Thursday 28 May 2009

Beach lifeguard training courses















Surf Coach Life Saving Award

Wales' official Training Centre for the British Surfing Association & The SLSA of GB

Outer Reef Surf School Have been doing Beach lifeguard courses in the UK for 15 years

This is To establish a standard that creates a level of competence in lifesaving that meets the requirements of the surf coach and enables more location and job specific training and assessment. Surf Coaching requires 1:10 ratio and so most surf coaches should operate with two surf coaches, & will need to have life saving skills to deal with situations without immediate assistance.

Pre-Requisite

· Be a minimum of 16 years of age on the date of Assessment

· Be able to swim 100 metres in a swimming pool

· Be medically and physically fit

· Minimum Guided Learning Hours- 40 Hours prior to Assessment

Validity of Award

· 24 months from the date of Assessment

Syllabus

1. Fitness Test & Releases

· Complete a swim of 200M in the sea

· Two releases and appropriate handling of situation


2. Lifesaving skills, Rescue & Knowledge

Demonstrate effectively the ability to carry out the following:

· Swim rescue without an aid, Demonstrate over 100M

· Board rescues. Conscious & Unconscious casualty. Carry out both with the student’s surfboard only, and then the student and instructors surfboards.

· Spinal management in a surf coach environment, having to use public/students to assist

· Relevant signals

· Communications with lifeguards and other services

· Marine environment (weather, swell, waves...)



3. Life Support

Demonstrate effectively the ability to carry out the following:

· Using a live simulated unconscious patient (8 years and up) demonstrate primary survey, secondary survey and recovery position

· Demonstrate CPR on an adult manikin

· Demonstrate CPR on a child manikin



4. Have a thorough knowledge of the recognition and management of the following conditions. Ability to demonstrate the practical management of all of these conditions at the discretion of the assessor:



Choking Head Injuries
Fractures, breaks & dislocations
injuries
Cramp Marine & Insect Stings
Fainting Bleeding
Strain/Sprain Shock
Heat stroke/exhaustion
Sunburn
Hypothermia Soft tissue injuries



This award is written as a joint effort between the BSA and SLSGB and is sufficient as a pre-requisit to become a surf coach.

Cost of courses £185









Beach lifeguard and Surf instructor courses UK & Wales.
NARS Beach Life Guard Award

This award is the ‘National Aquatic Rescue Standard’ for beach lifesavers and lifeguards in the UK. The course is run over 5 days. This usually means Tuesday – Saturday, 9am – 5pm. The exam will be held on the Saturday.

SLSGB Beach lifeguard 5 day intensive £195

SLSGB Surf Coach Lifesaver 5 day intensive £185

The course includes a course file, full training both in the class room and at the beach. A minimum of 40 hours is required to be put in for the exam!

We also offer NARS Beach lifeguard refresher courses for those who’s awards are due to expire 3 day course £120
Dates & Cost:

June

5-7 Level 1 BSA Coaching Course Pembrokeshire, Wales

£250

9-13 NaRS Beach Lifeguard & Surf Coach Award/Coasteering Lifesaver Award

Pembrokeshire, Wales
£195/£185/£135

19-21 Level 2 BSA Coaching Course

Pembrokeshire, Wales
£250

23-27 NaRS Beach Lifeguard & Surf Coach Award/Coasteering Lifesaver Award

Pembrokeshire, Wales
£195/£185/£135

July


3-5 Level 2 BSA Coaching Course

Pembrokeshire, Wales
£250

7-11 Nars Beach Lifeguard & Surf Coach Award/Coasteering Lifesaver Award
Pembrokeshire, Wales
£195/185/£135


To book on to a Beach Lifeguard course Contact us contact@outerreefsurfschool.com

More details www.outerreefsurfschool.com


Beach Lifeguard and Instructor courses


These courses are available to anyone over the age of 16 who would either like to pursue a career as a beach lifeguard or surfing instructor or who would just like to pass the beach lifeguard award for personal satisfaction.

