reliable assessment protocol to design training programs for your surfers. Work with them in the swimming pool and gym to enhance all breathing components, mobility, stability, strength and energy systems. You´ll also become competent in implementing a stress monitoring system and best-practice recovery strategies.
What support is available after the course?
TSP will offer 8-week Online Mentorships for coaches who want to solidify their knowledge and refine their practice. You will get a personal experience with direct contact to TSP Master Coaches and other like-minded individuals. Register your interest to find out more.
Do you offer any special packages for surf schools, gym-owners or organisations?
Yes! We are confident the SFS can make surf schools season and swell-independent, giving you the opportunity to grow the services you offer. If you are interested on a package for your team, please contact us at info@thesurfpentagon.com
How do you become a Level 2 Surf Foundation Specialist?
The SFS Level 2 certification can be achieved after completion of our live SFS Mentorships. These will be made more accessible once the current pandemic resolves.