Sunday 5 April 2009

Surfing Wales














This summer SALT ROCK are sponsoring us to run two womens surf weekend workshops in Wales Pembrokeshire. The course is aimed at both the complete novice surfers and female surfers who want some education and advice on all aspects of the sport such as performance analysis and the development of specific manouvres (whilst most importantly having fun!).

We would like to thank all the girls who took part in last years workshops and hope you all had as much fun taking part as we did running them. It was great to see so much mutual support and encouragement in this fast growing section of the sport.

If you would like to receive details of the 2009 womens weekends please contact us.

Dates : August 8 th- 9 th - August 30th - 31st

Photos of last year's event can be seen on the our gallery page.

Outer Reef Surf School has just teamed up with JP surf board to become the first Test Centre in West Wales & Pembrokeshire. Sometimes it isn't easy to decide between one board and another, so to help you, so Outer Reef Surf School & JP Surf Boards have a selection of boards from each of JP ‘s ranges that you can try out on the weekends. www.outerreefsurfschool.com

Friday 3 April 2009

BSA Surfing instructor & SLSA Beach Lifeguard Courses uk












ISA Surfing instructor & Beach Lifeguarding courses Wales

BSA Coaching Mission Statement The BSA Surfing Coach & SLSA Lifeguard Accreditation Scheme is structured to train and accredit BSA surf coaches & SLSA lifeguards to a suitably qualified and experienced training standard.
BSA Surf Coaches are encouraged to expand their knowledge and experience by attending coaching courses run by other organisations such as the National Coaching Foundation (NCF) and SLSA lifesaving courses run by the Surf Life Saving Association (SLSA) and others.
Attendance at coaching and lifesaving courses (approved by the BSA), run by suitably qualified bodies, and the possession of a current SLSA life saving award (BSA approved) are prerequisites for accreditation as a BSA surf coach.
Each of the BSA Surf Coach Awards is valid for 3 years and there is a detailed syllabus (and course manual)
. Some of the specific objectives of this scheme are to further the development of surfing in all its forms by:
· Producing coaches who are competent to deliver quality surf coaching to participants, both individuals and groups (including teams), at all levels and thereby developing higher levels of knowledge and skill of the sports participants.
· Making BSA Surf Coach Training and Accreditation Courses available to surfers throughout Britain.
· Developing, through educational & training programmes and by other methods, a body of knowledge on which BSA surf coaches may draw.
· Providing BSA coaches with opportunities, encouragement and support, for further self-improvement and with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career as a professional BSA surf coach.
To book a course or for further information contact us http://www.outerreefsurfschool.com/
The surf instructor course from the British Surfing Association (BSA) is the official qualification required for working as a surf instructor or surf coach in this country and abroad. The BSA qualification allows you to seek employment at hundreds of surf schools in Britain and in countries all over the world. The course covers all aspects of surf education including surf safety, surfing techniques and group management. Successful trainees go on to work as surf instructors or surf coaches, introducing beginners and helping improvers enjoy wave-riding or take their surfing to the next level.BSA SURF COACH

LEVEL 1
In order to Surf Instruct at a BSA Level 1 standard, you will also need to hold or gain the NARS Beach lifeguard award:


Have at least two years personal surfing experience

The BSA Level 1 Coach will demonstrate that their Personal Surfing Ability is of an acceptable standard. They will further demonstrate that they are competent to coach surfers (on land and in the water) from Beginners (never surfed before) through to Intermediate Level (able to paddle outside, catch green waves and ride right and left whilst performing basic manoeuvres).

Level 1 is aimed at individuals, with experience of surfing, who are new to surf coaching and who wish to coach basic surfing techniques.

The Level 1 Award is the minimum requirement for Surf Club Coaches, School Teachers and others wishing to teach the sport as BSA Accredited Coaches.

Thursday 2 April 2009

Surfing Wales & Pembrokeshire





Wales & Pembrokehire - the heart of surf action!

Even in a destination with as much great surf as Wales & Pembrokeshire, there has to be one place better than the rest. There is.... and that's why Outer Reef Surf School is based here in the heart of the action.

Wales & Pembrokeshire has some epic waves but talk to anyone who's surfed this region and they'll tell you this stretch of coastline boasts a high density of uncrowded, quality waves that work in a variety of conditions.

Outer Reef Surf School is in a prime location in Wales, so whether the surf is small or big, just a short drive north or south we’ll get you to where the waves are happening. This means that there is almost always somewhere to surf, whatever your ability be it mellow beach breaks… heavy hollow reef breaks or rolling point breaks… you choose. Our surf crew will advise you on were the best surf is for you ability on the day.

