Profile of Dominika Hornikova, Slovak ASI Surf Instructor

ASI Surf instructors come from all over the world, even from a landlocked central European country like Slovakia. We spoke to ASI Surf Instructor Dominika Hornikova about life working as an ASI Instructor.

She says: “I’m from Slovakia which borders Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Poland and Ukraine. Six years ago, I discovered a great passion for surfing and the ocean when I saw waves for the first time in my life. After I caught my first foam rides, I knew it wasn’t just one of those ‘tick off the bucket list’ things but I was instantly hooked.”

Why did you become an ASI instructor?
“I moved to California in the summer of 2016. I was broke and living on my friend' s couch, teaching my friend how to surf in exchange for free accommodation. This really helped me to build up my confidence to teach surfing and I then got an opportunity to work for a surf school in California.

What are you doing now?
I was working as a surf instructor in Australia’s Gold Coast, however, I had to move up to Northern Australia for work in order to get my second-year visa so I can continue to stay in Australia and surf which is my plan.

What do you like about being an ASI instructor?
Being an ASI instructor is a pretty convenient job as it offers so much opportunity to work wherever you want around the world while having the highest surfing qualification and standard.

Tell us about a funny incident? 
I am actually the first ever Slovak surf instructor in California and Australia. When people find out, some of them laugh or are a bit sceptical, but at the end of the lesson everyone leaves super stoked!

Are you an ASI Surf Instructor?
Tell us your story. Email: info@academyofsurfing.com




 
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About ASI
 ASI is a professional membership organisation and international governing body for instructors, coaches and schools in the outdoor recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
We set the standards for education, accreditation, professional development and ongoing support for our members, offering pathways from entry level to elite level.
International Instructor and Coach Accreditation. You can travel the world with ASI.
ASI Accredited Schools abide by the high international standards for operations, training and safety.
www.academyofsurfing.com