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Professional ISA Surf Instructor Courses

Become A Surf Instructor in Wales - UK - Europe - Bali

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Instructor Academy Wales

Instructor Courses & Outdoor Training Academy

Train to become a surf instructor, SUP instructor, beach lifeguard or outdoor activity leader with internationally recognised pathways in Wales, Europe, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Morocco.

Since 1999, Outer Reef has trained over 3500 instructors now working across the UK and internationally.

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3500+

Instructors Trained

25+

Years Experience

ISA

International Qualifications

WORLDWIDE

UK • Europe • Indonesia • Sri Lanka • Morocco

Train In Wales. Progress Worldwide.

Our instructor academy starts in Pembrokeshire, Wales and continues into international surf coaching and outdoor instructor opportunities across Europe, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Morocco.

Whether you want to coach in surf schools, work in watersports centres or build a long-term outdoor career, our pathways combine practical coaching, rescue awareness and internationally recognised qualifications.

Start Your Instructor Journey

International Surf Instructor Academy

Want to take your instructor training overseas? Outer Reef also offers international surf instructor academy pathways in Bali and Indonesia, with options for 4, 8 and 12 week surf instructor training programs.

These overseas pathways combine ISA Surf Instructor qualifications, Surf Coach Safety & Rescue, surf coaching development, tropical accommodation, video analysis, surf fitness, mentoring and real-world coaching experience.

They are ideal for surfers looking for a gap year, career change, long-term surf travel experience or a pathway into international surf coaching.

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Choose Your Instructor Pathway

ISA Surf Instructor Courses

Internationally recognised ISA Level 1 and Level 2 surf instructor qualifications with practical coaching and rescue development.

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SUP Instructor Courses

Develop paddle boarding coaching skills, water safety awareness and internationally recognised ISA SUP qualifications.

Explore SUP Instructor Courses

Outdoor Instructor Training

8-week immersive instructor academy combining surfing, paddle boarding, rescue skills and leadership development.

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Beach Lifeguard Courses

Professional surf rescue and beach lifeguard qualifications for instructors, surf coaches and watersports staff.

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International Instructor Academy Pathways

Outer Reef pathways continue beyond Wales into international surf coaching and instructor academy opportunities across some of the world’s leading surf destinations.

  • Bali & Indonesia instructor pathways
  • Sri Lanka surf camp coaching opportunities
  • Morocco surf academy experiences
  • European surf coaching progression
  • International surf travel development

Your Instructor Journey

1. Gain Your Qualification

Start with Surf Instructor, SUP Instructor or Beach Lifeguard pathways in Pembrokeshire, Wales.

2. Build Real Coaching Experience

Develop practical coaching confidence, rescue awareness and leadership skills in real outdoor environments.

3. Progress Into Advanced Training

Continue into Level 2 coaching, Outdoor Instructor Training or international instructor academy opportunities.

4. Work Worldwide

Use your qualifications to work in surf schools, outdoor centres, watersports businesses and international surf camps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the qualifications internationally recognised?

Yes. ISA qualifications are recognised internationally throughout the surf and paddle sports industry.

Can I work abroad after qualifying?

Many students continue into surf camps, outdoor centres and instructor opportunities across Europe, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Morocco.

Do you offer international pathways?

Yes. Outer Reef pathways continue into worldwide surf coaching and instructor academy opportunities.

Can solo travellers join?

Absolutely. Many students join independently and become part of the instructor academy community.

How do I book?

Each course page includes live dates, pricing and direct online booking.

Watch The Instructor Academy In Action

Ready To Start Your Instructor Journey?

Explore surf instructor, SUP instructor, beach lifeguard and outdoor instructor pathways in Wales and worldwide.

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CHOOSE THE LIFE YOU WANT TO LIVE

Become a Surf Instructor, Lifeguard, or SUP Coach

Accredited by

We run courses for the international governing bodies of the sport, giving you the chance to turn your passion into a career. Have you always dreamed of living a healthy, active, outdoor lifestyle and getting paid to do it? We can train you to become a leading instructor in your chosen field, whether that’s a multi-skilled outdoor activity instructor or an ISA Level 1 & 2 Surf Instructor. Whatever your goal, we’ve got you covered!

Did you know? We can run courses at your camp or centre, tailored to your needs. We also offer combined ISA courses with the SLSGB Beach Lifeguard / ILS Surf Coach & Rescue Award. If our scheduled dates aren’t suitable, just contact us and we’ll provide a course that works for you or your company.

Recognised worldwide. Trusted in every surf school.

