How to Be Surf Instructor and Coach - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 18, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

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Surf instructors and coaches help surfers learn the basics of the sport and improve their skills. By teaching proper technique, board control, and wave selection, these professionals can help surfers progress their skills quickly and safely. Having a qualified instructor and coach can also be beneficial for more experienced surfers, as they can provide feedback and guidance on how to refine techniques and progress to more advanced maneuvers. With the help of an instructor or coach, surfers can improve their confidence and performance in the water, allowing them to get more enjoyment out of the sport.

Steps How to Become

Obtain the necessary qualifications. Start by obtaining a Surf Instructor and Coach qualification from an accredited surf school or organization. This will involve taking a course, which typically covers topics such as surf safety, surf instruction techniques, oceanography and wave dynamics, surf rescue techniques, and more.
Get certified. After completing the course, you will need to get certified as a Surf Instructor and Coach. The certification process involves passing an exam and completing a certain number of hours of supervised teaching and/or coaching experience.
Gain experience. Once certified, it is important to gain as much experience as possible. You can do this by working as a volunteer or part-time instructor at a local surf school or by offering private lessons.
Promote yourself. Once you have gained enough experience and have developed a good reputation in the surfing community, it is time to start promoting yourself. This may involve creating a website or social media page, advertising your services on local bulletin boards or in newspapers, or attending events and networking with other instructors.
Obtain additional qualifications. To remain competitive, you may want to consider obtaining additional qualifications such as a first aid and CPR certification or a degree in outdoor education or physical education.

As a surf instructor and coach, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques in order to provide the best possible experience for your students. Keeping up with changes in the surf industry and staying abreast of the latest technological breakthroughs will help you remain capable and knowledgeable. networking with other surf instructors and coaches is a great way to stay in the loop and learn from others successes and failures.

Finally, reading surf and coaching related books, magazines, and publications can help you stay informed on the latest developments and give you valuable insight into the industry. By taking the time to stay updated and knowledgeable, you will be able to provide the best instruction for your students.

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Job Description

Surf Instructor: Teach new and experienced surfers how to safely and effectively maneuver on the waves. Provide lessons in a variety of water sports, including surfing, bodyboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Surf Coach: Provide feedback and advice to surfers on technique and safety. Monitor surfers while they are in the water, and provide guidance and support to help them improve their skills. Assist with the organization of beach activities and competitions.
Lifeguard: Monitor activity in the ocean and respond to any potential emergencies. Ensure that all surfers are following the rules and regulations of the beach. Enforce safety protocols and provide first-aid when necessary.
Beach Manager: Oversee the daily operations of a beach, including the safety and comfort of beach-goers. Ensure that the beach is well maintained and that beach activities are organized and run smoothly.
Beach Ambassador: Represent a beach at public events, such as competitions, festivals and fundraisers. Educate beach-goers on the importance of respecting the environment and safety protocols.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to explain and demonstrate surfing techniques and skills
Ability to assess and evaluate student performance
Knowledge of the rules, regulations and etiquette of surfing
Ability to provide constructive feedback and guidance
Ability to develop and implement training plans
Knowledge of basic first aid and CPR
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work with people of all ages and skill levels
Ability to maintain a safe, secure learning environment
Ability to identify potential hazards in the surf environment

Surfing is a unique sport that requires a combination of physical strength, agility, and mental acuity to be successful. Therefore, a surf instructor and coach must possess a variety of skills to ensure the safety and satisfaction of the students they are teaching. First, they need to be knowledgeable in the fundamentals of surfing, such as wave dynamics and board positioning.

They must also have the ability to recognize and address any potential hazards that could arise while their students are in the water. they must have excellent communication skills to teach their students the proper technique and provide feedback when needed. Finally, they must have a passion for the sport and be able to inspire their students to have fun and stay safe while learning.

All of these skills are essential for a successful surf instructor and coach.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in Surf Instruction and Coaching?
What methods do you use to motivate and encourage students?
What safety measures do you take when working with a group of students?
How would you handle a student who is having difficulty understanding and learning the sport?
How do you ensure students stay within their comfort and skill level?
What challenges have you faced when teaching and coaching?
What strategies do you use to assess student progress?
How do you adapt your teaching style to different age groups and skill levels?
How do you stay current with the latest surfing techniques and trends?
What do you think are the key components of successful surf instruction and coaching?