SLSA Beach lifeguard 5 day intensive award £195 / £295 with accomodation

SLSA 5 day intensive Surf Coach Life saving Award £185 / £285 with accommodation



For further details and to book your Beach Lifeguard or surfing Instructor courses please contact:

Our team.
01646 680070

Friday 15 May 2009

OUTER REEF SURF CLUB WEST WALES
















The 5x60 Surf Clubs at Greenhill and Pembroke met up at the Tenby school for a joint presentation evening.

Over the last two terms, 120 pupils from the two schools have taken part in a six week after-school junior surf programme run in conjunction with the Outer reef surf school.

Parents and pupils were treated to a short video of their new found skills before Jo Dennison - this year's British Womens'Surf Champion - presented certificates to all those who took part.

Special mention was made of Greenhill's Kirk Lester, who achieved level 4 of the junior surf scheme in just over two years. Next year the youngster plans to undertake a sponsored surf competition to raise money for the Welsh Air Ambulance Service and RNLI.

Organised by Sport Pembrokeshire - the sports development arm of Pembrokeshire County Council - the 5x60 project aims to encourage more secondary school children to take part in extra-curricular activities, while getting fit at the same time.

Captions

Surf Safety In Wales












BSA SURF SAFETY

*All surfers must be able to swim at least 50 metres in open water

*Ensure that you are covered by Public Liability Insurance for surfing

*Keep your surfing equipment in good condition

*Always wear a surf leash to prevent you from losing your surfboard,For you

*Have consideration for other water users including anglers

*Never surf alone or immediately after eating a meal

*Never mix surfing with alcohol

*If you are new to the sport hire a surfboard but first having a surfing lesson
Be considerate of other beach users especially when carrying your board to and from the water

*Where possible surf in a recognised surfing area, (e.g. in between the black and white checked flags)

*When paddling out avoid surfers who are riding waves, by paddling to the white water

*When taking a wave see that you are clear of other surfers. Remember, if someone else is already riding the wave you must not take off. (dropping in)

*Be environmentally friendly. Always leave the beach and other areas as you would wish to find them

Beach Safety For This Summer in Pembrokeshire & Wales
















10 COMMANDMENTS OF BEACH SAFETY FOR THIS SUMMER 2009

· Always swim or surf at a beach patrolled by lifesavers or lifeguards

· Swim between the red and yellow flags. They mark the safest areas to swim

· Avoid swimming alone or unsupervised

· Read the signs. If a beach is closed, don't swim there

· If you are unsure of the surf conditions ask a lifeguard or lifesaver

· Don't swim directly after a meal

· Don't swim under the influence of alcohol

· Don't run or dive into the water before checking the conditions

· Float with a rip current or undertow, don't swim against it

· If you get into trouble in the water, don't panic, raise one arm, call for help and float until assistance arrives

These flags are used by lifeguards when on duty to denote the different areas of the water that are to be used by swimmers and those using surf boards or surf craft:

Red & Yellow Flags indicates a patrolled bathing area

Black & White Flags indicate a surfboard and craft zone, not a safe place to swim

Red Flags indicate that the beach is ‘closed’ and you should not enter the water

HAPPY SUMMER FROM ALL THE OUTER REEF SURF CREW!!!

The Surf Life Saving Association of Great Britain (SLSA OF GB)Beach Life Guard Awards Wales















SLSA OF GB


Outer Reef is a Approved Training Centre For The SLSA

Surf Life Saving originated in Australia in the early 1900s, when the growth of seaside towns and interest in swimming led to a number of drownings. Patrols were formed by local residents, living close by beaches with strong currents, alerting people to the dangers of the surf.





The Surf Life Saving Association of Great Britain (SLSGB) was formed in 1955. Volunteer clubs patrolled beaches at Bude and St Agnes in Cornwall and Brighton & WAles, their aim to protect, rescue and resuscitate bathers.




There are now 60+ Surf Life Saving Clubs affiliated to the Association, with thousands of members aged from 7 – 70 years though out the UK & Wales.



During the last 50 years well over 20,000 rescues have been made on our beaches by lifeguards, most of whom have come from the volunteer ranks of the Surf Life Saving Clubs where they learn their patrolling and rescue skills.



