About BCASI

Formed in 2002, the British Columbia Association of Surf Instruction is the non-profit governing body for surfing instruction in British Columbia. The mandate of BCASI is to train and certify surfing instructors and coaches thereby ensuring that a high standard of safe and efficient instruction is maintained as well to create a standard for providing lessons within the PRNPR. In doing so, the BCASI hopes to foster surfing etiquette and safety in the water. As of November 2018, it is the intention to redefine BCASI so as to be more consistent with current needs and become more relevant to the Surf Schools operating within the PRNPR. The current members consist of but are not limited to the Ucluelet and ACRD Surf Shops and Schools operators. The information provided within this document has been approved by these Surf School Operators simply as a guideline for PRNPR to follow for enforcement and to ensure all Schools operating in the PRNPR operate to a minimum of these standards. It is recommended that each Surf School have its own guidelines as well, in order to satisfy their own needs for safety and insurance.

 Certification under the BCASI means you and your surf school adhere to the highest safety and professional standards that exist in the Canadian surfing industry. As the popularity of the sport of surfing in Canada grows rapidly and the surf industry continues to expand, the BCASI welcomes new membership. The BCASI’s aim is to promote, encourage, and develop the sport of surfing in B.C.

 MISSION STATEMENT

To promote the surfing industry in B.C. by developing safety standards for surf instruction, create an environment of community and standards that surfing can grow from.

HISTORY

Former Surf Sister Surf School owner and founder Jenny Stewart formed the BCASI in 2002 in response to the growing popularity of surfing and surf schools in the Tofino/Ucluelet area. She saw the need to follow the example of places like Australia and California, where surf instructors are certified under a central body in order to ensure a high standard of safety for everyone in the water. The standards Stewart developed under the BCASI are now mandatory for any surf school operating in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

 MEMBERSHIP

The BCASI is a volunteer-run organization and members are encouraged to attend meetings and participate in the development of the organization. To become a business member, please refer to membership requirements listed below.

BCASI MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

-Must be a fully insured business in the nature of surf instruction (please refer to Surf School Guidelines section).

-Must follow the BCASI guidelines for Surf Schools and Surf Instructors (please refer to Surf School Guidelines section).

-Must have a valid Pacific Rim National Park Business License when teaching lessons in the Parks.

-Must have a valid business license in the district in which the business operates (i.e. Tofino or Ucluelet etc).

-All members are welcome at BCASI meetings and member feedback is appreciated.

-The BCASI Board of Directors will determine rules and regulations through a fair voting process. As the BCASI is a new and developing organization, members recognize that it will take some time to refine the organization’s governing role in the surfing industry and that this process is ongoing.

-1-2 members of each school are encouraged to be Board Members for 1 yearly meeting.

-All Board Members are encouraged to be on the Chamber of Commerce board.