Skip to main content Skip to footer

Bali - Europe - Uk - Sri Lanka and more..

Become an ISA L1 & L2 Surf Instructor

Train with Outer Reef around the world, where the waves are fun and the vibe is real. Jump into epic surf trips across the UK, Bali, Java, and the Mentawai Islands. Our 4, 8, and 12-week courses are fully ISA and RNLI backed - so you can surf, travel, and teach anywhere across the globe.

Powered by Rip Curl

The World's Premier International Surf Instructor Training Program

 

Ready to swap the ordinary for ocean sunrises and a life spent chasing waves?

At Outer Reef Surf Instructor Academy, it’s not just about learning - it’s about living. Dive into epic surf spots, train with world-class coaches, and meet your new surf family along the way. Whether you’re dreaming of faraway beaches or want to start your journey right here at home, this is your gateway to turning passion into purpose. The Academy operate over multiple venues in the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, East Java, Bali, Sri Lanka + More. Your life-changing adventure starts here and now.

Why Outer Reef Academy Dominates The Industry


 

Guaranteed Career Success

100% job Support Included

£25-60 + per hour earning potential globally

6,560 + graduates working worldwide

25 + years proven track record since 1999

While local surf schools offer basic lessons at one beach, Outer Reef Academy operates across 10 countries with premium training locations, international career placement, and Rip Curl partnership backing.


We're able to offer a Global Network of 10 Premium Destinations including...

Wales, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Bali, Java, Mentawai Islands, Canary Islands


Starting From £2,500

Complete Certification Pathways

What's Included In Your Investment

ISA Level 1 & 2 Surf Instructor - Internationally recognised

ILS Lifeguard Certification - Ocean safety expertise

SUP Instructor Qualification - Expand your teaching range

Premium Accommodation - Included at all locations

Professional Equipment - Powered by Rip Curl 

Career Placement Support - Guaranteed job opportunities


Program Options

4-Week Intensive - Fast-track to professional status

8-Week Comprehensive - Complete skill mastery + cultural immersion

Flexible Start Dates - 4 programs per year across all locations

Choose Your Dream Training Destination


WALES

Elevate your skills against the dramatic backdrop of Wales' wild coastline, where every wave teaches resilience and technique mastery.

FRANCE

Experience European surf culture at its finest. Train on picturesque beaches with consistent Atlantic swells and laid-back French coastal lifestyle.

SPAIN (CANARY ISLANDS)

Year-round perfect conditions meet Spanish warmth. Our Canary Islands programs offer volcanic reef breaks and subtropical training paradise.

PORTUGAL

Surf Europe's premier waves while earning your certification. Portugal's rich maritime heritage provides exceptional training conditions and cultural immersion.

BALI, INDONESIA

The ultimate tropical instructor experience. Train in Canggu's world-class waves surrounded by lush landscapes and vibrant Balinese culture.

Special Locations


WALES

Pembrokeshire


Pembrokeshire's premium beaches are where Outer Reef began in 1999, offering a perfect learning environment with consistent waves and safe conditions. In partnership with the RNLI, it provides outstanding beach lifeguard training and serves as an ideal UK base, particularly suited for European students.

Indonesia

Bali


Bali and trips to Java's hidden gems, including G-Land and the South Coast, offer advanced wave training to challenge and elevate your skills. With pristine, untouched surf breaks and exclusive, limited training opportunities, this environment provides the perfect setting for professional development along the elite instructor pathway.

Indonesia

Mentawai Islands


The Mentawai Islands offer the ultimate experience with a 10-day luxury boat trip, providing access to some of the world’s best waves and perfect daily barrels. With premium accommodation on a luxury boat charter and small groups limited to just 10 students, this is a once-in-a-lifetime exclusive training opportunity that leads to elite certification and advanced instructor status.


Exclusive Rip Curl Partnership Benefits

Premium Brand Backing

Professional Equipment Included 

Industry Recognition - ISA certified instructor status

Global Network Access - Exclusive job opportunities

Ongoing Support - Continued brand partnership benefits

Elite Instructor Status

Premium Positioning - Stand out from basic instructors

Higher Earning Potential - Command premium rates

Brand Recognition - Instant credibility worldwide

Career Advancement - Fast-track to management roles

Guaranteed Job Placement & How We Can Do It

Proven Track Record

25+ years training excellence since 1999

7,500+ graduates working globally

Global network of resort partnerships

Industry recognition and Rip Curl backing

Comprehensive Support

CV development and portfolio creation

Interview preparation and placement assistance

3-month placement guarantee period

Ongoing career support throughout your journey

Multiple Career Pathways

Resort Instructor - £25-35/hour + accommodation

Private Coach - £40-60/hour premium rates

Surf Camp Manager - £25k annual + benefits

Academy Trainer - £20k + international travel

LIMITED SPACES

4 Programs Per Year

2025 Program Dates

February Program - Early bird booking open

May Program - Premium locations available

August Program - Peak season training

November Program - Advanced bookings only

 

2026 Program Dates

Coming soon...

