The Surf Coach plays an integral role in guest safety and guest experience both in and out of the water at Surf Ranch. Under the direct supervision of the Surf Ranch Surf Team Lead, the Surf Coach will perform various duties at the Surf Ranch facility. This includes, but is not limited to, hosting video review sessions with an expert level ability to coach and critique all aspects of surfing from beginner to advanced and expert level live coaching in the water with guests. The Surf Coach will work directly with guests to provide them with the best possible surfing experience and progression during their time at Surf Ranch. The Surf Coach must have an expert level understanding of all ‘wave system’ operations, the Surf Ranch wave profiles offered, as well as all lifeguard duties as they pertain to emergency communication and response.
Responsibilities include (but not limited to):
- Instruct, advise, and assist guests with all surfing operations.
- Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of visitors.
- Maintain all surfing equipment such as boards, fins, leashes etc.
- Assist lifeguards in emergency medical aid and water response.
- Maintain training requirements.
- Maintain cleanliness and general upkeep of Surf Ranch facilities including the board room.
- Ensure all activities & operations are conducted in accordance with established procedures & policies.
- Enforce rules, safety regulations, and general facility rules.
- Provide in-water surf coaching at an advanced level in regards to the company’s surf coach program.
- Provide advanced level video analysis and coaching during feedback sessions following surfing activities in a manner consistent with the company’s coaching program.
- Coaching at an advanced level focusing on the specifics of one's surfing.
- Understand the ‘Surf Ranch Water Safety & Rescue Operations’.
- Understand the ‘Surf Ranch Wave System Theory of Operations’.
Qualifications
- Strong communication skills to communicate to staff during emergency response via hand signals and other communication protocols
- 10+ years of surfing experience
- Surf Ranch specific water safety training
- CPR/AED & First Aid Certified
- Previous surf lesson experience
- Advanced understanding of the standard of service at Surf Ranch
- Excellent hospitality skills and outgoing personality
- Ability to coach and critique advanced barrel riding
- Ability to coach and critique advanced rail-to-rail surfing
- Ability to coach critique all aspects of surfing through video review at an expert level
- Ability to recommend the proper equipment correctly based off of conversation
- Ability to assist any and all guests paddling into waves
- Have complete knowledge of all wave profiles offered at Surf Ranch
- Minimum 6 months previous experience at Surf Ranch
- Have all skills on the “Surf Coach Skills Checklist” mastered
Personal Attributes
- Excited and enthusiastic outlook on work as it pertains to guests and Surf Ranch
- Optimism and energy for the brand and its future
- An open and collaborative nature
- A high degree of self-awareness of one’s own personal style, strengths and weaknesses and motivational triggers.
- Integrity and honesty
Physical requirements
- Physically able to swim, swim in rough and deep water, walk, run, walk or run over rough or uneven surfaces, bend, stoop, lift, push, pull, and carry loads.
- Must be able to swim at least 550 yards, dive at least 10 feet deep, swim with a 10 pound object for at least 20 yards, and tread water for at least 2 minutes.
- Must be able to watch and supervise groups of students in the ocean and/or bay while coaching technique and supervising safety.
- Must be able to recognize and respond to emergencies and prevent injuries or drowning.
