ISA Surf Instructor Courses
Start your surf coaching career with internationally recognised surf instructor training, practical coaching skills and rescue development.
Explore Surf Instructor CoursesTrain with Outer Reef and start your journey into surf coaching, paddle boarding instruction, beach lifeguarding and outdoor activity leadership.
Outer Reef offers instructor training pathways in Pembrokeshire and worldwide, including ISA surf instructor courses, SUP instructor courses, surf coach safety and rescue, beach lifeguard courses and outdoor instructor training.
3500+ instructors trained. ISA pathways. Wales and international options.
Choose your pathway and explore course dates for surf instructor, SUP instructor, lifeguard and outdoor training programmes.
Start your surf coaching career with internationally recognised surf instructor training, practical coaching skills and rescue development.
Explore Surf Instructor Courses
Build essential rescue awareness, surf safety knowledge and water confidence for coaching and working in surf environments.
Safety & Rescue Courses
Professional surf rescue and beach lifeguard qualifications for surf coaches, instructors and watersports staff.
Beach Lifeguard CoursesOuter Reef’s instructor pathways are designed for people who want to work in surf schools, watersports centres, outdoor activity providers and international surf camps.
From first qualifications to intensive training and academy-style development, you can build the skills, confidence and experience needed for a career in the outdoors.
Develop stand up paddle boarding coaching skills, water safety knowledge and instructor confidence.
SUP Instructor Courses
A focused training route for surfers wanting a deeper instructor development experience in Pembrokeshire.
Intensive Courses
Explore online course options designed to support instructor learning, preparation and development.
Online CoursesFind the right qualification, course date or training pathway for your next step.
Get a feel for the training, coaching and surf academy experience with Outer Reef.
Start with the course that matches your goal: surf instructor, SUP instructor, beach lifeguard, safety and rescue or outdoor instructor training.
Outer Reef offers recognised instructor pathways including ISA surf and SUP training routes.
Yes. Many of our instructor courses and outdoor training options run in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Yes. Intensive surf instructor and academy-style options are available for people wanting a more focused pathway.
Explore surf instructor, SUP instructor, lifeguard and outdoor instructor courses with Outer Reef.
CHOOSE THE LIFE YOU WANT TO LIVE
Accredited by
We run courses for the international governing bodies of the sport, giving you the chance to turn your passion into a career. Have you always dreamed of living a healthy, active, outdoor lifestyle and getting paid to do it? We can train you to become a leading instructor in your chosen field, whether that’s a multi-skilled outdoor activity instructor or an ISA Level 1 & 2 Surf Instructor. Whatever your goal, we’ve got you covered!
Did you know? We can run courses at your camp or centre, tailored to your needs. We also offer combined ISA courses with the SLSGB Beach Lifeguard / ILS Surf Coach & Rescue Award. If our scheduled dates aren’t suitable, just contact us and we’ll provide a course that works for you or your company.
Recognised worldwide. Trusted in every surf school.
The ISA (International Surfing Association) Instructor Award is the only internationally recognised surf coaching qualification, officially endorsed by the International Olympic Committee. It sets the global standard for safe, high‑quality surf instruction and is accepted by surf schools and governing bodies around the world. Whether you're coaching beginners on UK beaches or leading advanced sessions overseas, an ISA qualification opens doors wherever the waves roll in.

PEMBROKESHIRE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING CENTRE
Combine your love of surfing with a career: it’s the best job in the world! Follow the seasons, work around the world, and be part of the ISA worldwide community of amazing people in amazing locations. On top of all that you get the rewards of seeing the faces of super stoked pupils who you have helped get to their feet. It’s the perfect job for students at college or university or during their gap year.
Theses courses are both suited for your first step in becoming a surfing instructor, instruct beginner level surfing lessons and activities. The level 2 course is for surf coaches that are working with intermediate to early advanced surfers and coaching surf skills progression and development. The course also touches on athlete development, sport psychology, and surf contest preparation. All ISA Surf Level 2 Coaches MUST have completed and passed an ISA Surf Level 1 Course prior to approval as a Surf Level 2 Coach.
If you’re interested in taking on your ISA Level 1, Level 2, or both together, why not consider doing it in style at our Surf Academy in Bali, Indonesia, and add in some free time to surf, practice yoga, explore the islands, and more! Click here to learn more about our Surf Academy in Bali.
The objectives of the ISA Coaching & Instructing Program:
ONLINE SURF & PADDLE BOARDING INSTRUCTOR COURSES
Over time this program will expand to many other areas of professional development education for our great sport of surfing. All ISA Coaches and Instructors must abide by the local laws and regulations of the area in which they work. All ISA Instructors must be a minimum of 16 years of age to become an accredited ISA Instructor but must work under supervision of an ISA Instructor over 18 years of age. An ISA Instructor must be a minimum of 18 years of age to instruct without supervision.
LEVEL 1 SURFING INSTRUCTOR COURSE INFORMATION
The Surf Lifeguard will provide the learner with the knowledge and skills required in order to provide professional patrolling and water services, in surf conditions, with rescue skills and advanced fitness requirements. The course is physically demanding and will include swimming to set times and lifting. The Surf Lifeguard Award is comprised of a variety of units and all must be successfully passed to attain the qualification.
Join us on one of our surf instructor courses and develop your hobby into a lifestyle prioritised career. It’s the best decision you’ll ever make!
Make your hobby your job and kick start a career as a surf instructor.
Award-winning Pembrokeshire adventures
Outer Reef is proud to be recognised with a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. Read our latest reviews from surf lessons, coasteering, paddle boarding and kayaking adventures.
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