 

Only 10 spaces per location per program - Book now to secure your spot.

Affordability

Investment & Payment Options

Complete Program From - £2,500 

Everything included - No hidden costs

4-Week Intensive From £2,500 - ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor Certification - Accommodation & All Equipment Included - Perfect for starting their surf career Premium professional development pathway

8-Week Professional From £3,500 - ISA Level 1 & 2 Certifications - ILS Beach Lifeguard Training - Complete instructor development package

12-Week Ultimate Experience From £5,695 - All certifications + SUP qualification - International destinations available - Perfect for beginners starting their surf career, with premium professional development pathway

 

Flexible Payment Plans

Contact Us For Mor Info 

Early Bird Special: Book 60 days in advance - Save £300

Your New Career Awaits

Ready To Transform Your Life?

Your Next Steps

Choose your dream destination from 10 global locations

Select your program length (4 or 8 weeks)

Secure your spot with instant booking

Start your global surf career with 100% job guarantee


Book Your Academy Experience

To book, visit: https://bookings.outerreefsurfschool.com/en/category/surf-instructor-academy

European Programs: Link coming soon


Have A Question?

Email: contact@outerreefsurfschool.com

Speak To Academy Director: +44 7769903653

The 'First name' field is required
The 'Last name' field is required
Please enter a valid Email address

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Join The Elite - Outer Reef Academy Alumni

At Outer Reef, you’re not just getting certified - you’re stepping into a global network of over 7,500 professional surf instructors working in some of the world’s most beautiful destinations. This is your pathway to a surf career that can take you anywhere.

You’ll train in world-class locations across 10 premium destinations, including the stunning Welsh coastline, Bali, Java, and the Mentawai Islands. Wherever you choose to start, you’ll be in the perfect environment to build your skills and confidence.


We’re proud to offer:

  • Industry Recognition
    Our exclusive partnership with Rip Curl gives you a qualification that’s respected worldwide.

  • Career Support & Job Placement
    We don’t just train you — we help you find real work opportunities after your course.

  • Global Earning Potential
    As a qualified surf instructor, you can earn £25-50+ per hour teaching in some of the world’s best surf destinations.

  • Luxury Mentawai Experience
    Select programs include an unforgettable surf trip to the Mentawai Islands, one of the world’s top surf spots.

  • Proven Track Record
    With over 25 years of experience, Outer Reef has helped thousands of surf instructors launch successful global careers.

 

From the beaches of Wales to the reefs of Indonesia, your surf career starts here.

Turn your passion into a profession and join Outer Reef Surf Academy today.

Outer Reef Surf Academy

Testimonials

8-week Isa Program At Outer Reef

The 8-week ISA program at Outer Reef completely changed my life. I went from working in an office to becoming a qualified surf instructor with job offers in three different countries. The training in Wales was incredible, but the Bali experience with Soleia Canggu really took my skills to the next level. Dean and the team don't just teach you to surf - they prepare you for a career. Six months later, I'm running my own surf lessons and couldn't be happier!

The Outer Reef Team

What sets Outer Reef Academy apart is the international experience. Training across Wales, Bali, and now with opportunities in Morocco and Sri Lanka - you're not just getting certified, you're building a global network. The ILS Lifeguard certification included in the program opened doors I never expected. I've worked in five countries since graduating, and the Outer Reef name is recognized everywhere.

James Thompson, Graduate 2023, Currently in Mentawai Islands

25 Years Of Experience

25 years of experience really shows in their teaching methods. The progression from Level 1 to Level 2 ISA certification was seamless, and adding SUP instruction made me so much more employable. The best part? 100% job placement isn't just a promise - they actually delivered. I had three job offers before I even finished the course!"

Emma Rodriguez, Graduate 2024, Now Head Instructor in Canary Islands

The 10-day Mentawai boat trip

The 10-day Mentawai boat trip was absolutely life-changing. Perfect waves, professional coaching, and an experience you can't get anywhere else. It's not just about the surfing - it's about understanding ocean safety, reading conditions, and becoming a complete waterman. Worth every penny of the investment.

Marcus Chen, Graduate 2023, Now Running Surf School in Bali

Cookie Notice

Find out more about how this website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience.