There are a lot of great jobs in the surfing world.
Pro surfer board caddy. Surfboard tester for a major brand. Surf photographer.
Add to that list surf instructor, which is an excellent way to earn money and meet people while indulging your love for surfing.
If you’ve dreamed of introducing appreciative humans to the world of surfing while also sneaking away for waves on your lunch break, you’ve probably thought of becoming a surfing instructor.
What do you need to become a surf instructor though? Where should you go to find surf instructing jobs? Are there any tips for securing your dream surf teacher gig?
Given that we’ve literally spoken with hundreds of surf instructors over the years, as well as helping people become a surf instructor through our range of courses, we thought we’d share some advice on how to find and get a job as a surf instructor.
Learn how to start or further your surf instructing career with these tips and tricks!
What you need to become a surf instructor
While there are some countries that allow anyone to simply walk off the beach and become a surf instructor, experience and qualifications be damned, the vast majority of surf instructor jobs require a certain level of certification and experience.
Exactly what you need varies slightly from nation to nation, but generally you’ll require the following.
Surf experience
It might sound like stating the obvious, but you must be able to prove that you’re a “competent” surfer, with the definition of competent usually meaning that you can catch waves and surf independently.
You’ll also need an ISA certification, or ASI certification
ISA stands for International Surfing Association, or an equivalent qualification from a surf school. The ISA is the governing body of surfing and sets the international standard for surf instructors.
ASI is also recognised across the globe as well.
If you still need some coaching to get you to the correct level the “zero to hero” style surf instructor courses (usually 10 – 12 week) are a great option, or if you’re already experienced a shorter option like our 2 Week Boutique Course in Sri Lanka is a great way to get certified in style!
Ocean safety and first aid certifications
These are often required by surf schools and camps to ensure that instructors are equipped to handle any emergencies that may occur in the water.
They can also be a point of difference between you and another applicant, which is why we recommend them.
A passion for teaching and sharing your love of surfing with others
This goes beyond just knowing how to catch a wave; being able to effectively communicate and teach others in a supportive but authoritative manner is crucial.
Your job is to spread stoke, and you should be enthusiastic about what you’re doing.
Where to find the best surf instructor jobs
Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience, it’s time to start looking for surf instructor jobs.
Side note, it helps to narrow down the type of surf experience you’re after before you begin searching.
Do island vibes, tropical heat and see-through waves sound like your thing? Is learning another language a priority for you? Are you unfussy about where you end up so long as you’re surfing decent waves all day?
Once you have an idea of your dream surf instructor location, you can start searching for job opportunities in that area. Here are a few places to look.
Peruse social media groups dedicated to working and surfing
While you might find the odd advertisement pop up on Instagram, the bulk of surf jobs are posted in dedicated Facebook groups.
The top groups for anyone looking to become a surf instructor are as follows.
- Surf jobs – with nearly 40,000 members at the time of posting, this is one of the largest and most reputable surf job groups on Facebook
- Work & Surf – 30,000 members isn’t anything to scoff at, and where better to find a job than in a group specifically dedicated to work and surfing?
- Work and surf – again, this group has almost 20,000 members who range from surf instructors to surf camp owners and everything in between
- Surf Jobs – this surf jobs page has close to 4,000 members at the time of writing. There are multiple posts per month here, making it a great option for finding job opportunities
We’re not sure if a lack of creativity is to blame, but you’ll notice that these group names don’t vary much. Still, the jobs on offer do!
Just remember that you’ll need to be accepted into these groups before you can view any job postings.
Check out the websites of leading surf experience providers
If you want to go directly to the source, many surf schools and camps have their own job portals where you can apply directly. Some even offer internships and training programs for aspiring instructors.
Here are the top surf experience provider job pages.
Check them regularly for updates and opportunities. You might not find any job postings one day, only to return a few days later and see that they’re advertising!
- Mojosurf
- Lapoint
- Rise Up Retreats
- Soul And Surf
- Rapture Surf Camps
- Surf N Yoga
- Surf Spirit
- Kima Surf (it’s not a job page, but it’s where they post openings)
- Dreamsea
- Tiny Whale Surf Lodge
- Star Surf Camps
- Red Star Surf
Search for jobs online using a surf job aggregator
Did you know there are also job aggregator websites specifically for surf jobs? These sites bring together job postings from a variety of sources, making it easier for you to find opportunities all in one place.
Here are the top 3 online surf job platforms where you can search for surf instructor jobs.
BONUS: Insider tips for getting a surf instructor job
Now that you’ve got your qualifications and made a shortlist of job opportunities, it’s time to apply for your dream surf instructor job.
The truth is that there are often dozens of applicants for each surf instructor job posting. Double or triple this if the posting is in a dreamy destination.
Here are 5 tips to help increase your chances of getting hired!
Tip #1 / Prep your CV
Make sure your resume highlights any relevant experience and skills that you have in surfing, teaching, hospitality, cooking and customer service. Don’t be afraid to juice it up, but make sure you keep your CV succinct and to the point. One page, simple layout, no photos. Provide links to your social media pages, too.
Tip #2 / Craft a solid cover letter
This is a chance to showcase why you’re the perfect fit for the job and to express your passion for surfing and teaching. Again, keep it short and simple. A 50-100 word paragraph is enough.
Tip #3 / Apply at the right time, for the right location
Most surf camps recruit a few months before their season starts, so make sure you’re applying at the right time for your desired location.Don’t be afraid to also check for job postings throughout the year either. There are sometimes last-minute openings during the busiest seasons.
Tip #4 / Network and make connections
Reach out to other surf instructors or camp owners through social media or job platforms. They may know of job opportunities that haven’t been advertised yet.
Tip #5 / Follow your favourite surf experience providers on Instagram
Many surf experience providers post job opportunities on their Instagram pages, so make sure you’re following your favourites to stay updated. Additionally, by engaging with their content and showing your passion for surfing, they may be more likely to consider you for a position.
