Here at Outer Reef, we have been running surf lessons and professional development courses for over 25 years both in our home county of Pembrokeshire and worldwide. 

We still love teaching the next generation of surfers, paddle boarders and beach lifeguards, whether it’s on a windswept beach in Wales, or on the beaches of France or Bali. 

Our fearless leader, Dean, is a true waterman and has represented the GB in competitive surfing. He is a surf ambassador for UK/Europe, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, helping national governing bodies create a clear pathway for the sports development. With 25 years of experience in Surf, Sup and Lifesaving development to all ages and abilities, Dean is also very proud to work together with Disability Sport Wales, local community organisations, junior and secondary schools, National Trust and Pembrokeshire County Council, as well as global governing bodies.

We often employ people, especially locals, who have completed courses with us, so be sure to ask if you are looking for employment and we can let you know if we have any availability.

Yes we are. We have £10 million public liability insurance and all instructors & surf crew are fully qualified & members of the NGB.

SURF INSTRUCTOR COURSE COST

COURSE FEES £300 - £350

There are no hidden costs you will have to keep up-to-date with your membership to the ISA, which is the international governing body.

The ISA Introduction to Surf Instructing E-Learning Course is now live on the ISA Source and available to complete at any time. As announced, the ISA Surf Level 1 Certification Pathway now requires all instructors to complete the course as a prerequisite to participating in the Surf Level 1 course. Course Fees is $50 after booking the ISA Level 1 with Oute Reef. Please read our FAQ's on E-Learning for more information.

Our Pembrokeshire courses will be held at our Activity Centre on Gupton Farm, Castlemartin, SA71 5HW.

Accommodation is not included in the cost of the course but we can recommend great value for money accommodation in the nearby area. 

Food is not included, but there are local cafes nearby and a small supermarket about a 15minute drive away. If you do need to heat up your food, we do have a microwave available onsite and don’t worry there is a kettle available for unlimited tea and coffee.

• Wetsuit and surfboard (if you have them, if not both can be provided free of charge),
• Towel/dryrobe (there are no changing facilities available at our beaches),
• Paper and a pen, sunscreen (if required), refillable water bottle, lunch,

Yes! You must be able to show and understand the rules of priority, be able to negotiate the line up and show confidence in turning left and right.

This is specific to each of the different courses we offer, and more details can be found on each of our individual course pages. We do require you to be swim fit and a confident and competent swimmer.

This is specific to each of the different courses we offer, and more details can be found on each of our individual course pages.

ISA Level 1 - 20 Hours

ISA Level 2 - 10 Hours

ISA Level 1 FW SUP - 10 Hours

Once you have completed your assisting hours all information will be sent to the relevant governing body who will then process your certification

Yes, all ISA courses require an up to date lifesaving qualification too which can be completed before or after your course. If you are interested in doing your lifesaving course with us please let us know upon booking.

Introduction: (for anyone booking an ISA Level 1 Course)
The ISA Introduction to Surf Instructing E-Learning Course is designed to introduce surfers to the knowledge and skills needed to deliver safe, quality learn-to-surf lessons for beginners and early intermediate level surfers. The course can be completed online at any time and is the first step on the pathway to achieving an ISA Surf Level 1 Certification.

When you book the ISA Level 1 with Outer Reef you'll be sent an email containing a discount code for 50% off the course and instructions on how to register. You'll be responsible for registering and paying the E-Learning fee directly to the ISA. This will begin your surf instructor education journey through the ISA’s globally recognized Coaching and Instructing Program.

Fee: $50 after discount code is applied

This course is the first step to becoming an ISA Certified Instructor. Participants who complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion upon finishing all eight modules. Finishing this course alone does not qualify the participant as an ISA Certified Instructor. After completing this course, participants must participate in an ISA Surf Level 1 Instructor Course with an ISA Course Presenter to become certified 

Prerequisites: None

Length of Course: Approximately 8-10 Hours (can be completed at your own pace and over multiple sessions)

Languages Available: English, Spanish, Portuguese

Outline:
Module 1: Instructor Attributes
Module 2: Safety Guidelines
Module 3: Risk Management
Module 4: Equipment for Beginner Surfers
Module 5: Coaching Methods
Module 6: Skill Development
Module 7: Program Planning
Module 8: ISA Coaching and Instructing Pathway

