Course Overview

Instruct beginner level surfing lessons and activities.

You will be qualified to instruct at locations with the following conditions:

• Surf no larger than 1½ft (½ metre)

• Water depth of chest deep or less

• Sandy beach and ocean floor with even gradient (no rocks or reef) 

• Free from rocks, free from rips, minimal lateral current, no dumping shore break

• Wind less than 20 kph

• The role of the surfing instructor

• Identifying laws and regulations that apply to conducting surfing lessons

• Client management and safety

• Identifying surfing lesson risks and hazards

• Emergency processes and responses

• Logistics and how to plan surfing sessions

• Suitable boards, equipment and resources

• Communication skills for the surfing environment

• Instruction and coaching methods

• Creating lesson plans

• Assessing students performance

• Evaluating surfing lessons

• Minimising environmental impacts (social & natural)

Surfing instructor in the surfing or outdoor recreation industry.
Industry job roles that require surfing knowledge (e.g. marketing sales, retail, travel)

Before enrolling in this course, you will have:

• at least 500 hours surfing experience 
   

• surfing skills and knowledge equivalent to ASI Surf Wise Level 6 Intermediate Surfer.    
  Able to perform and link bottom turn and top turn, cut-back on forehand, on the one wave in 3ft surf.

This course offers the following study options:

Workshop: Ideal for people who like to complete most of the course requirements at the workshop and interact with the trainer.

• Face to face (in-person) training

• Complete most course requirements at the workshop.

Online Learning: Ideal for people who would like flexibility to complete their training.

• Work at your own pace.

• Video submissions of surfing ability

• Practical hours experience (face to face) required

Update: For instructors whose ASI certification has expired and need to regain the ASI certification.

• Online course

• Expired by no more than 4 years

• Some course requirements waived

• Work at your own pace

• Welcome back with ASI’s discount fee!

Transfer: Obtain your ASI instructor certification by applying for recognition of your current non ASI instructor certificate.

• Online course

• Non ASI instructor certificate not expired by more than 12 months

• Some course requirements waived

• Work at your own pace

• Retain your non ASI instructor certificate

• Special fees apply if planning to work for an ASI Accredited School

• Extra special fees apply in some countries. (see course requirements below).

Apprenticeship: Gain real-world experience, complete assessments, under the expert guidance of an ASI Trainer.

• Hands-on, practical experience

• Flexible training schedule

• Practical hours experienced organised by trainer

• 6 weeks to complete training

ASI’s E-learning Platform Provides access to training manuals, videos, reference materials and assessments, includes built-in language translation.

Ideal for people who like to complete most of the course requirements at the workshop and interact with the trainer.

• Face to face (in-person) training

• Complete most course requirements at the workshop.

• Duration: 2 days

What We Provide

• Level 1 Surfing Instructor manual (paper copy & online)

• Surfing Instruction Logbook (paper copy & online)

• Learn to Surf for Beginners Manual (online)

• Learn to Surf Intermediate Level Manual (online)

• 12 months ASI membership

• 1 free assessment plus 1 free re-assessment

• Access to ASI elearning platform - course manuals, with option to upload assessments.

Course Requirements

At Workshop:

• Complete theory assessments and exercises, practice at beach.

• Demonstrate ASI Surf Wise Level 6 Intermediate surfing ability. Able to perform and link bottom turn and top turn, cut-back on forehand, on the one wave in 3ft surf.

• Complete written assessment

After Workshop:

• Complete 25 hours practical work experience, assisting in the delivery of beginner surfing lessons, at an ASI accredited surf school or other approved surf school.  Submit logbook of hours/experience.

  (Note: 5 hours signed off at the workshop, leaving you 20 hours to complete).

Other:

• Submit a current ASI Surf Rescue certificate or other surf rescue certificate. Refer to: Acceptable Rescue certificates

• Submit a current senior first aid certificate. Refer to: Acceptable First Aid certificates

• Submit identification

Note: Surf Rescue and First Aid Certificates can be provided after workshop. 

Time to Complete: You have 12 months from date of workshop to complete all course requirements.  

Re-assessment Fees: Apply if not yet competent in surfing ability or written assessment. Fees

Ideal for people who would like flexibility to complete their training.

• Work at your own pace.

