Canadian Sport Parachuting Association — CSPA/ACPSCSPA / ACPS
Coach & instructor development
← All CSPA courses

CSPA / Course information

Coach 1

Foundational coaching within the Canadian skydiving system, the Coaching Association of Canada and the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).

Course purpose

Coach 1 develops novice skydivers. The course covers CSPA and NCCP coaching models, how novice skydivers learn, technical knowledge presentations, structured observation and feedback, ethical decision-making and professional leadership.

You will practise in-air evaluation while flying with an evaluator simulating a novice skydiver, analyse performance and conduct post-jump debriefs.

Prerequisites

  • Age of majority
  • Active CSPA B Certificate of Proficiency (CoP)
  • Observation of a Coach 1 at a drop zone
  • Willingness to learn and professionally represent skydiving
  • Completion of the NCCP Making Ethical Decisions (MED) module by the end of the course

Create a Locker account at coach.ca ↗ and complete the required MED training. Candidates who do not meet prerequisites cannot continue in the course.

Course format

The course runs for three full days. Daily timing depends on drop zone logistics, weather, candidate progress and effective time management. Be prepared for some days to run late.

Arrive prepared and on time, with equipment ready and parachutes packed where required. Complete drop zone check-in and waivers in advance where possible. Bring food, use downtime for lesson planning and preparation, and help with packing when needed.

Required materials

Have digital or paper copies of the following CSPA materials:

  • Coach 1 Reference Manual
  • Coach 1 Workbook
  • Parachutist Information Manuals (PIM) 1 and 2A

Preparation

  • Read the Coach 1 Reference Manual.
  • Complete workbook section 1.2 — CSPA and CAC Models.
  • Complete section 1.4 — Role in the “A” CoP and Main Packing Endorsement.
  • Complete section 2.1 — Profile of the Novice Skydiver.
  • Complete section 2.8 — Technical Knowledge Presentation.
  • Submit the required video jump as outlined on the CSPA website.
  • Complete the Making Ethical Decisions online training.

Evaluations & completion

Evaluation covers skydiving, coaching and presentation abilities, technical knowledge, attitude, willingness to learn, ability to follow directions and preparedness.

The required video jump must be submitted to complete the course. The coach rating will be placed on hold until it is received.

Costs & logistics

Contact GravityWorks for course availability and current rates. Expenses may include CSPA administration, shared travel and accommodation, and drop zone charges such as packing or classroom fees. Confirm the applicable expenses when arranging your course.

Plan for six jump slots: three evaluation jumps to 10,500 feet, payable to the drop zone. Courses may be conducted at different drop zones with an appropriate, safe learning environment.

CSPA Coach 1 information ↗