Motto


“Vigilance and Service”



Mission Statement


“To provide a safe and enjoyable environment on our beaches In Wales & the Uk”



Objectives

to save lives
to promote, improve and control the work of life saving, resuscitation and first aid on all beaches in Wales & though out Great Britain
to provide facilities for young people to participate in organised life saving as a voluntary, vital public service and in beach and water sports for enjoyment and recreation and also to encourage the high standards of team work and responsibility in both activities
to promote and improve national and international standards of water safety
to develop and improve beach life saving methods and equipment
to establish and monitor nationally and internationally recognised qualifications in beach life saving, resuscitation and first aid
to co-operate with all organisations with similar aims



Surf Life Saving Great Britain



A charitable company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital



Registered in England

Registered Office: 1st Floor, 19 Southernhay West, Exeter, EX1 1PJ



Charity Number 1015668

Company Number 2678080



Memorandum of Association

Articles of Association



SLSA OF GB has established rules & policies by which it conducts its business.



SLSGB Rules (2008)

Code of Conduct

Child Protection Policy & Procedures (2008)

Equal Opportunities Policy (2001)

Anti-Doping Policy

Fair Play Code





International Representation



The International Life Saving Federation (ILS) was created out of a merger of the two leading bodies on international water safety, FIS and WLS, in Cardiff in 1994.





As a founding member of ILS, SLSGB is one of 6 representatives for Europe on the ILS Board of Directors, a seat held since ILS began in 1994. In addition, it holds important positions in both the Sport and Life Saving Commissions in ILS.



As a member of the European branch of ILS, SLSGB also holds a position on the ILSE Board of Directors, and the ILSE Sport, Rescue, and Education Commissions.



International Sport



SLSGB combines with RLSS UK to select and send national teams to participate in European and World Championships at Senior and Junior level.

Beach Lifeguard Training Wales & UK Syllabus & Pre-Requisites







NARS BEACH LIFEGUARD Wales
AIM
• To provide a National award for the Beach Lifeguard covering; fitness, practical
lifeguarding skills & knowledge, rescue, life support & first aid

PRE-REQUISITE
• Be a minimum of 16 years of age on the date of examination
VALIDITY OF AWARD
• 36 months from the date of the examination

SYLLABUS
1. Fitness Test & Releases
Complete a timed swim of 400 metres over a measured course, in a pool not less than 25metres in length, using a front stroke. A time of 7:30 minutes is accepted as the maximumtime permitted for the swim.

Complete a timed run of 200 metres over a measured course, on a beach. A time of 40
seconds is accepted as the maximum time permitted for the run.

2. Lifeguard Skills, Knowledge & Rescue
Whilst in a Pool, demonstrate two releases selected by the Examiner.

In Open Water, demonstrate effectively the ability to carry out the following:
• A thorough knowledge and understanding of all signals
• Run 50 metres with a rescue tube, swim 100 metres (fins optional) to an unconscious,non-breathing patient. Demonstrate deep water EAV during which time the patient shallbe deemed to have become conscious. Bring the patient to shore and demonstrate appropriate aftercare. The exercise must be carried out under simulated rescue conditions with an appropriate attempt to perform the rescue ‘as quickly as possible’.

• Rescue an unconscious, non-breathing, patient 150 metres from the shore using a rescue board. Demonstrate deep water supported EAV and return with the patient to the shore

• Rescue a conscious patient from the sea (approx. 50m from shore) without equipment
demonstrating appropriate patient management and care.

• Demonstrate the ability to surface dive to a depth of approximately 2m. This may be
completed during entry into the water for the tube rescue.

• Acting as a Lifeguard, as team leader and as part of a team, initiate the appropriate
procedures at an incident and provide aftercare for 1 or 2 patients from a previously
unknown simulated emergency situation. At the completion of the test, complete an
Incident Report form

• Answer 5 questions from the work sheets (Beach Environment section) without referring
to any notes.

A mark of at least 4 is accepted as the minimum score permitted.

