ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor
A focused UK course for surfers ready to take their first professional step into coaching and gain a recognised surf instructor qualification.
Book UK ISA Level 1Turn your passion for surfing into a professional pathway. Train with Outer Reef through ISA surf instructor courses, ILS beach lifeguard pathways, SUP instructor training and international academy experiences designed to help you coach, travel and work around the ocean.
Outer Reef Surf Instructor Academy is built for surfers who want more than a qualification. You will develop coaching skills, ocean awareness, water safety, confidence, leadership and practical experience in real surf environments.
Start in Wales with a UK surf instructor course, build a wider outdoor instructor career, or join our international academy pathway in Bali and Indonesia.
Hear from students who have trained with Outer Reef and get a real feel for the coaching, community, travel and confidence that come with the academy.
If you are comparing surf instructor courses in the UK, Europe or Indonesia, this is the best way to see the experience before choosing your pathway.
Real stories from people who have taken the first step into surf coaching with Outer Reef.
Whether you want a fast UK qualification, a wider outdoor career pathway or the full international surf academy experience, there is a route to match your goals.
A focused UK course for surfers ready to take their first professional step into coaching and gain a recognised surf instructor qualification.
Book UK ISA Level 1
A wider career route for people who want to build confidence across surf, SUP, coasteering, rescue skills, leadership and outdoor education.
View UK Training
A complete international academy experience in Indonesia, combining surf progression, coaching practice, safety training, fitness, travel and community.
View Bali CoursesA strong surf instructor needs more than surfing ability. Our academy helps you develop coaching confidence, communication, risk awareness, rescue skills and ocean knowledge so you are better prepared for real surf school environments.
Outer Reef is proud to have Rip Curl as a main sponsor and supporter of the instructor academy pathway.
Their support helps strengthen the surf culture, professional feel and industry connection behind the academy, giving students a training environment that feels serious, authentic and connected to the wider surf world.
Start Your Instructor JourneyWatch real training moments, coaching sessions and academy life to get a feel for what it is like to learn, progress and become part of the Outer Reef community.
See the coaching, beach learning and energy behind the academy.
Explore how surf development and wider instructor training can support your career around the water.
Short clips from the academy give you a quick feel for the people, training, atmosphere and lifestyle behind the course.
A quick look at the training environment, surf lifestyle and student experience.
Real people, real progression and the feeling of being part of the academy.
See the coaching, movement and daily rhythm of academy training.
Surf instructor training can help you take the next step towards surf schools, surf camps, outdoor centres, beach lifeguarding, adventure tourism and seasonal travel opportunities.
No course can honestly guarantee employment, but strong training, practical coaching experience and clear guidance can give you a much better foundation for applying for roles and stepping into the surf industry.
Start your training in Wales, join the Bali surf instructor academy, or explore international surf travel pathways through Java, Sri Lanka, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands.
Train in Wales with Outer Reef and build the coaching skills, water confidence and professional foundations to begin your surf instructor journey.
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Explore European surf destinations known for beach breaks, surf camps and seasonal coaching opportunities. Ideal for students who want to combine training with travel.
Explore Surf Guides
Take your training further with warm-water surf, tropical travel, academy progression and unforgettable international surf experiences.
View Bali Academy
Discover the surf regions that inspire our academy pathways, from Indonesia and Morocco to Portugal, France, Spain and the Canary Islands.
Helpful answers for surfers, travellers and future instructors choosing the right training pathway.
You need suitable surfing ability, coaching training, water safety awareness and the right qualification pathway. Outer Reef offers UK and international routes to help you begin.
ISA surf instructor qualifications are widely recognised across the surf coaching industry and are commonly used by surf schools and surf camps worldwide.
Surf coaching requires appropriate rescue and water safety training. Our pathways include surf rescue and ILS beach lifeguard development options.
Yes. Outer Reef offers UK-based surf instructor and outdoor instructor training options, including ISA Level 1 and wider outdoor career pathways.
Yes. Our Bali academy programs are designed for students who want an international surf instructor training experience in Indonesia.
Choose UK ISA Level 1 for a focused qualification, outdoor instructor training for a broader career route, or Bali for the full international academy experience.
Join Outer Reef Surf Instructor Academy and start building the skills, confidence and experience to coach, travel and work in the surf industry.
Global surf instructor success starts here.
Students gain placements in Europe, Asia, and beyond, experiencing epic surf and teaching adventures, including boat trips in the Maldives. Turn your surf passion into a career and explore the world while doing what you love.