Common Tools in Industry

Wetsuit. A wetsuit is a garment designed to keep a surfer warm in cold water. (e. g. O'Neill Wetsuit)
Surfboard. A board used in surfing that is constructed from a variety of materials such as foam, fiberglass, and plastic. (e. g. Catch Surf Surfboard)
Leash. A cord attached to the surfboard and the surfer's ankle to keep the board from washing away. (e. g. FCS Surf Leash)
Fins. A fin is a rigid, protruding object attached to the underside of a surfboard that helps with maneuverability and speed. (e. g. FCS II Fin System)
Wax. A waxy substance applied to the top of a surfboard to improve grip when riding waves. (e. g. Sticky Bumps Surf Wax)
Beach Towel. A large, absorbent towel used by surfers to dry off when they leave the water. (e. g. Rip Curl Beach Towel)
Rash Guard. A lightweight shirt worn by surfers to protect their skin from chafing and sunburn. (e. g. Billabong Rash Guard)
Sunscreen. Sunscreen is a cream or lotion used to protect the skin from sunburns and long-term skin damage caused by ultraviolet rays. (e. g. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen)
First Aid Kit. A collection of medical supplies and equipment used to treat minor injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and burns. (e. g. Adventure Medical Kits)
Waterproof Speaker. A speaker that is waterproof and sandproof, allowing surfers to listen to music while surfing and enjoying the beach environment. (e. g. JBL Clip 2 Waterproof Speaker)

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Lifesaving Association (USLA)
World Surf League (WSL)
Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP)
International Surfing Association (ISA)
Professional Surfing Instructors of America (PSIA)
International Surf Coaches Association (ISCA)
International Federation of Surf Schools (IFSS)
American Canoe Association (ACA)
National Surf Schools and Instructors Association (NSSIA)
National Surf Schools and Instructors Alliance (NSSIA)

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Common Important Terms

Surfboard. A long, narrow board used for riding waves in the ocean.
Wetsuit. A tight-fitting suit made of neoprene, used to keep a surfer warm in cold ocean water.
Leash. A cord that attaches a surfers surfboard to their leg and prevents the board from floating away if they fall off.
Wax. A wax that is applied to the surfboard to help surfers grip the board and stay on it while surfing.
Swell. A large wave created by an ocean storm or distant storm system that can be ridden by surfers.
Break. A point near the shoreline where a swell breaks and creates a wave suitable for surfing.
Duck Dive. A technique used to quickly and successfully dive beneath an incoming wave without losing balance on the surfboard.
Paddle Out. A technique used to move from the shore to the break, using ones arms to paddle the surfboard in a specific direction.
Pop-up. A technique used to stand up quickly on the surfboard after laying down on it in order to catch a wave.
Stance. The way a surfer stands on the surfboard while riding a wave, either with their left or right foot forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to become a Surf Instructor and Coach?

To become a Surf Instructor and Coach, applicants must have a valid qualification from a recognised surf training organisation such as the International Surfing Association (ISA) or the International Surfing Association of Australia (ISAA). Additionally, applicants must have a current first aid certificate and be proficient in swimming and surf rescue techniques.

What skills are necessary to be a successful Surf Instructor and Coach?

Successful Surf Instructors and Coaches must have excellent communication skills and the ability to motivate and inspire others. They should also be highly knowledgeable about surf safety, ocean awareness, surf etiquette and surf techniques.

What is the typical working environment for a Surf Instructor and Coach?

Surf Instructors and Coaches typically work in beach environments and may be employed by surf schools, resorts, camps or other recreational facilities.

What are some common duties of a Surf Instructor and Coach?

Common duties of a Surf Instructor and Coach include providing lessons on surfboard handling and technique, supervising students in the water, assessing student progress and providing feedback, monitoring weather conditions and ensuring student safety.

What is the average salary for a Surf Instructor and Coach?

The average salary for a Surf Instructor and Coach ranges from $20-$30 per hour depending on experience, qualifications, and location.

Web Resources

CofC Sailing Director, Surf Instructor Keep It All in the Family today.cofc.edu
Surf | Department of Recreation - UC Santa Barbara recreation.ucsb.edu
Ocean Surfing (9 yrs & up) - Los Angeles Pierce College extension.piercecollege.edu