• Answer 10 questions from the work sheets (Lifeguard Techniques section) without
referring to any notes. A mark of at least 8 is accepted as the minimum score permitted.

• Answer 5 questions from the work sheets (Communication section) without referring to
any notes. A mark of at least 4 is accepted as the minimum score permitted.

• As part of a team, rescue a prone patient with a suspected spinal injury and remove to
safety. Demonstrate appropriate action and aftercare
3. Life Support
Using a live simulated unconscious patient (not a manikin) demonstrate:
• Scene safety and assessment
• Turning a patient from prone to supine
• Checking the airway, checking for signs of breathing and of circulation
• The action for vomiting and blockages
• The recovery position and aftercare
• Obtaining an airway on a suspected spinal injury patient using jaw thrust
Using a suitable adult manikin, demonstrate Expired Air Ventilation using supplementary
oxygen via an approved method (may be continuous with above)
Using a suitable adult manikin, demonstrate Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
Demonstrate CPR on a:
• Child manikin
• Baby manikin
4. First Aid
Acting individually, initiate the appropriate procedures at an incident and provide the
aftercare for one or two patients from a previously unknown simulated first aid situation.
Answer 10 questions from the work sheets (First Aid and Resuscitation section) without
referring to any notes. A mark of at least 8 is accepted as the minimum score permitted.
EXAMINATION
Complete the syllabus for examination
The examination may be completed in sections providing that ALL sections are completed
within three calendar months.
Candidates MUST complete Section 1 (Fitness & Releases) before completing Section 2
(Lifeguard Skills, Knowledge & Rescue).
Should the examination be completed over a 3 month period, the 36 month validity will
commence from the date on which the first section was completed.
When the award is renewed, the candidate may complete the examination one month prior to
the expiration date of the old award. In this case the 36 month period will start on the
expiration date of the old award.
(Sections 3 & 4 above constitute the Emergency Aid 2 Award)

Wednesday 13 May 2009

Wales' official Training Centre for the Internatio Surfing Association (BSA)are running Level 1 & 2 Surf Instructor Courese all over Wales & the UK. .







Wales' official Training Centre for the International Surfing Association (ISA) are running Level 1 & 2 Surf Instructor Course all over Wales & the UK. .

ISA Surf Coach Level 2 Prerequisites are:

A current Level 1 Award (that has been held for a minimum of 6 months) A current Beach Life Saving qualification (acceptable to the ISA) Complete, within the past 12 months, a National Coaching Foundation (NCF) Coach Workshop (or similar course acceptable to the BSA).


The Level 2 Coach has been surfing for at least 5 years and has good personal surfing ability.

The Level 2 Coach is competent to coach surfers of all levels from Beginners through to Elite Level surfers.

Saturday 9 May 2009

History of Surfing















History of Surfing

The Early Days
Surfing 18th century Hawaiian style

It is now widely accepted that the origins of surfing lie in the Pacific Basin, possibly in the group of islands collectively known as Polynesia. Surfing probably started by accident, by fishermen, as a means to bring their boats the last few hundred metres to shore. Today this is still the case in many parts of the World.

Regardless of exactly where the first waves were ridden it was in Hawaii that surfing flourished, helped by the combination of warm climate and consistent, good surf.

Certainly surfing was reported to be widespread by the English seaman and explorer Captain James Cook when he landed in Hawaii in 1777.

Surfing continued to flourish for many years until the arrival of Christian missionaries in the islands almost spelt disaster for the sport.

The missionaries dissuaded people from surfing which they regarded as a Pagan ritual. As a result of this and the loss of many of the native population from "Western" diseases, by the middle of the 19th century there were few surfers left in Hawaii. This was soon to change as in the early 1900's surfing once again grew in popularity and was "exported" to other countries. From Hawaii the sport was “exported” first to California and then in 1915 an Hawaiian Olympic swimming champion, Duke Kahanamoku, introduced surfing to Australia. The sport gradually grew in these and other countries and in the 1940's and 50's spread to Europe, S America and elsewhere, often by American and Australian servicemen stationed overseas during World War Two.

