Farewell ASI Surfing Instructor Chris Robison, Scotland, UK

At 65, Chris Robison has recently retired from his professional career as a Surfing Instructor. Over the years, he became a familiar and reassuring presence at East Lothian beaches, especially for parents and teachers bringing young surfers to their first lessons. His maturity and calm approach helped many families feel instantly at ease.

Chris says he has “thoroughly enjoyed” his years teaching—particularly the chance to introduce both young and older generations to the joy and wellbeing that surfing can bring.

While he’s stepping away from instructing, he’ll still be out on the waves, focusing on longboarding and keeping active !

Thanks Chris for your dedication over the years, as an ASI Surfing Instructor.  Best of luck for the future.

Read more about Chris’s journey and his top tips for new surfing instructors.

1. What is your surfing background?

I first tried surfing whilst on holiday in Cornwall in 1984. I was 23 and my first mistake was not taking a lesson. We just hired boards and paddled straight out without really knowing what we were doing. I was quite fit, however, it quickly became clear that fitness alone doesn’t help you with paddling technique, pop ups or understanding how waves work. Despite these challenges, I loved being in the sea, persevered and fell in love with surfing. I kept surfing over the years with friends and my sons when they were old enough.

2. What made you become an Instructor?

I moved to Scotland 30 years ago and surfed on the east coast and came across Coast to Coast Surf School in 2005 having read a newspaper article about Sam Christopherson (School owner and well-known Scottish surfer). I took my sons for a lesson and formed a friendship with Sam. I've been involved with the School ever since. Over the years I’ve volunteered with the Belhaven Surf Club Development Squad, helped run surf trips and training sessions. To become an instructor seemed the next logical step.

3. How long have you been instructing?

I qualified as an ASI instructor in 2020. With the rapid growth in popularity of surfing the surf school experienced a large increase in people wanting to try surfing it was clear the surf school could use some extra help on busy weekends.

4. Which locations were you instructing?

The majority of my instructing was on the East Lothian Coast at Belhaven Beach, Dunbar. It's a lovely location and a safe beach for beginners.  I also enjoyed the surf tours through the summer to north Scotland and the beautiful Islands. 

5. Was surf instructing your full time or part-time work?

I was a part time instructor mainly working at weekends.  My wife also became involved with the surf school as the front of house welcome administrator on Saturdays. It was a lovely environment for us both. Working alongside the younger instructors kept us both youthful and we worked well as a team. It was a lot of fun and the 'groms' certainly enjoyed my wife's baking that kept us all going on long summer days.

6. What did you enjoy most about instructing?

I’ve taught people of all ages, but I genuinely enjoy teaching beginners and especially adults. The look of joy on someone's face when they catch a white wave for the first time is uplifting. This is amplified if you can get them to stand up on the board and ride the wave into the beach. There is no better feeling as an instructor. One session that stands out was a school group where their teacher (who was persuaded to join the lesson) was struggling and told me she couldn’t stand up on the board. I replied, “You can’t stand up yet.” By the end of the session she was standing and enjoying the respect from the children. It remains a highlight of my surf instruction.

7. Do you have a message for other instructors? 

From my own experience it's so important to get the basics right but keep it simple and fun, especially beginners. You don't need perfect technique to enjoy surfing. You can have an incredible amount of fun simply riding waves. Understanding the motivation and reasons why a student is there is also important. Some may want to progress and develop their skills, for others it will be about fun and friendship. Try to make time to know your customer, a short chat and remembering their name can make a huge difference to their experience. Always be supportive and positive. 

About ASI 

ASI is a global leader in training and accrediting instructors, coaches, and schools for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and bodyboarding.  ASI instructors and schools ensure world-class training, safety and operational standards. Whether you're learning for personal enjoyment or to establish a career in the industry, ASI opens the door to new skills, global opportunities, and adventure.