How to Become an ASI Surfing Instructor & Surf Coach


Overview

If you’re passionate about surfing and want to teach others, the ASI Surf Instructor and Surf Coach pathway gives you the skills, safety training, and global accreditation needed to coach beginner surfers with confidence. This guide explains everything you need to know — from entry requirements to training steps and career pathways.

What Is the ASI Level 1 Surf Instructor & Surf Coach Certification?

The ASI Level 1 Surf Instructor Certification is the industry‑recognised qualification that allows you to teach beginner surfers in white‑water and small‑wave conditions of 1 ½ ft. It prepares you to work professionally as a surf instructor or surf coach, focusing on:

  • Safe and effective lesson delivery

  • Ocean awareness and risk management

  • Beginner coaching techniques

  • Group management

  • Professional teaching standards

This is the first step in the ASI coaching framework and is accepted by surf schools worldwide.

Read About Course Requirements and Study Options

Who This Course Is For

The Level 1 course is ideal for:

  • Surfers wanting to work at a surf school

  • Travellers seeking a globally recognised qualification

  • Coaches transitioning from other water sports

  • Anyone wanting to teach surfing safely and professionally

Entry Requirements

To enrol in the ASI Level 1 Surf Instructor & Surf Coach course, you must meet:

  • Minimum age: 16 years

  • Surfing experience: 500+ hours of surfing

  • Surfing knowledge and skills: equivalent to ASI Surf Wise Level 6 Intermediate Surfer

  • Surfing ability: surf the wave from start to finish and perform bottom and top turn, cutback on forehand in 3ft surf.

Note: for Surf Wise Level 6, you only need to state on enrolment form you have these knowledge & skills.

These prerequisites ensure you have the personal surf ability and safety awareness needed to teach beginners responsibly.

Course Structure

1. Theory Training

Delivered online or in person, covering:

  • Surf safety and hazard identification

  • Lesson planning and communication

  • Beginner coaching methods

  • Risk management and duty of care

2. Practical Training

Hands on coaching practice where you demonstrate:

  • Safe group management

  • Effective beginner instruction

  • Correct demonstration and feedback techniques

  • Ability to run a full beginner lesson indepentedly

3. Supervised Coaching Hours

You must complete 25 hours of real world coaching under the supervision of an experienced instructor.

4. Submit Required Certificates

Before accreditation is issued, you must provide:

These ensure you meet ASI’s safety and rescue standards.

5. Assessment & Accreditation

Once all components are complete, you submit your assessments for review.

Successful candidates receive their ASI Level 1 Surf Instructor Certification, allowing you to teach beginner surfers independently.

Where You Can Work

With your Level 1 qualification, you can work as a surf instructor or surf coach:

  • At surf schools around the world

  • In tourism and adventure sport programs

  • At surf camps and holiday resorts

  • As a freelance beginner surf coach

  • Apply to become an ASI Accredited Surf School, allowing you to operate your own professional Surf business under ASI’s global standards.

ASI qualifications are internationally recognised, giving you the freedom to work and travel.

Progression Pathways

After Level 1, you can continue your professional development with:

Why Choose ASI?

  • Globally recognised surf coaching qualifications

  • Industry‑leading safety and coaching standards

  • Flexible online and in‑person training

  • Clear career progression

  • Trusted by surf schools worldwide

READ: 10 Reasons to Become an ASI Instructor

Additional Qualification: Introductory Surfing Instructor Certificate

If you do not have intermediate level surfing ability, you are not yet ready for the full Level 1 certification. However, you can enrol in the Introductory Surfing Instructor Certificate – which provides a practical entry point into surf coaching.

What You Can Do With This Certificate

The Introductory certificate allows you to:

  • Teach lessons at a designated ASI Accredited Surf school only

  • Teach your own group of beginner surfers, (make up the ratios), but with a mentor present

It’s ideal for surfers, aspiring coaches, or anyone still developing their surf skills.

Entry Requirements

Typically includes:

  • Basic surfing ability - Surf Wise Level 4

  • Understanding of ocean safety

  • Sponsored by an ASI Accredited Surf School

  • Minimum age: 16 years

Pathway to Level 1

The Introductory certificate is a recognised stepping stone toward:

  • ASI Level 1 Surf Instructor

  • ASI Level 2 Surf Instructor

  • Additional water safety and rescue training

It provides a clear, supported pathway into professional surf coaching.

Ready to Start Coaching?

Read About Course Requirements and Study Options

Enrol in the ASI Surfing Instructor Course or view 10 Reasons to Become an ASI Instructor