Introducing ASI Surfing Instructor, Weilun Yuan, Hainan China

Weilun Yuan’s journey from growing up in the mountains to becoming a surfing instructor is a story of discovery, passion and a deep love for the surfing lifestyle.

What is your background?

My name is Weilun Yuan, I am 29 years old, and I grew up in the mountain city of Luzhou in Sichuan, China. I have been immersed in surf culture for seven years now.

Currently, I live in Wanning, a surf town in Hainan, China. The wave conditions here are generally mellow, which makes longboards and mid-length boards ideal for most surfers.

What got you involved in the sport?

I stayed in my hometown until I was 18 years old before moving to Dalian, which is near Korea in China. While I didn’t surf during my time there, I began to develop a deep love for the ocean. I often spent weekends at the beach, enjoying the serene environment.

In 2017, I moved to Australia to study, and some of my friends who surfed on their days off began to share their experiences with me. This sparked my curiosity and excitement about surfing. Later, I joined a surf camp during one of my weekends. We drove to a rural surfing spot around Sydney and camped there. It was incredible to bond with friends while soaking in the beauty of the ocean and forest.

From that point onward, I started surfing and practicing by myself in Sydney and other locations across Australia, China, and Indonesia. The journey has been both thrilling and rewarding.

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

The first time I saw people surfing, I was captivated by how free and cool they appeared. Gliding across the waves, making dynamic moves, and blending seamlessly with the blue sea—it was mesmerizing. I wanted to experience that feeling myself.

My passion for surfing grew stronger, and becoming an instructor allowed me to stay close to the ocean, indulge in surfing, and earn an income at the same time.

This combination of lifestyle and work inspired me to pursue this career path as a surfing instructor.

What are you doing now?

Currently, I work at a surf camp in China where I share ocean knowledge with customers and help them discover the joy of leisure time by the sea.

Beyond my professional role, I often surf either by myself or with friends. It’s a way to connect with nature and recharge my spirit.

What do you like about being an instructor?

What I love most about being a surfing instructor is teaching clients how to connect with nature and the ocean. Watching them challenge themselves and gradually find a sense of calm and happiness in the water brings me immense joy. Their transformation inspires me, and their happiness becomes my happiness.

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

One memorable experience I often encounter involves clients who regularly train at the gym. Initially, they approach surfing like a rigorous weightlifting session, pushing themselves extremely hard in the water. While their determination is admirable, this method isn’t effective for surfing.

I guide them to feel the balance between their body and the surfboard, connect with the water’s energy, and adjust both their physical and mental states. Watching them adapt and embrace this mindset is fascinating.

Their transformation reminds me to stay present and connected with myself, much like meditation.

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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