Introducing Ingemar Cressey, ASI Level 3 Surfing Coach, Wales UK

From South Africa to Wales, Ingemar shares his passion for surfing and surf education.

What is your background?

I live in Bridgend, Wales, and operate my own surf school at Rest Bay Beach, Porthcawl, while also teaching at Aberavon Beach, Port Talbot in South Wales.

I grew up surfing the beaches of South Africa, where I competed in surf contests before moving into lifeguarding after school. My work took me across multiple countries, allowing me to travel and experience different cultures.

Eventually, I settled in Wales, UK with my wife, where we founded our surf school in 2007.

What got you involved in the sport?

Surfing has always been a family affair for me—my brother introduced me to the sport when I was just 8 years old, and I was hooked from my first ride.

From there, my passion only grew—I went on to win the South African Under-12 Junior Championship and later became a three-time Senior Welsh Champion.

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

I have been an ASI Accredited Surfing Instructor since 2012. But I’d been instructing for many years before that.  Along the way, I also achieved my ASI Level 3 Surfing Coach certification.

I chose ASI because I admired its structured approach, high-quality training, and its strong history in Australia, one of the great surfing meccas. Their customer service and instructor support made it clear that I was joining the best.

What are you doing now?

I continue to operate my surf school in the summer months, offering lessons for all levels, and in the winter, I work as a pool lifeguard.

These days, I focus on smaller, more personalized surf sessions, doing 1-on-1 and 1-on-2 coaching, with occasional small group lessons when I can fit them around other commitments.

What do you like about being an ASI instructor?

ASI has a rich history in surfing and continues to be a leading ambassador for the sport. Being part of the ASI instructor team allows me to contribute to surf education at the highest standards.

Above all, I love teaching because I get to share the joy of riding waves with others. Seeing my students gain confidence and develop their passion for the ocean is what makes it all worthwhile.

Tell us about an inspiring story about your students or memorable experiences you’ve had while instructing.

So many times, I've taught people who had little interest in the ocean—until they caught their first wave.   The look of joy and excitement on their faces is always great to see !

Over the years, I’ve had kids from inland areas tell me that their surf lesson was one of the best days of their lives, and that never gets old!

I also love the creative gifts students and parents bring us after summer camps—it’s a reminder of how much of an impact surf coaching can make.

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.
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