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Turn your passion into a profession

International Surf Instructor Academy | ISA Surf Courses

 

Accredited by

ISA SLSGB Rip Curl
Outer Reef Surf Instructor Academy

Surf Instructor Courses In The UK, Europe And Indonesia

Turn 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.

Become a surf instructor

Professional Surf Instructor Training With Real Ocean Experience

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.

Surf instructor training course with Outer Reef
Surf coachingISA Courses
Water safetyILS Pathways
Main supporterRip Curl
DestinationsUK, Europe, Indonesia
PathwayCareer Support
Student stories

See What The Academy Feels Like

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.

Student Experience

Real stories from people who have taken the first step into surf coaching with Outer Reef.

Choose your pathway

Find The Surf Instructor Course That Fits You

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.

ISA Level 1 surf instructor course UK
UK surf instructor course

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 1
Outdoor instructor training course UK
Outdoor instructor training UK

Outdoor Instructor Training

A wider career route for people who want to build confidence across surf, SUP, coasteering, rescue skills, leadership and outdoor education.

View UK Training
Bali surf instructor academy Indonesia
Indonesia surf academy

Bali 4, 8 And 12 Week Programs

A complete international academy experience in Indonesia, combining surf progression, coaching practice, safety training, fitness, travel and community.

View Bali Courses
ISA, ILS and SUP pathways

Build The Skills To Coach Safely And Confidently

A 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.

  • ISA surf instructor training
  • ILS beach lifeguard pathways
  • Surf coach safety and rescue
  • Flat water SUP instructor courses
  • Beginner and intermediate coaching
  • Lesson planning and group management
  • Surf forecasting and ocean awareness
  • Practical coaching development
  • Video analysis and feedback
  • Career and travel guidance
SUP instructor course and ISA training with Outer Reef
Main sponsor and supporter

Supported By Rip Curl

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 Journey
Watch the experience

See The Surf Instructor Academy In Action

Watch 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.

Surf Instructor Training

See the coaching, beach learning and energy behind the academy.

Level 2 Instructor Surf Development

Explore how surf development and wider instructor training can support your career around the water.

Academy clips

Real Moments From Our Academy Participants

Short clips from the academy give you a quick feel for the people, training, atmosphere and lifestyle behind the course.

Academy Life

A quick look at the training environment, surf lifestyle and student experience.

Student Energy

Real people, real progression and the feeling of being part of the academy.

Training Moments

See the coaching, movement and daily rhythm of academy training.

Professional surf coach training with Outer Reef
Career pathways

Where Could Surf Instructor Training Take You?

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.

  • Surf schools in the UK and overseas
  • Surf camps and surf resorts
  • Outdoor education centres
  • Adventure tourism and seasonal work
  • Beach lifeguard and surf safety pathways
  • International surf travel opportunities
Train and travel

Surf Instructor Pathways In Wales, Europe, Indonesia And Sri Lanka

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.

Surf instructor course Wales UK
United Kingdom

Surf Instructor Courses UK

Train in Wales with Outer Reef and build the coaching skills, water confidence and professional foundations to begin your surf instructor journey.

View UK Course
Surf instructor courses Europe
Europe

France, Spain And Portugal

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
Surf instructor training Bali Indonesia
Indonesia

Bali, Java And Sri Lanka

Take your training further with warm-water surf, tropical travel, academy progression and unforgettable international surf experiences.

View Bali Academy
Surf travel guides

Explore The Surf Destinations Behind The Journey

Discover the surf regions that inspire our academy pathways, from Indonesia and Morocco to Portugal, France, Spain and the Canary Islands.

Frequently asked questions

Surf Instructor Course FAQs

Helpful answers for surfers, travellers and future instructors choosing the right training pathway.

How do I become a surf instructor?

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.

Are ISA surf instructor courses internationally recognised?

ISA surf instructor qualifications are widely recognised across the surf coaching industry and are commonly used by surf schools and surf camps worldwide.

Do I need a lifeguard qualification?

Surf coaching requires appropriate rescue and water safety training. Our pathways include surf rescue and ILS beach lifeguard development options.

Can I train in the UK?

Yes. Outer Reef offers UK-based surf instructor and outdoor instructor training options, including ISA Level 1 and wider outdoor career pathways.

Can I train in Bali or Indonesia?

Yes. Our Bali academy programs are designed for students who want an international surf instructor training experience in Indonesia.

Which course should I choose?

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.

Ready To Start Your Surf Instructor Journey?

Join Outer Reef Surf Instructor Academy and start building the skills, confidence and experience to coach, travel and work in the surf industry.

Why Outer Reef Surf Instructor Academy Leads the 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.

While local surf schools offer basic lessons at one beach, Outer Reef Academy operates across 10 premium destinations with international training locations, global 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

Where Surf Careers Take Off

Backed by the Surf School Alliance

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.

Surf School Alliance Logo

Surf Instructor Courses Frequently Asked Questions

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.

SURF INSTRUCTOR COURSE COST

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.

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.

ISA Level 1 - 20 Hours

ISA Level 2 - 10 Hours

ISA Level 1 FW SUP - 10 Hours

Once you have completed your assisting hours all information will be sent to the relevant governing body who will then process your certification

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.

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

 

  • 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.
  • Emergency Action 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.

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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