Where Surf Careers Take Off
We’re proud to be part of the Surf School Alliance, a global network setting the gold standard in surf coaching. From career support to training surf schools worldwide, the SSA helps instructors grow and surf businesses thrive.

Here at Outer Reef, we have been running surf lessons and professional development courses for over 25 years both in our home county of Pembrokeshire and worldwide.
We still love teaching the next generation of surfers, paddle boarders and beach lifeguards, whether it’s on a windswept beach in Wales, or on the beaches of France or Bali.
Our fearless leader, Dean, is a true waterman and has represented the GB in competitive surfing. He is a surf ambassador for UK/Europe, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, helping national governing bodies create a clear pathway for the sports development. With 25 years of experience in Surf, Sup and Lifesaving development to all ages and abilities, Dean is also very proud to work together with Disability Sport Wales, local community organisations, junior and secondary schools, National Trust and Pembrokeshire County Council, as well as global governing bodies.
We often employ people, especially locals, who have completed courses with us, so be sure to ask if you are looking for employment and we can let you know if we have any availability.
Yes we are. We have £10 million public liability insurance and all instructors & surf crew are fully qualified & members of the NGB.
COURSE FEES will vary on the venue
There are no hidden costs you will have to keep up-to-date with your membership to the ISA, which is the international governing body.
The ISA Introduction to Surf Instructing E-Learning Course is now live on the ISA Source and available to complete at any time. As announced, the ISA Surf Level 1 Certification Pathway now requires all instructors to complete the course as a prerequisite to participating in the Surf Level 1 course. Course Fees is $50 after booking the ISA Level 1 with Oute Reef. Please read our FAQ's on E-Learning for more information.
UK
France
Spain
Portugal
Morocco
Canary Islands
Bali
East Java
Sri Lanka
ment's
Maldives
Accommodation is not included in the cost of the course in the UK but we can recommend great value for money accommodation in the nearby area.
Courses outside the UK accommodation is a must because that's where we're running the course and it's great to stay in the same place and work and learn together
Yes! You must be able to show and understand the rules of priority, be able to negotiate the line up and show confidence in turning left and right.
HOW FAR DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO SWIM?
This is specific to each of the different courses we offer, and more details can be found on each of our individual course pages. We do require you to be swim fit and a confident and competent swimmer.
HOW MANY HOURS OF SUPERVISED INSTRUCTION DO I NEED TO COMPLETE BEFORE MY QUALIFICATION IS VALID?
ISA Level 1 - 20 Hours
ISA Level 2 - 10 Hours
ISA Level 1 FW SUP - 10 Hours
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY CERTIFICATE?
Once you have completed your assisting hours all information will be sent to the relevant governing body who will then process your certification
DO I NEED A LIFESAVING QUALIFICATION TOO?
Yes, all ISA courses require an up to date lifesaving qualification too which can be completed before or after your course. If you are interested in doing your lifesaving course with us please let us know upon booking.
ISA LEVEL 1 INTRODUCTION TO SURF INSTRUCTING E-LEARNING COURSE
Introduction: (for anyone booking an ISA Level 1 Course)
The ISA Introduction to Surf Instructing E-Learning Course is designed to introduce surfers to the knowledge and skills needed to deliver safe, quality learn-to-surf lessons for beginners and early intermediate level surfers. The course can be completed online at any time and is the first step on the pathway to achieving an ISA Surf Level 1 Certification.
When you book the ISA Level 1 with Outer Reef you'll be sent an email containing a discount code for 50% off the course and instructions on how to register. You'll be responsible for registering and paying the E-Learning fee directly to the ISA. This will begin your surf instructor education journey through the ISA’s globally recognized Coaching and Instructing Program.
Fee: $50 after discount code is applied
This course is the first step to becoming an ISA Certified Instructor. Participants who complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion upon finishing all eight modules. Finishing this course alone does not qualify the participant as an ISA Certified Instructor. After completing this course, participants must participate in an ISA Surf Level 1 Instructor Course with an ISA Course Presenter to become certified
Prerequisites: None
Length of Course: Approximately 8-10 Hours (can be completed at your own pace and over multiple sessions)
Languages Available: English, Spanish, Portuguese
Outline:
Module 1: Instructor Attributes
Module 2: Safety Guidelines
Module 3: Risk Management
Module 4: Equipment for Beginner Surfers
Module 5: Coaching Methods
Module 6: Skill Development
Module 7: Program Planning
Module 8: ISA Coaching and Instructing Pathway
Not only do you get to spend every day on the beach, but you can also manage it so you work during summers and escape the winters traveling. You can also get jobs abroad, or in surf camps right across the globe. On top 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.
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