Original surfboards were made from solid wood and were extremely heavy, difficult to carry and hard to handle in the surf. The development of lighter, hollow surfboards made the sport more accessible to more people and greatly improved the performance of the boards. The next quantum leap in design was the addition of a fin or skeg which allowed the rider to turn and control their board and this ushered in a new era of performance surfing.

The Modern Era


The Worldwide popularisation of the sport came about in the 1960's with the introduction of lighter, cheaper and more readily available surfboards and wetsuits. Several Hollywood movies featured the sport although most of the surfing in them was faked, the actors standing in front of images of the ocean whilst pretending to ride a surfboard. Most importantly at this time bands such as the Beach Boys, Jan & Dean and others spread the word about surfing worldwide through their music.

Harry Potter Pembrokeshire




At Pembrokeshire & West Wales' Premier Surf School we offer a full range of surfing lessons and equipment hire, from a half day tuition to week long courses, Kids' Surf Clubs, surf camps and more. The surf courses are run at Newgale Pembrokeshire, Broadhaven, Freshwater West and Manorbier.

Outer Reef also runs BSA Instructor Courses, as well as NaRS, SLSA Beach LifeGuard awards and is The official Welsh' Training Centre for the British Surfing Association (BSA). .

Our Instructors have over 30 years surfing experience between them, as well as 25 years coaching watersports to all ages and abilities.

Freshwater West, the beach from which we run our courses, has a new building - the magical Shell Cottage, which will appear in the final Harry Potter film, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'...

Beachcombers were mystified when a small cottage made from old stone and sea shells sprung up on the dunes of Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire.

Little did they know there were looking at a house which is about to be immortalised on the silver screen for the final film in the meteorically successful Harry Potter franchise.

Filming at Shell Cottage, which features in chapter 25 of the seventh novel, will take place between May 11th and May 15th and will see author JK Rowling's famous characters come to life in Wales. Stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson - who play Harry, Ron and Hermione - will spend several days filming at the cottage.

Thursday 7 May 2009

Outer Reef Gives You All The ISA International Surfing association and British Surfing News!!!












British Surfing News
Skinner and O'Donnell Win 2009 ASP LQS 1-Star Goanna Pro Tapia


TAPIA DE CASARIEGO, Spain (Saturday, April 11, 2009) - The first and crucial event of the ASP European Longboard Tour came to an end today, British surfers Ben Skinner (GBR) and Candice O’Donnell (GBR) dominating the LQS 1-Star Goanna Pro Tapia in consistent wind-blown five foot waves. Both event winners and runner-ups have secured their Oxbow World Longboard Tour (WLT) tickets and will represent Europe on the elite longboard tour along with Europe’s leaders Antoine Delpero (FRA) and Romain Maurin (FRA).
Ben Skinner (GBR), longtime top European longboarder, defeated inform Frenchman Alexis Deniel (FRA) in the final confirming his standout status through the event posting both highest wave score and heat result in the 30-minute decider. The British surfer finished the 2009 edition with an unstoppable 18.37 point tally (out of a possible 20). Skinner, who decided to make the trip to Tapia less than a week before the event started, leaves Northern Spain with the precious ticket for the Oxbow WLT, his main goal in the Goanna Pro Tapia.
"It is just perfect to end up the event with a win," Skinner said. "I came here with a big result in mind and to win and get that qualification for the WLT is what I wanted most. I was feeling great with that new board and surfed as good as I could every day. I am going to celebrate that great event."
The women’s division saw other British Candice O’Donnell (GBR) take the best over Netherlands’ Renate Moerman (NDL), both competitors getting their qualification into the Roxy Women’s World Longboard Championships (WWLC). O’Donnell, who was surfing for the first time in a couple of years in an ASP sanctioned event, went through the trials’ heat then bested favourite Estitxu Estremo (EUK) before making the most out of the conditions during the final.
"I am so happy to get the title after coming all the way down from Great Britain," O’Donnell said. "We had waves everyday and it was great fun to surf in the event. I had a great time and it’s a shame there wasn’t more competitors but I am definitely satisfied with that result."