Why choose the ISA Instructor Qualification?

 

The ISA (International Surfing Association) Instructor Award is the only internationally recognised surf coaching qualification, officially endorsed by the International Olympic Committee. It sets the global standard for safe, high‑quality surf instruction and is accepted by surf schools and governing bodies around the world. Whether you're coaching beginners on UK beaches or leading advanced sessions overseas, an ISA qualification opens doors wherever the waves roll in.

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PEMBROKESHIRE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING CENTRE

SURF INSTRUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAMME

ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor Course

Combine your love of surfing with a career: it’s the best job in the world! Follow the seasons, work around the world, and be part of the ISA worldwide community of amazing people in amazing locations. On top of all that you get the rewards of seeing the faces of super stoked pupils who you have helped get to their feet. It’s the perfect job for students at college or university or during their gap year.

ISA Level 2 Surf Instructor Course

Theses courses are both suited for your first step in becoming a surfing instructor, instruct beginner level surfing lessons and activities. The level 2 course is for surf coaches that are working with intermediate to early advanced surfers and coaching surf skills progression and development. The course also touches on athlete development, sport psychology, and surf contest preparation. All ISA Surf Level 2 Coaches MUST have completed and passed an ISA Surf Level 1 Course prior to approval as a Surf Level 2 Coach.

If you’re interested in taking on your ISA Level 1, Level 2, or both together, why not consider doing it in style at our Surf Academy in Bali, Indonesia, and add in some free time to surf, practice yoga, explore the islands, and more!  Click here to learn more about our Surf Academy in Bali.

ISA SURF & SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSES

The objectives of the ISA Coaching & Instructing Program:

  • To establish an international system of Coaching and Instructing Courses, improving the safety and efficacy of surf instruction around the world.
  • To further develop, through educational programs, a body of knowledge on which Coaches and Instructors may draw.
  • To provide Coaches and Instructors with employment opportunities, encouragement and support.
  • To advance surf Coaching and Instructing as a globally standardized and highly professional activity with stringent requirements.

 

ONLINE SURF & PADDLE BOARDING INSTRUCTOR COURSES

SURF & PADDLE BOARDING INSTRUCTOR COURSES WALES

Over time this program will expand to many other areas of professional development education for our great sport of surfing. All ISA Coaches and Instructors must abide by the local laws and regulations of the area in which they work. All ISA Instructors must be a minimum of 16 years of age to become an accredited ISA Instructor but must work under supervision of an ISA Instructor over 18 years of age. An ISA Instructor must be a minimum of 18 years of age to instruct without supervision.

 

OUTER REEF SURF INSTRUCTOR ACADEMY

Surf Instructor Courses | ILS Beach Lifeguard Courses | SUP Instructor Courses

LEVEL 1 SURFING INSTRUCTOR COURSE INFORMATION

  • The role of the surfing Coach.
  • Identifying the duty of care regulations that apply to conducting surfing lessons.
  • Risk management & safety.
  • Identifying surfing lesson hazards.
  • EmergencyAction Processes.
  • Lesson plans for surfing courses.
  • surf boards courses, equipment
  • Communication skills for the surf course environment.
  • Instruction Surf course coaching methods.
  • Surf lesson plans.
  • Assessing students performance.
  • Evaluating surf course outcomes.
  • Minimising environmental impacts
  • Abide by student lesson & Surf instructor courses ratios: Surf Course Accredited Instructor.

SURF LIFEGUARD COURSES

The Surf Lifeguard will provide the learner with the knowledge and skills required in order to provide professional patrolling and water services, in surf conditions, with rescue skills and advanced fitness requirements. The course is physically demanding and will include swimming to set times and lifting. The Surf Lifeguard Award is comprised of a variety of units and all must be successfully passed to attain the qualification. 

COURSE UNITS

  • Beach Environment
  • Beach Patrolling
  • Working Practices
  • Communications
  • Basic Life Support
  • First Aid
  • Foundation Ocean Board Rescuer
  • Supplementary Oxygen Administration
  • Spinal Extraction
  • Radio Communications Minimum Guided Learning Hours
  • 40hrs plus an additional assessment day

Train To Be A Surf Instructor In Wales

Join us on one of our surf instructor courses and develop your hobby into a lifestyle prioritised career.  It’s the best decision you’ll ever make! 

Make your hobby your job and kick start a career as a surf instructor.

Supported By

We’re proudly recognised by trusted organisations and governing bodies locally, nationally, and internationally.

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Outer Reef Surf School Locations

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