Manorbier Bay

South West facing, this small bay has been known to produce some classic day's surf.

It's a beach break with a right hand reef break on the right hand side of the bay. It's more sheltered than other SW facing beaches at high tide because of the cliffs on either side of the bay so can be worth a look when other spots are big and blown out.

It generally works best on the dropping tide. It can close out at low tide.

There's a lovely neolithic tomb up on the cliff side to the left hand side of the bay and behind you a beautiful Norman castle, so take a look around while you're here!

Freshwater West
Besides the main beach breaks, Fresh West has some classic reef breaks which on their day, can rival anywhere in the world! If you're inexperienced, leave the rocks to the pros and stick to sand.

The Point (or The Gap) is a consistently good spot and found to the left of the main beach. A strong rip operates here on the dropping tide. It has great right hander at low tide when the wind is light .

Further left is Middle Bay.This can be good at all stages of the tide depending on the amount of sand that has been washed into the bay but generally best on the push. At high tide on a big swell it's particularly good as there's a good right hander that breaks into a deep channel. Its a relatively easy paddle out amongst the rocks at the base of the cliff.

The reef tends to magnify the wave size to maximise conditions. It's not a beginners wave as the waves become pretty fast and steep here as the tide changes various parts of the reef are exposed. Getting back in can be a little tricky.

Other spots can be found in vaccinity but require some exploration. The infamous 'Pole', which has been well documented in many of the top European surf mags. This can be accessed by boat or a long paddle if you know where to look.

Take heed though, this is for pros or kamikazzees only and is a seriously shallow reef break with gaping tubes on the right day. If you snap a leash or your board out there,its a long swim in and you're on your own...

Broadhaven South
This favoured big wave spot is a truly hideous wave which often comes in at acute angles to the beach.

It tends to work best in winter but autumn and spring can also produce good waves. Waves re-bound off the cliffs on the left hand side of the beach to form giant wedges which are practically impossible to duckdive so time your paddle out after each ride.

The lip here is very thick and heavy and will undoubtedly flatten you at some point!

It produces lovely looking barrels, predominantly lefts so it's perfect for goofy footers.

If you can't stand up immediately and drop into a vaccumous pit then surf somewhere else! The takeoff is frighteningly quick for standups and the wedges often contort into all manner of shapes as you drop down the wave face.

Newgale
At high tide the surf is generally swallowed up as the water pushes up onto a steep pebble bank. The surf is normally a tad bigger than at Whitesands, a little further up the coast. It faces a similar direction to Freshwater West but is a lot smaller and never as gnarly. If Freshwater West is out of your league then head over to Newgale for a more manageable session. At low tide it closes out - so time your surf accordingly. Newgale is more of a slow moveing wave and good for longboarding.


Seasons
Great waves all year round....
Pembrokeshire offers great surfing year round. Be warned though....winter is best experienced in a 5/4mm wetsuit!
Spring
Water temp: 12c
Recommended: 4/3 or a good 3/2 with liquid seams
Summer
Water temp: 18c
Recommended: 3/2
Autumn / Fall
Water temp: 18c
Recommended: 3/2 liquid seams
Winter
Water temp: 9cRecommended: 5/4/3 boots & gloves
Seek and ye shall find

SLSA NARS BEACH LIFEGUARDING COURSES WALES














Outer Reef Surf School runs BSA Instructor courses as well as SLSA nars Beach Lifeguard courses thoughout Wales. Our centre is based in Pembrokeshire Wales. We offer Internationally recognised SLSA nars Beach Lifeguard Awards. We are also the only approved BSA training centre in Wales running BSA Instructor courese.

We are a team of experienced Coaches and we train a large number of international surf camps worldwide. We can also run these courses in your centre /camps.

This course is not for the faint hearted, the training involves running, swimming, rescuing and lifting
casualties through the surf zone and up the beach using rescue boards and Peterson tubes. The course also covers Lifeguard and First Aid theory, Basic life support and spinal management. Candidates must be over 16 years of age and physically fit.


Course Fees

5 day intensive SLSA nars Beach Lifeguard Course Wales (NARS) £195

5 day intensive SLSA nars Surf Coach Life saving course Wales £185


Please note that the above SLSA Beach Lifeguard courses are internationally recognised. If you have any queries regarding the course dates or availability then please contact us.

If you would like to book your place on a course then please go to our website www.outerreefsurfschool.com. Click on instructor courses, complete the booking form with your chosen dates and return to us as soon as possible! Places are limited! Alternatively contact us on +44 (0)1646680070 for more info.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!