The independent Ability Measure for Surfing

explorer

The independent Ability Measure


NEW PARTICIPANT

Your surfing journey has begun!

This surfer can have fun in a safe ocean environment under fully qualified supervision.
Where physically able this surfer may have stood up on their board with or without assistance.
Their success lies in their willingness to try new things.
By having fun and digging deep they can achieve the incredible. This Explorer is a budding ‘Icon’.

Key Skills: This surfer has successfully taken part in an introductory surfing session.

They have been briefed on potential hazards they could face while surfing.

Equivalence: Surfing GB Junior Surf Scheme Level 1


learner

The independent Ability Measure


PROGRESSING BEGINNER

Paddle, paddle, up and away!


This surfer can surf in a fully supervised environment, in suitable safe conditions, on learner equipment (soft boards).
They have a basic understanding of the dangers and key safety aspects of surfing.
This colour iAM Band could be awarded in the first lesson if the pupil has the required skills to successfully stand up on their own wave.

Key Skills: This surfer can catch their own broken/ white water wave and stand on a board, in control, for 3 seconds or more, without assistance.

Equivalence: Surfing GB Junior Surf Scheme Level 2


 
apprentice

The independent Ability Measure


ADVANCED BEGINNER

In control, filled with potential!

This surfer can regularly catch and stand up on their own waves (generally broken / white water waves) without assistance. They can turn their board in both directions.
This surfer applies good surf safety awareness.
This surfer understands the basics of surfing dynamics. They display good control of their board and can dismount safely.

Key Skills: This surfer can turn their board, on a broken/ white water wave in BOTH
directions (forehand and backhand) not necessarily on the same wave.

Equivalence: Surfing GB Junior Surf Scheme Level 3


 
intermediate

The independent Ability Measure


PRACTICED PARTICIPANT

Stepping up to the next level!

This surfer can surf unsupervised in suitable conditions and are consistently ‘out the back’ beyond breaking waves. Traversing waves, they are kicking out or turning to the beach at the end of the ride.
This surfer understands and applies basic surf and beach etiquette.
They are starting to consider more advanced equipment to suit their needs.

Key Skills: This surfer can, without assistance, catch and traverse (trim) across small (under head height) unbroken (green) waves in BOTH directions (forehand and backhand) completing the wave in control.

Equivalence: Surfing GB Junior Surf Scheme Level 4


 
independent

The independent Ability Measure


PROFICIENT PARTICIPANT

Advanced skills are on the menu now!

This surfer can always ride on green waves. They can comfortably take off, bottom turn and top turn. This surfer is moving on to their own equipment, away from learner boards on to hard boards.
They have a full understanding of surfing etiquette and apply this at all times.
They are hunting for good waves.

Key Skills: This surfer can complete ANY 1 of the following manoeuvers during a full coaching session (up to 2 hours):
  • Off the Top/Lip
  • Cutback
  • Floater
  • Re-entry
  • On a Longboard Cross Step to Hang 5.

Equivalence: Surfing GB Junior Surf Scheme Level 5


 
skilled

The independent Ability Measure


ABLE PERFORMER

Perseverance is paying off!

This surfer can consistently apply the basics of good surfing: speed - flow - control. They are surfing in decent waves often referred to as ‘6ft’ or just overhead.

They have all the basic manoeuvers worked out and can perform them on demand.

This surfer is ready to step up!

Key Skills: This surfer can successfully complete 1 of the following manoeuvers, as selected by the instructor, given ONLY 3 waves:
  • Off the Top/Lip
  • Cutback
  • Floater
  • Re-entry
  • On a Longboard Cross Step to Hang 5.

 
expert

The independent Ability Measure


CREATIVELY COMPETENT

Control, power, grace - ripping!

This surfer can legitimately be called a ‘good’ surfer. They are comfortable in most conditions, adding power and creativity to the basics of good surfing.
Aerials, whilst not compulsory, could be in their repertoire.

They behave in a responsible ‘ocean and surf minded’ manner showing good surf etiquette at all times.

Key Skills: This surfer can successfully complete 2 of the following manoeuvers, as selected by the instructor, on 1 wave, given ONLY 3 waves:
  • Off the Top/Lip
  • Cutback
  • Floater
  • Re-entry
  • On a Longboard Cross Step to Hang 10.

 
pro

The independent Ability Measure


NATIONAL COMPETITOR

A very good surfer indeed!

This surfer can compete and win at a national level. By ramping up their speed and power this surfer stands out in any line up.
A highly visible national profile would usually be expected.
This iAM Band can also be awarded to renowned ‘watermen/women’ who charge big waves or surfers who are celebrated on a national level for their inspiring surfing skills.

Key Skills: This surfer has competed at a national level and placed in the top 16 in a national ranking OPEN (no age restriction) surfing event.

 
elite

The independent Ability Measure


INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL

The surfing Elite!

This surfer can compete and win at an international level.
They have usually won several national titles. This surfer has a full repertoire of tricks. They can lay down some amazing manoeuvers and/or impress us with their huge wave prowess.
They are a great ambassador of the sport on a global stage. An inspiration to their national surf scene.

Key Skills: This surfer has competed and won at an international level.

They are or have been a full time professional and are a household name in national surfing.

 
icon

The independent Ability Measure


ULTIMATE EXPLORER

A genuine surfing hero!

This surfer can be proud of their achievements.
Presented more for services to the sport than pure technical ability these ‘Icons’ have influenced the very fabric of surfing.
They are blazing ‘Explorers’ where their inner spark leads the rest have followed. Through perseverance and fun they achieve the incredible.

Key Skills: This surfer has proven to be an international icon, multiple world champion or pioneer.

They have inspired a generation and changed the course of surfing.

 

SURFING is the art riding a surfboard along a wave. From it’s Polynesian roots it has grown to be a global sport, and the origin of all modern day boardsports.


iAM Surfing


The independent Ability Measure [iAM] in Surfing represents the 10 colour milestones along your surfing journey. From your very first surfing lesson all the way through to becoming an international surfing Icon… we are there for the whole ride.

To find out what skills are required to reach each new colour 'ability measure' in surfing, simply explore the 10 colours above.

You can also download our 'Surfing Ability Measure' poster as an easy reminder of what you need to practice to get to that next milestone!

Of course if you just want a nice clean surfing action shot to put up on your wall, or use as wall paper ( digital or physical!) - simply download the 'Surfing Action Poster'.

It's worth knowing that we do send you a lovely A3 version of this poster when you buy a Surfing iAM Band.

Equivalence


Whilst independent, iAM Bands is adaptable. It has been designed to complement any legitimate or National Governing Body (NGB) recognised progression pathways and awards schemes in the sport of surfing.

Currently there is a great scheme operated by SGB ( Surfing Great Britain ) called the Junior Surf Scheme ( JSS ) - it is a program aimed at 7-17 year olds, and encourages in-depth learning and development of surfing. Check it out - Surfing GB

The 'Surfing Ability Measure' download also shows how the JSS is complemented by iAM Bands. If you have already taken part in the JSS and would like to get your appropriate iAM Band simply take your signed JSS logbook to any authorised iAM Bands Assessment Centre and they will issue you with your own iAM Bands card, with a unique reference code to buy your iAM Band. Easy!

Good luck - and we will see you in the waves!


Photo Sam Lamiroy, Grey iAM Band Surfer by janbijl.com

Downloads:

Surfing Action Poster:

Surfing Ability Measure Poster: