Intensive Surf Instructor Courses In Wales
3 Weeks • Surf • SUP • Lifeguarding • Outdoor Instructor Skills
Train to become a confident, employable surf and SUP instructor with Outer Reef. Spend three intensive weeks learning, coaching, shadowing and developing real outdoor industry skills across Pembrokeshire.
This course is designed for people who want more than a qualification. It is for future instructors who want to live, work and thrive in the outdoors.
★★★★★ 383 Google Reviews
★★★★★ 751 TripAdvisor Reviews
Established 1999
Instructor Training Since 1999
Turn Your Passion For The Ocean Into A Career
Have you always dreamt of living a healthy outdoor lifestyle and getting paid for it? Our intensive surf instructor course gives you the opportunity to gain skills, experience and qualifications in surf coaching, SUP instructing, lifeguarding, first aid, safety, planning and leadership.
During the course you will train across South Pembrokeshire, shadow experienced coaches, assist with real sessions and learn the less glamorous but essential parts of the job, including kit management, risk assessments, safety procedures and customer care.
Surf Coaching
Learn how to coach safely and confidently
Instructor Training
Beach Skills
Build judgement, awareness and leadership
Outdoor Skills
Lifeguarding
Safety, rescue and confidence in the water
Safety TrainingThree Weeks Of Real Outdoor Training
This is not a classroom-only course. You will train on beaches, in the water and around real activity sessions, building the practical experience needed to work as an instructor.
What You Will Train In
The course is practical, active and career-focused. You will spend time in the classroom, on the beach and on the water, building the skills needed to become a safe and professional instructor.
- Surfing and surf coaching foundations
- Beach lifeguarding and rescue skills
- Stand-up paddle boarding skills
- First aid and safety awareness
- Risk assessments and hazard awareness
- Planning and preparing sessions
- Team building and communication skills
- Kit management and centre operations
- Shadowing lessons and assisting instructors
- Working with different ages and abilities
- Wildlife awareness and local marine knowledge
- Developing employability in the outdoor industry
Training Pathways Included In The Course
Qualification outcomes depend on individual competency, conditions, governing body requirements and personal progression, but the course is designed to prepare you for a strong range of instructor and safety pathways.
ISA Surf Instructor
Work towards surf instructor training and build practical coaching confidence.
Surf CoachingSUP Instructor
Develop stand-up paddle board skills and leadership for flat water sessions.
SUP TrainingSLSGB Lifeguard
Train towards beach lifeguarding, rescue skills and water safety awareness.
LifeguardingSafety & Rescue
Build practical incident management, safety and rescue confidence.
Safety SkillsYour Intensive Instructor Package
The course has been designed to give you training, experience, confidence and practical equipment to help you take the next step into the outdoor industry.
- 3 weeks of intensive on-the-job experience
- 4 training days per week, usually 9am to 5pm
- Small group training with a maximum of 10 trainees
- Personal surf and SUP coach equipment package worth up to £450
- Use of Outer Reef watersports equipment during the course
- Training and assessment across multiple areas
- Minimum required shadowing hours
- Experience coaching different ages and abilities
- Enhanced DBS check certificate
- SLSGB membership fee support where applicable
- Opportunity for paid work during or after the course
- Accommodation can be arranged at additional cost
Train Across South Pembrokeshire
As part of your course, you may train across multiple Outer Reef locations including Pembroke, Freshwater West, Saundersfoot, Tenby and Stackpole Quay. Training takes place on land, on the beach and in the water.
Course Dates
Course dates can change depending on availability, demand and season. Please check the booking system or contact the team for the latest confirmed dates.
Check Availability
Progression Pathway
Train in Pembrokeshire, build experience with Outer Reef and explore future outdoor industry, coaching and surf travel opportunities.
Explore Surf TravelPembrokeshire Is Your Classroom
Your training takes place across some of the best outdoor learning environments in Wales. From surf beaches to sheltered waters and activity bases, you will experience the variety that makes Pembrokeshire a brilliant place to train.
Freshwater West
Iconic Atlantic surf beach for surf training and coaching progression.
Explore Freshwater WestTenby
Watersports, paddle boarding, kayaking and beach-based training.
Explore TenbyStackpole Quay
Coastal activity training, safety awareness and environmental learning.
Explore StackpoleManorbier
Surf beach, coaching environment and classic South Pembrokeshire coast.
Explore ManorbierNewgale
Open beach, Atlantic conditions and surf coaching opportunities.
Explore SurfingStart Building Your Outdoor Career
There may be opportunities for paid work during or after the course. This can include assisting with community watersports programmes, surf shop work, activity centre support or helping with sessions when suitable.
Paid work is not guaranteed, but Outer Reef has strong local links and can help motivated trainees understand what working in the industry really looks like.
Other Instructor Training Pathways
Explore related Outer Reef training courses and professional pathways.
Questions Before You Apply
Do I need to already be a good surfer?
No. You do not need to be a strong surfer before the course. The programme is designed to build your confidence, skills and understanding.
How long is the course?
The intensive course runs for 3 weeks, usually 4 days per week from 9am to 5pm.
How much does the course cost?
The course price is £1995.
Is equipment included?
Yes. The package includes use of watersports equipment during the course and a personal equipment package worth up to £450.
Can accommodation be arranged?
Accommodation can often be arranged for an additional cost. Please contact the team before booking if you need help with accommodation.
Will I be guaranteed a job afterwards?
Paid work is not guaranteed, but there may be opportunities during or after the course depending on ability, availability, demand and suitability.
Ready To Begin Your Outdoor Career?
Train with Outer Reef in Pembrokeshire and take the next step towards becoming a confident, capable and employable surf and SUP instructor.
Award-winning Pembrokeshire adventures
Rated highly by our customers on Tripadvisor
Outer Reef is proud to be recognised with a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. Read our latest reviews from surf lessons, coasteering, paddle boarding and kayaking adventures.
Read our Tripadvisor reviews
Supported By
We’re proudly recognised by trusted organisations and governing bodies locally, nationally, and internationally.