• Video submissions of surfing ability

• Practical hours experience (face to face) required 

What We Provide

Access to ASI elearning platform - course manuals, assessments.

• Level 1 Surfing Instructor manual 

• Downloadable Surfing Instructor logbook

• Learn to Surf for Beginners Manual

• Learn to Surf Intermediate Level Manual

• 12 months ASI membership

• 1 free assessment plus 1 free re-assessment

Course Requirements

• Read online manual, view videos, complete exercises

• Submit 1 written assessment    

• Complete online multi choice test - 15 questions

• Submit video demonstrating ASI Surf Wise Level 6 Intermediate surfing ability.Able to perform and link bottom turn and top turn, cut-back on forehand, on the one wave in 3ft surf.

• Complete 25 hours practical work experience, assisting in the delivery of beginner surfing lessons, at an ASI accredited surf school or other approved surf school.  Submit logbook of hours/experience.

Other:

• Submit a current ASI Surf Rescue certificate or other surf rescue certificate. Refer to: Acceptable Rescue certificates

• Submit a current senior first aid certificate. Refer to: Acceptable First Aid certificates

• Submit identification

Note: Surf Rescue and First Aid Certificates can be provided after enrolment. 

Time to Complete: You have 12 months from enrolment to complete all course requirements.  

Re-assessment Fees : Apply if not yet competent in surfing ability or written assessment. Fees

Obtain your ASI instructor certification by applying for recognition of your current non ASI instructor certificate.

• Online course

• Some course requirements waived

• Work at your own pace

• Retain your non ASI instructor certificate

• Special fees apply if planning to work for an ASI Accredited School

• Extra special fees apply is some countries.

Entry Requirements
Submit an acceptable non-ASI Surfing Instructor certificate, not expired by more than 12 months at the time of enrolling with ASI.

What We Provide

Access to ASI elearning platform - course manuals, assessments.

• Level 1 Surfing Instructor manual 

• Learn to Surf for Beginners Manual

• Learn to Surf Intermediate Level Manual

• 12 months ASI membership

• 1 free assessment

Course Requirements

• Read online manual, view videos, complete exercises

• Submit 1 written assessment

• Complete online multi choice test - 15 questions

• Submit video demonstrating ASI Surf Wise Level 6 Intermediate surfing ability. Able to perform and link bottom turn and top turn, cut-back on forehand, on the one wave in 3ft surf.

Waived: No requirement to complete pactical hours

Other:

• Submit a current ASI Surf Rescue certificate or other surf rescue certificate. Refer to: Acceptable Rescue certificates

• Submit a current senior first aid certificate. Refer to: Acceptable First Aid certificates

• Submit identification

Note: Surf Rescue and First Aid Certificates can be provided after enrolment. 

Enrolment: If you are planning to work for an ASI Accredited Surf School, choose “Special Fee” inside the enrolment form and list the surf school name.

Time to Complete: You have 12 months from enrolment to complete all course requirements.  

Re-assessment Fees : Apply if not yet competent in surfing ability or written assessment. Fees

EXTRA SPECIAL FEES

Extra special fees may apply if you hold an instructor certification issued in that country and are planning to work for an “ASI Accredited Surf School”.

• Australia

• Ireland

• UK

• Portugal. Grau 1 Treinadore de Surfing completed with ASI Portugal. ASI Surf Rescue certificates can also be applied for, as long as you hold a current First Aid Certificate

Email ASI for more information and extra special fees, listing the name of the surf school you plan to work for.

For instructors whose ASI certification has expired and need to regain the ASI certification.

• Online course

• Expired by no more than 4 years

• Some course requirements waived

• Work at your own pace

• Welcome back with ASI’s discount fee!

Entry Requirements
Hold an ASI Level 1 Surfing Instructor certificate – expired by no more than 4 years.

What We Provide

Access to ASI elearning platform - course manuals, assessments.

• Level 1 Surfing Instructor manual 

• Learn to Surf for Beginners Manual

• Learn to Surf Intermediate Level Manual

• 12 months ASI membership

• 1 free assessment

Course Requirements

• Read online manual, view videos, complete exercises

• Submit 1 written assessment

• Complete online multi choice test - 15 questions

• Submit video demonstrating ASI Surf Wise Level 6 Intermediate surfing ability. Able to perform and link bottom turn and top turn, cut-back on forehand, on the one wave in 3ft surf.
  (Previously submitted surfing ability video may be used. Determined on a case by case basis).

