Return to lockdown: Guidance for Surfing. Updated – 11/11/2020
We must all follow the new national guidance (which is underpinned by law) introduced on the 5th November 2020.
The full guidance for sport is now available via the Sport England website including a useful Q&A section.
Please also keep an eye on our Covid Resource Hub for updates. The guidance for surfing is:
Individual Surfers.
- Surfing can continue through the lock down as part of your exercise plans and beaches are listed as one of the outdoor public places you can visit.
- You are still able to travel to spend time or exercise outdoors – this should be done locally wherever possible, but you can travel to do so if necessary (for example to access a beach).
- Please continue to follow our general guidance for surfers
Surf Schools and Clubs
- Outdoor leisure and sports facilities, including surf schools and clubs need to close from the 5th
- There are some exceptions for those delivering surf therapy, detailed below.
- The furlough scheme has been extended and employers will be able to retain employees on up to 80% of their salary up to £2500 a month through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
- For surf coaches that are self-employed, the Self Employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension is being extended from the 1st November
Surf Therapy
Therapy and support groups that have to be delivered in person can continue with up to 15 participants where formally organised to provide mutual aid, therapy, or any other form of support. For surf therapy, this means:
- Surf therapy can continue to be delivered within ratio and within the Covid Secure guidelines for delivery of surf lessons and coaching.
- Surf therapy sessions should be formally organised and delivered within an existing and approved therapy framework, such as those delivered through: The Wave Project, Surf Well, Adventure Therapy, Early Intervention in Psychosis Club.
- The delivery of therapy to different groups includes, but is not limited to:
- Victims of crime, such as domestic abuse
- Drug and alcohol recovery
- Those who have long term or terminal illnesses or who are vulnerable
- Vulnerable young people
- Those facing issues relating to their sexuality or gender
- The specific requirements for the delivery of therapy and support is detailed in The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) Regulations 2020 Part 3: Exemptions in relation to gatherings
1:1 Coaching
- 1:1 surf coaching can continue, as long as social distancing is maintained.
- Coaches are responsible for delivering coaching within the covid 19 guidelines and should complete a thorough risk assessment with particular consideration to any coaching for under 18s or vulnerable adults.
- Coaches can work with multiple people on the same day.
- Coaches cannot deliver sessions to more than 1 person at a time. Even if it is a household group, the guidance is clear you can only meet with one person from another household.
- Disabled people dependant on round the clock care are allowed to be supported by a personal career or assistant during coaching, this is the only exception within the 1:1 coaching guidance.
For other support and guidance through lock down:
If you are not able to benefit from the furlough or income support schemes listed above, and you are unable to work due to Covid (e.g. self-isolating, shielding) the New Style Employment and Support Allowance may be worth looking into.
For surf school owners, the full breakdown of financial support for businesses during covid 19.
For everyone conscious of the impact a second lock down may have on their mental health, or that of their friends and family, the NHS Every Mind Matters programme has expert advice and practical tips to look after your mental health and wellbeing.