ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor Courses
Train as an internationally recognised ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor with Outer Reef. We deliver surf instructor training in Wales, Europe, Morocco and Bali, helping surfers take their first step into professional surf coaching.
The ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor qualification is the entry-level coaching award for surfers who want to teach beginner and early intermediate surfers.
Start Your Surf Coaching Career
The ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor course is suitable for confident surfers who want to work in surf schools, travel, coach, or begin a career in the surf industry.
Outer Reef combines professional surf coaching, water safety pathways and real surf school experience to help candidates develop confidence before, during and after the course.
Learn To Teach Surfing
Develop lesson planning, beach management, demonstrations, feedback and beginner coaching skills.
Build Rescue Confidence
Many candidates combine ISA Level 1 with ILS water safety, surf rescue or lifesaving training.
Work In The Surf Industry
Progress towards coaching hours, ISA certification, Level 2, surf camps and seasonal work.
Choose Your ISA Surf Instructor Course Location
Train in Wales, France, Portugal, Fuerteventura, Morocco or Bali. Each destination offers a different surf environment and academy experience.
France
Atlantic surf, strong coaching culture and one of our most popular ISA and ILS training bases.
View France Courses
Portugal
Warm weather, consistent surf and a great training environment for surf instructor candidates.
View Portugal Courses
Morocco
Warm-water training, long right-hand waves and a unique cultural surf experience.
View Morocco Courses
Bali
A longer, immersive academy experience in one of the world’s most iconic surf destinations.
View Bali AcademyWales
Train in Pembrokeshire with access to surf coaching, lifesaving and outdoor instructor pathways.
View UK Academy
Fuerteventura
Year-round surf, warm weather and ideal conditions for developing coaching and ocean skills.
View FuerteventuraISA Level 1 Course Content
Your course introduces the key skills, knowledge and professional standards needed to begin teaching surfing safely and effectively.
Coaching Theory
Surf coaching theory, lesson structure, communication, demonstrations and feedback.
Beach Management
Lesson planning, group control, hazard awareness, risk management and duty of care.
Practical Delivery
Teaching beginner and early intermediate surfers through supervised practical coaching.
Certification Support
Workbook guidance, surf skills assessment and advice on your 20 supervised coaching hours.
Course Requirements & Surf Skills
Candidates must demonstrate safe, confident surfing ability and have the motivation to work professionally with beginner surfers.
- Minimum age: 16 years
- Confident surfing ability
- Ability to surf in waist to chest-high waves
- Completion of ISA workbook requirements
- 20 supervised practical coaching hours after the course
- Valid ocean rescue or water safety qualification
ISA Level 1 + Water Safety
Many surf schools require instructors to hold both a recognised surf coaching qualification and a valid ocean water safety or lifesaving award.
Outer Reef offers combined course options that include ISA Level 1 training alongside ILS Water Safety, Surf Coach Rescue or beach lifeguard pathways.
ISA Level 1
Your entry-level surf coaching qualification and first step into professional instruction.
ILS Water Safety
Build the ocean safety and rescue confidence needed for surf school environments.
Coaching Hours
Complete your supervised coaching hours, workbook and certification process after the course.
Designed For Surfers Ready To Step Up
The ISA Level 1 course is ideal for surfers who want to work, travel, coach and begin a serious pathway in the surf industry.
Gap Year Students
Turn your surf experience into qualifications and travel opportunities.
Career Changers
Start building a more active, ocean-based professional lifestyle.
Surf School Staff
Gain recognised qualifications and develop professional coaching standards.
Surf Coaching, Training And Academy Life
What Happens After ISA Level 1?
After completing your ISA Level 1 course, you’ll work towards your supervised coaching hours, workbook and certification process.
ISA Level 2
Progress your coaching skills and move towards higher-level surfer development.
View Level 2Surf Coach Rescue
Complete water safety and rescue training for surf coaching environments.
View RescueOutdoor Instructor
Combine surf, SUP, kayak, coasteering and lifesaving into a bigger pathway.
View Academy
Start Your Surf Coaching Journey
Train in the UK, Europe, Morocco or Bali with Outer Reef Surf Academy. Choose a short intensive course or a complete academy pathway.
Award-winning Pembrokeshire adventures
Rated highly by our customers on Tripadvisor
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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We’re proudly recognised by trusted organisations and governing bodies locally, nationally, and internationally.
