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Become an ISA Surf Instructor

Train with Outer Reef around the world, where the waves are fun and the vibe is real. Jump into epic surf trips across the UK, Bali, Java, and the Mentawai Islands. Our 4, 8, and 12-week courses are fully ISA and RNLI backed - so you can surf, travel, and teach anywhere across the globe.


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The World's Premier International Surf Instructor Training Program

 

Ready to swap the ordinary for ocean sunrises and a life spent chasing waves?

At Outer Reef Surf Instructor Academy, it’s not just about learning - it’s about living. Dive into epic surf spots, train with world-class coaches, and meet your new surf family along the way. Whether you’re dreaming of faraway beaches or want to start your journey right here at home, this is your gateway to turning passion into purpose. Your life-changing adventure starts now.

Why Outer Reef Academy Dominates The Industry


 

Guaranteed Career Success

Job Placement Opportunity

£25-50+ per hour earning potential globally

4,500+ graduates working worldwide

25+ years proven track record since 1999

While local surf schools offer basic lessons at one beach, Outer Reef Academy operates across 10 countries with premium training locations, international career placement, and Rip Curl partnership backing.


We're able to offer a Global Network of 10 Premium Destinations including...

Wales, France, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Bali, Java, Mentawai Islands, Canary Islands


Starting From £4,000

Complete Certification Pathways

What's Included In Your Investment

ISA Level 1 & 2 Surf Instructor - Internationally recognized

ILS Lifeguard Certification - Ocean safety expertise

SUP Instructor Qualification - Expand your teaching range

Premium Accommodation - Included at all locations

Professional Equipment - Rip Curl sponsored gear

Career Placement Support - Guaranteed job opportunities


Program Options

4-Week Intensive - Fast-track to professional status

8-Week Comprehensive - Complete skill mastery + cultural immersion

Flexible Start Dates - 4 programs per year across all locations


Choose Your Dream Training Destination


WALES

Elevate your skills against the dramatic backdrop of Wales' wild coastline, where every wave teaches resilience and technique mastery.

FRANCE

Experience European surf culture at its finest. Train on picturesque beaches with consistent Atlantic swells and laid-back French coastal lifestyle.

SPAIN (CANARY ISLANDS)

Year-round perfect conditions meet Spanish warmth. Our Canary Islands programs offer volcanic reef breaks and subtropical training paradise.

PORTUGAL

Surf Europe's premier waves while earning your certification. Portugal's rich maritime heritage provides exceptional training conditions and cultural immersion.

BALI, INDONESIA

The ultimate tropical instructor experience. Train in Canggu's world-class waves surrounded by lush landscapes and vibrant Balinese culture.

Special Locations


WALES

Pembrokeshire


Pembrokeshire's premium beaches are where Outer Reef began in 1999, offering a perfect learning environment with consistent waves and safe conditions. In partnership with the RNLI, it provides outstanding beach lifeguard training and serves as an ideal UK base, particularly suited for European students.

Indonesia

Java


Java's hidden gems, including G-Land and the South Coast, offer advanced wave training to challenge and elevate your skills. With pristine, untouched surf breaks and exclusive, limited training opportunities, this environment provides the perfect setting for professional development along the elite instructor pathway.

Indonesia

Mentawai Islands


The Mentawai Islands offer the ultimate experience with a 10-day luxury boat trip, providing access to some of the world’s best waves and perfect daily barrels. With premium accommodation on a luxury boat charter and small groups limited to just 10 students, this is a once-in-a-lifetime exclusive training opportunity that leads to elite certification and advanced instructor status.


EXCLUSIVE RIP CURL PARTNERSHIP BENEFITS

Premium Brand Backing

Professional Equipment - Latest Rip Curl gear included

Industry Recognition - Rip Curl certified instructor status

Global Network Access - Exclusive job opportunities

Ongoing Support - Continued brand partnership benefits

Elite Instructor Status

Premium Positioning - Stand out from basic instructors

Higher Earning Potential - Command premium rates

Brand Recognition - Instant credibility worldwide

Career Advancement - Fast-track to management roles

Guaranteed Job Placement & How We Can Do It

Proven Track Record

25+ years training excellence since 1999

7,500+ graduates working globally

Global network of resort partnerships

Industry recognition and Rip Curl backing

Comprehensive Support

CV development and portfolio creation

Interview preparation and placement assistance

3-month placement guarantee period

Ongoing career support throughout your journey

Multiple Career Pathways

Resort Instructor - £25-35/hour + accommodation

Private Coach - £40-60/hour premium rates

Surf Camp Manager - £25k annual + benefits

Academy Trainer - £20k + international travel

LIMITED SPACES

4 PROGRAMS PER YEAR

2025 Program Dates

February Program - Early bird booking open

May Program - Premium locations available

August Program - Peak season training

November Program - Advanced bookings only

 

2026 Program Dates

Coming soon...

 

Only 10 spaces per location per program - Book now to secure your spot.

Affordability

INVESTMENT & PAYMENT OPTIONS

Complete Program - £4,000

Everything included - No hidden costs

 

Flexible Payment Plans

Full Payment - Save £200 (£3,800 total)

3-Month Plan - £1,400 deposit + 2 x £1,300

6-Month Plan - £700 deposit + 5 x £660

Student Rate - 10% discount with valid student ID

 

Early Bird Special: Book 60 days in advance - Save £300

Your New Career Awaits

READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE?

Your Next Steps

Choose your dream destination from 10 global locations

Select your program length (4 or 8 weeks)

Secure your spot with instant booking

Start your global surf career with 100% job guarantee


Book Your Academy Experience

To book, visit: https://bookings.outerreefsurfschool.com/en/category/surf-instructor-academy

European Programs: Link coming soon


Have A Question?

Email: contact@outerreefsurfschool.com

Speak To Academy Director: +44 7769903653

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JOIN THE ELITE - OUTER REEF ACADEMY ALUMNI

You're not just getting certified - you're joining an elite global network of 7,500+ professional surf instructors working in the world's most beautiful destinations.

Your Journey Starts Here

World-class training across 10 premium destinations

Rip Curl partnership and industry recognition

Job placement opportunity career support

£25-50+ per hour earning potential globally

Mentawai luxury experience included in select programs

25+ years expertise and proven success record

 

From Welsh beaches to Indonesian perfection - your global surf career awaits. Transform your passion into professional excellence. Join Outer Reef Academy today.

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