Surf : HOW TO GET STARTED

You need to be a confident and competent surfer then book a surf instructor course. The International Surf Association Level 1 is the most recognized as the first step to be an instructor.

 

FIRST AID: You’ll need your Beach Lifeguard Qualification or a Surf Lifesaving Certificate with both Surf rescue and a Senior level first aid qualification AND an Advanced Resuscitation qualification.

 

Then you can start giving lessons…

 

You’ll have to be 18 to teach and you have to do 40 hours on the job to solidify your ISA1. You can often do this alongside a full time job or other work. if you just want to pack the bag and board and throw yourself into it, there are a lot of surf camps around the world. Or you can get a SUP Instructors Qualification and then work up to Surf Instructor while you are working. Keep in mind that,  in addition to the fee for the course, in some places you may have to pay up to another $1000 for your ISA1 certification and accreditation

 

In some countries you will need more qualifications; for example, you may need to be certified to work with Oxygen. If you will be working with children or minors, in some countries, like the UK and Australia, you will need an up to date DBS, or Police Background check to work with children. At the ASI, you can do Instructors Levels from 1 to Level 5 Master Coach. You can look into adding other qualifications like outdoor first aid, and extend your services to kayaking, or other water or outdoor guiding.

 

If you do decide you can earn more working independently you will need all the right permits and comprehensive insurance. It’s always a good idea to ask an employer if liability insurance is included in a contract or if you need to have your own. 

 

Select a region on the left for more information. You can message an employer on Work the Wilds to ask what they would accept. Find an employer HERE.  When you have registered you can post any questions to our Wild Chat Board for personalised feedback.  Register for Free. If you become a Green Flash Member you can spread the net a bit wider by increasing your communication ability and have your profile featured

 

*Please remember that this is general information. We keep it as up to date as possible, but it's important you do your own research and know all the risks before heading out into the Wilds. If you are an expert in your sport and/or would like to become a contributor for Work the Wilds, please drop us an email at info@workthewilds.com or Contact Us