The Surf Insight ISA ILS Water Safety run/swim/run tests

Currently due to Covid-19 we have no availablity for ISA courses until further notice.

Surf and SUP coaching is physically demanding profession but nowhere is a solid level of fitness more important than when we come to reacting to an emergency. All of the ISA courses are based on continuous assessment but you will encounter on your International Surfing Association / International Life Saving Water Safety course a timed physical test that must be past to attain the ISA/ILS Water Safety Award.

Firstly, prior to attending a course, participants must have completed a timed swim of 200m completed in less than 5 minutes in a pool no shorter than 25m.

This must have been witnessed and a completion certificate or document signed by a Swimming Pool Manager, Qualified Swim Coach or ISA Course Organiser or an ISA Course Presenter. This can be tested by us, prior to taking the course, but you are best to ensure you have this done before your arrival with us.

Don’t forget an ILS Beach Life Guard Exam normally asks for 400 meters in less than 7 ½ minutes, which is a lot faster, so you should be fine. But do train to complete this time and it will give you far more confidence for the course.

“As one of the less experienced surfers on the course and therefore also a bit unconfident I felt like I belonged on the course from day one. Tim makes sure that everyone, no matter experience of surfing or teaching, gets to be a part of the team during the course.”

Linette Toft Dahl Denmark ISA Level 1

Then during the ISA /ILS Water Safety Exam there are 2 different tests for those who are taking the ISA Surf Level 1 or the ISA SUP Flat Water exam. Also those who are running out on their current ILS award or out of date are welcome to come on the course but we do stipulate that it’s the full 2 ½ days at full cost. To hold an ISA Level 2 Surf Instructor Award you must still hold a current ILS Beach Life Guard Award.

ISA / ILS Run / Swim Run test for the ISA Level1 Surf Instructor Certificate

The Basic Surf Fitness Test for ISA Level 1 Surfing Instructor will be as a minimum the following..

Firstly a 100 meter run along the beach.

Negotiation of the inner surf zone, with a swim of at least 100 meters, through the surf and impact zone. This is normally 50 meters out and 50 back through the surf at Surf Insights exam area.

And then another 100 meter run along the beach.

This is done showing surf skill and competency and within a 5 minute time frame. It is based on small to moderate surf conditions. A Course Presenter may extend the course of the Basic Fitness test in which case, the time frame might also be adjusted, depending on conditions on the day. Cutting distances or not reaching the set markers is not tolerated in anyway.

But please don’t worry too much about this test. We run a practise session for you and show you the techniques, particularly which will help you enter the surf line and how your sea swimming can be improved really quickly. We make sure that the test is done in conditions that you would come across in a normal close to shore lesson and not in extreme conditions.

ISA / ILS Run / Swim Run test for the ISA SUP Flat Water Award

The Basic Flat Water Fitness Test for the ISA SUP Flat Water Award will be as a minimum the following:

100m run
Swim 50m
Run 50m
Swim 50m
Run 50m
Swim 50m
Run 50m

This is to be done showing aquatic skill competency and within a 5 minute time frame. It is based on flat conditions with no current with the swimming components completed in water that is chest deep as a minimum.

It must be noted that the swim is a swim, not a run through the water.

A Course Presenter may extend the course of the Basic Fitness Test in which case, the time frame might also be adjusted, depending on conditions.

Do make sure that you train for this test in conditions that will replicate those you will come across in Sri Lanka. We will be making sure you use a zone with easy exit and entry into the water and don’t forget you will not be in wetsuits which will often help to increase your swim and run pace.