Introducing Andrew Curtis, ASI L2 Surfing Instructor, Gold Coast Qld, Australia

Meet Andrew Curtis, an experienced ASI Level 2 Surfing Instructor based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. For him, surfing isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifelong passion and a way of life.

What is your background?

I live on the stunning Gold Coast of Queensland and work as a freelance surfing instructor. With world-class surf breaks catering to all skill levels, mild weather and consistent surf all year round.  It is an ideal hub for surfing enthusiasts.

I’m an ASI Level 10  elite-advanced-level surfer and have been surfing for over 40 years.  Throughout my competitive surfing career, I have proudly competed at the Local, State, and National Titles.

Beyond surfing, I also holds a Bachelor of Business and is a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA).

What got you involved in the sport?

I got involved in surfing initially whilst I was growing up in the tropical location of Papua New Guinea, after my parents had moved there to work.

We would do brief trips to the Gold Coast to see my grandfather who happened to live right on the beach and I would take out small foam boards or surf mats lying around.

When I was 10 my parents then decided to return to the Gold Coast permanently and this is when I got involved in competition surfing and my passion for surfing sky rocketed.

And how could it not - I was immersed in the Gold Coast surfing scene and competed locally and at high school in esteemed company such as with Richard 'Dog' Marsh, Craig Pictures, Tony Ray and Ross Clarke Jones all of whom continued on to become world tour surfers.

I started out surfing competitively on the Gold Coast with local surf club, went on to be a Gold Coast Junior representative and surfed overseas in Japan in their local tour competitions.

After a break for studies, work and the odd Bali surf trip, I returned to surf senior competitions, made the Queensland team for the Australian titles and in 2022, became the seniors champion at the local surf club.

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

I became an ASI instructor first and foremost because of my passion for surfing.  Maybe it's an old cliché -  but I wanted to give back to the sport that has given me so much.

I began coaching as a Level 1 Surfing Instructor from 2001 to 2008, before taking a break.

Returning to instructing, I requalified and earned the ASI Level 2 Surf Instructor certification. Next is to gain the ASI Level 3 Surfing coach certification.

What are you doing now ?

I currently work as a freelance instructor for various surf schools across the Gold Coast, balancing his time between instructing, other work in and out of the surf industry, and competing.

Surfing remains an integral part of his life—whether coaching or hitting the waves socially and competitively.

What do you like about being an instructor?

Being an ASI instructor allows me to channel my passion into something truly rewarding. Teaching isn’t just about improving physical skills—it’s also about fostering safety awareness and highlighting the therapeutic and mental benefits of being in the ocean.

Surfing isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifestyle, a community, and a powerful way to connect with nature.

ASI has given me the platform to pursue this passion, and for that, I am truly grateful.

Tell us about an inspiring story about your student(s) or memorable experiences,  you've had while instructing.  

A nice situation that has happened to me in instructing was when coaching a visiting Fijian Rugby team recently, afterwards the whole team banded together and sang to all the coaches a really nice traditional Fijian song simply to say Thankyou!

And I don't know if you have ever heard Fijians sing, but if not wow do yourself a favour - what warm people and great ambassadors they were for their country.

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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