Surf Instructor Course

Start your Surf Instructor career on the cornish coast with OA Surf Club

Embarking on a fulfilling career as a surf instructor offers one of the most rewarding jobs imaginable. By sharing your passion, skills, and knowledge with others, you get to witness the joy of your students as they embrace the exhilarating world of surfing. This career provides a uniquely amazing lifestyle, immersing you in a culture of like-minded and passionate individuals.

Being a surf instructor is more than just a job; it's a journey of personal and professional development. It allows you to hone your people, leadership, and coaching skills, all while earning a living doing what you love. This role not only lets you share the stoke of surfing with others but also helps you grow as a mentor and a leader in the vibrant surfing community.

Train in Widemouth Bay

surf coach award

WHAT IS SURF INSTRUCTOR TRAINING? – IS IT FOR YOU?

Embark on the initial stage of your surf coaching career and master the essential ‘how to coach’ techniques and technical skills, empowering you to confidently conduct beginner surf lessons with safety at the forefront. Our comprehensive course combines online or workshop-based theoretical learning with hands-on practical training and beachside mentoring. This journey culminates in a thorough assessment, ensuring you attain the necessary skills and knowledge to emerge as a certified surf instructor. Upon completion, you’ll be equipped to kickstart your coaching journey, imparting your expertise to beginner groups in the welcoming waters of waist depth.

Requirements

You can start the course straight away, but to complete and become certified as a Surfing England Surf Instructor you will need to meet and complete the following:

Demonstrate a minimum level of surfing ability:

Able to paddle out and turtle roll
Catch green waves, bottom turn and trim left and right

Requirements

Complete the following:

Signed Coaches Code of Conduct (within online learning course)
Up to date Beach Lifeguard or Surf Lifesaving award (click for more info ) on which awards we recognise
Completed Safeguarding training: Either the Surfing England Surf Safeguarding Course or the NSPCC Safeguarding in Sport online module

Course content, length & assessment

Approximately 10 hours of theory to be studied at your own pace – online learning system – with guided gateways and assessment questions.
Approximately 20 hours of practical training and mentoring with a Surfing England Trainer Assessor. Both Rob and Tia are qualified as Trainer Assessors and can help you on your journey to be a surf coach.

Surf Instructor Course Training Delivery Options

Online Learning Modules:

Study at your own pace, anywhere, anytime.

OR

Classroom Learning:

2 days with your selected Trainer Assessor (please enquire with a TA first if you want to take this option) within their Surfing England surf school setting.

PLUS

Approximately 20 hours +/- of trained and mentored practice on the beach plus assessment.

Cost: £300 GBP

Award Scope

This certification is tailored for novice surf instructors, ensuring a foundational level of competency within the dynamic surf school environment. Focused on delivering safe and effective beginner lessons in waist-depth waters under controlled conditions for small groups (up to 8 participants), this award sets a standard for secure instruction.

Qualification holders are expected to:

Align with the guidance and safety management systems of accredited surf schools or clubs.
Incorporate local conditions, site-specific risk assessments, and operational procedures into their practices.

For new instructors facing physical limitations due to a disability, the qualification allows them to instruct, provided they collaborate with a fully qualified beach lifeguard or an experienced surf coach possessing a valid surf lifesaving award.

Register your interest

surf coach award available now