Waived: There is no requirement to complete practical hours experience. 

Other

• Submit a current ASI Surf Rescue certificate or other surf rescue certificate. Refer to: Acceptable Rescue certificates

• Submit a current senior first aid certificate. Refer to: Acceptable First Aid certificates

Note: Surf Rescue and First Aid Certificates can be provided after enrolment. 

Time to Complete: You have 12 months from enrolment to complete all course requirements.  

Re-assessment Fees : Apply if not yet competent in surfing ability or written assessment. Fees

A blend of online learning and hands-on, practical instruction. Gain real-world experience, complete assessments, and meet course requirements under the expert guidance of an ASI Trainer.

Flexible training schedule.
Usually completed over a period of up to 6 weeks. 
Includes 25 hours practical on the job work experience and approx. 2-5 hours theory per week (feedback sessions and homework). 
However, you have 12 months to complete all course requirements. 

First Step

• Contact an ASI Trainer at an ASI Accredited School

• Confirm the Trainer has availability.

• Complete online enrolment form and payment - list the trainers name on enrolment form.

What We Provide

Access to ASI elearning platform - course manuals, assessments.

• Level 1 Surfing Instructor manual 

• Surfing Instructor logbook

• Learn to Surf for Beginners Manual

• Learn to Surf Intermediate Level Manual

• 12 months ASI membership

• 1 free re-assessment

Course Requirements

• Read online manual, view videos, complete exercises

• Submit 1 written assessment    

• Complete online multi choice test - 15 questions

• Submit video demonstrating ASI Surf Wise Level 6 Intermediate surfing ability. Able to perform and link bottom turn and top turn, cut-back on forehand, on the one wave in 3ft surf.

• Complete 25 hours practical work experience, assisting in the delivery of beginner surfing lessons, at an ASI accredited surf school or other approved surf school.  Submit logbook of hours/experience.

You are required to submit all assessments online. Your Trainer will assist in the following areas

• Review and discuss theory topics.

• Organise 25 hours practical work experience

• Take surfing video and review suitable surfing skill competency

• Review your written assessment.

Other:

• Submit a current ASI Surf Rescue certificate or other surf rescue certificate. Refer to: Acceptable Rescue certificates

• Submit a current senior first aid certificate. Refer to: Acceptable First Aid certificates

• Submit identification

Note: Surf Rescue and First Aid Certificates can be provided after enrolment. 

Time to Complete: You have 12 months from enrolment to complete all course requirements.  

Re-assessment Fees: Apply if not yet competent in surfing ability or written assessment. Fees

The following equipment and clothing is required to complete the training:

• Surf clothing

• Fibreglass surfboard to demonstrate intermediate surfing skills.

• Beginner soft-top boards with soft fins and leash

In addition: 

• Computer or device to access ASI e-learning platform  

• Video camera or mobile phone to take video of surfing skills 

ASI’s E-learning Platform Provides access to training manuals, videos, reference materials and assessments, includes built-in language translation.

ASI Level 1 Surfing Instructor 
(valid for 12 months)

ASI also issues education department approved training certificates. (excludes transfer/update course options).

Australia Only
ASI is an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and also issues the following certificate to students undertaking training in Australia.
Australian Department of Education. Registered Training Organisation RTO ID 91496
Statement of Attainment in Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership (SIS30619) 
for units of competency:

SISOSRF004 Lead surfing activities, small waves and basic manoeuvres
SISOSRF002 Surf waves using intermediate manoeuvres
SISOSRF001 Surf small waves using basic manoeuvres
SISOFLD002 Minimise environmental impact 
PUASAR012 Apply surf awareness and self-rescue skills

Each year, ASI Instructors renew their ASI Surfing Instructor certificate.   
More about renewal requirements

(1) Time to Complete: You have 12 months from date of enrolment (or workshop date) to complete all course requirements.  

(2) Re-assessment Fees: Apply if not yet competent in surfing ability or project. Fees

(3) Is completing Surf Wise Level 6 a prerequisite for enrolling in the Level 1 Surfing Instructor course?
Not at all! You simply need to possess the skills and knowledge equivalent to that level.

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