Teaching people to surf for a living has got to be one of the best jobs in the world. You’re paid to share your love for surfing and get your students as stoked as you are! Sounds like the dream, right?

Working as a surf instructor is just as much a lifestyle choice as it is a career move. It can be pretty physically demanding and you’ll need to have loads of energy to make it through the day. But if you want to spend more time outside in the elements, being active and meeting new people every day, then it could be the best decision you ever make! Here are 10 reasons why you should jump in and go for it. 

1. Make the beach your office

As a surf instructor, you get to be one of those lucky few who can walk onto a beach, spread their arms wide and say, ‘Welcome to my office!’ Yes, there will be days when the wind blows onshore and you’re standing in the rain. But think about it – you’re still at the beach! Just imagine that you could be sitting at a desk in front of a screen for 8 hours a day. And when the sun is shining and the waves are perfect, there’s really no better place to be.

2. Meet new people and make friends for life

It’s not just about where you work – it’s who you work with that makes the job so much fun. With every new day comes a new group of students, and you’ll meet people from all walks of life. Plus, the friendships you make with your fellow surf instructors are like no other, and they might even become your travel buddies! Which leads us onto the next point…

3. Travel the world (and get paid for it!)

If your two biggest passions in life are surfing and travel, then working as a surf instructor will allow you to make these two hobbies your lifestyle. Whether it’s exploring your local coastline or jetting off to far-flung places, surf coaching is a great way to fund your travels. You’ll get to immerse yourself in different cultures, meet interesting people and maybe learn a new language or two. You never know where it will take you – but you’re guaranteed amazing waves and the experience of a lifetime wherever you go.

4. Stay fit (and get a tan!)

Do you wish you could spend more time moving your body and less time sitting down tapping away at a computer? Surfing is a physically demanding sport, and teaching people to surf is no different. When you’re not walking up and down the beach with two foamies under your arms, you’ll be jumping over waves and paddling between your students (i.e. getting a full body workout). This will also improve your surf fitness for when you clock off work and catch some waves for yourself! 

5. Take back control over your time

It’s safe to say, this is not your average 9 to 5 gig. You can work as much or as little as you want and be in charge of your time. And since the tides will often set your schedule, everyday is different. You might be up early one day and be done by lunchtime, or you could have the whole morning to yourself as you wait for the tide to drop for your afternoon lesson. 

6. Improve your health and wellbeing

It’s a scientific fact that being in, on or around water makes you feel better. There’s the physical health benefits of being in cold water, like a boosted immune system and improved circulation. Not to mention the calming effect it has on your mind and the release of mood-boosting endorphins that gives you that amazing stoked out feeling. Being a surf instructor means that you’re out in the elements all day, soaking up that sunshine and fresh sea air, disconnected from devices and immersed in nature. 

7. Make a difference in someone’s life

Do you remember how incredible it felt to catch your first ever wave? If you’re like us, it’s that exact feeling that has you coming back for more. The sheer joy of riding waves can brighten up the darkest of days, pull you out of a funk and give you a fresh perspective on things. You never know what your students might be going through in their life, and surfing might just turn things around for them. Sharing your love of surfing with people is so rewarding – even more so when you watch them stand up on their first wave.

8. Boost your confidence

You don’t have to be the most amazing surfer in the world to become a surf instructor. In fact, teaching beginners to surf will actually make you feel more confident in your own surfing. Once you’ve helped someone catch their first wave, you’ll realise just how much knowledge and skill you have to be able to pass on that experience to them.

9. Gain an invaluable qualification

The ISA Level 1 (International Surf Association) is the most recognised surf instructor certification and industry standard for teaching surfing in the UK and beyond. Getting this qualification under your belt is your ticket to get out and see the world, since it’s the most widely recognised and accepted at most surf schools and centres.

10. Never work a day in your life!

Has anyone ever complained about having to go down to the beach to teach people to surf? Not us! When you’re working with such a rad crew of like-minded people in the most incredible places around the world, it won’t feel like work at all.

So, are you ready to make the beach your new office? We’ve partnered with Newquay Activity Centre to offer you a new intensive surf instructor course to make that dream of yours come true! This course will teach you everything you need to know to become an internationally recognised qualified surf instructor.

Within 3 weeks you will learn all the technical, safety and soft skills to deliver amazing surf lessons. Then you’ll  complete your shadowing hours, log book, life saving course and everything you need to start work as a fully qualified instructor. You’ll then receive a guaranteed interview for a paid position with Women and Waves!

Want to learn more? CLICK HERE TO VIEW OUR NEW 3-WEEK INTENSIVE SURF INSTRUCTOR COURSE