ISA LEVEL 1 SURF INSTRUCTOR COURSE CONTENT

• The role of the surfing Coach.
• Identifying the duty of care regulations that apply to conducting surfing lessons.
• Risk management & safety.
• Identifying surfing lesson  hazards.
• Emergency Action Processes.
• Lesson plans for surfing courses.
• surf boards courses, equipment
• Communication skills for the surf course environment.
• Instruction Surf course coaching methods.
• Surf lesson plans.
• Assessing students performance.
• Evaluating surf course outcomes.
• Minimising environmental impacts
• Abide by student lesson & Surf instructor courses ratios: Surf Course Accredited Instructor.

Not only do you get to spend every day on the beach, but you can also manage it so you work during summers and escape the winters traveling. You can also get jobs abroad, or in surf camps right across the globe. On top 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.

ABOUT PEMBROKESHIRE SURF LODGE

A short walk from golden, sandy beaches, this basic yet comfortable lodge is a dream location for those who want to spend time exploring the Pembrokeshire coast and enjoy the pathway to becoming an outdoor activity instructor. Come & experience Pembrokeshire’s amazing blue flag beaches, which we boast are some of the best the county has to offer.

Just a short walk from Freshwater West, one of Wales's best beaches, Gupton Farm Surf Lodge is the perfect coastal escape for adventurous guests who want to enjoy the outdoors and meet up with friends and family.  You’ll find lots of things to do right on your doorstep. Hike along the Pembrokeshire coast path, go wildlife watching at the nearby bird hide, or head straight to the beach. This wild, sandy stretch is adored by adventurers and nature lovers alike. With consistent swell and strong waves, the beach is regarded as one of Wales’ best surfing spots. Our Surf & Paddle Boarding Centre is right next door, so all the equipment you need is right on hand.   

The surf lodge is a comfortable space for ten people & being on a campsite your venturesome friends and family may like to join you under canvas or in their camper van and stay close by.

With its award-winning beaches, tranquil wooded valleys and outdoor activity centre, Stackpole estate is a short drive away. From kayaking to coasteering, you can try a variety of outdoor activities on the estate.

• The role of the surfing Coach.
• Identifying the duty of care regulations that apply to conducting surfing lessons.
• Risk management & safety.
• Identifying surfing lesson  hazards.
• Emergency Action Processes.
• Lesson plans for surfing courses.
• surf boards courses, equipment
• Communication skills for the surf course environment.
• Instruction Surf course coaching methods.
• Surf lesson plans.
• Assessing students performance.
• Evaluating surf course outcomes.
• Minimising environmental impacts
• Abide by student lesson & Surf instructor courses ratios: Surf Course Accredited Instructor.

founded in 1964, is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the World Governing Authority for Surfing. The ISA governs and defines Surfing as Short board, Long board & Body boarding, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Racing and Surfing, Body surfing, Wake surfing, and all other wave riding activities on any type of waves, and on flat water using wave riding equipment. The ISA crowned its first Men’s and Women’s World Champions in 1964. It crowned the first Big Wave World Champion in 1965; World Junior Champion in 1980; World Kneeboard Champions in 1982; World Longboard Surfing and World Bodyboard Champions in 1988; World Tandem Surfing Champions in 2006; World Masters Champions in 2007; and World StandUp Paddle (SUP, both surfing and racing) and Paddleboard Champions in 2012.

ISA membership includes the surfing National Federations of 104 countries on five continents. The ISA is presided over by Fernando Aguerre (ARG). The Executive Committee includes four Vice-Presidents Karín Sierralta (PER), Kirsty Coventry (ZIM), Casper Steinfath (DEN) and Barbara Kendall (NZL), Athletes’ Commission Chair Justine Dupont (FRA), Regular Members Atsushi Sakai (JPN) and Jean Luc Arassus (FRA) and ISA Executive Director Robert Fasulo as Ex-officio Member.

Its headquarters are located in La Jolla, California (USA).

FIND OUT MORE

The ISA’s mission is to make a better world through Surfing.