Turn your passion into a profession

ISA Surf Instructor Courses Mentawai - Boat Charter Indonesia

Train with Outer Reef around the world, where the waves are fun and the surf vibe is real. Join our ISA-certified Surf Instructor Courses across the UK, Bali, Java, and the Mentawai Islands. Choose from 1, 3, 4, 8, or 12-week course, fully backed by ISA and RNLI, and gain internationally recognised qualifications to surf, teach, and travel anywhere in the world.

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Mentawai ISA Surf Instructor Course | 10-day Boat Training Or 1 Week Land Based Courses

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. Train at world-class surf spots, learn from expert ISA certified coaches, and join a community of like minded surfers from around the globe. Whether you’re dreaming of faraway beaches or want to start your journey closer to home, our Academy offers the perfect pathway to turn your surfing passion into a career.

Become a certified surf instructor in Indonesia's legendary Mentawai Islands. Outer Reef offers two unique 7-day ISA instructor training options that combine Level 1 and Level 2 surf coaching certification with lifeguard qualification and revalidation, all while accessing world-class waves in paradise.

Boat-Based Training

Train aboard a premium surf charter accessing 20+ remote surf breaks across the Mentawais. Experience uncrowded, perfect conditions during off-season months with accommodation, meals, and expert mentorship included aboard your floating basecamp.

Resort-Based Training
Complete your intensive ISA surf instructor and lifesaving certification at our Mentawai resort. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of land-based accommodation while training at consistent, high quality breaks with full meals and expert coaching included.

Whether you're starting your coaching career or revalidating your lifeguard certification, both immersive programs deliver professional qualifications in one of the world's most iconic surf destinations.

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OUTER REEF MENTAWAIS SURF TRIPS

Complete Your Surf Coaching Certification in the Mentawai Islands

Mentawai ISA Surf Instructor Course | 10-Day Boat Training Or 1 Week Land Based Courses

Become a certified surf instructor in the legendary Mentawai Islands home to the best waves on Earth. Outer Reef offers two immersive ISA surf instructor training pathways, combining Level 1 or Level 2 certification with full lifeguard training, expert coaching, and access to Indonesia’s most iconic breaks.

Two Ways to Train in Paradise

Boat-Based Training
Live and train aboard a premium Mentawai surf charter as you access 20+ world-class breaks. Enjoy uncrowded sessions, personalised coaching, all meals, and the ultimate off-season conditions all from your floating basecamp.

Resort-Based Training
Train from our luxury Mentawai resort with consistent, high-quality waves right on your doorstep. Enjoy land-based comfort, chef-prepared meals, excellent facilities, and expert ISA presenters guiding your progression.

Why Train in the Mentawais?

This is the world’s best surf laboratory HT’s, Macaronis, Rifles, Lance’s Left & Right, Thunders, and more become your daily training grounds. You’ll complete your ISA Level 1 or Level 2 certification plus lifeguard qualification while surfing perfect waves every day. With a maximum of eight students per course, you receive personalised coaching, video analysis, real-world teaching practice, and advanced safety training.

Your 10-Day Intensive Experience

Each day blends theory, practical coaching, lifeguard modules, and multiple surf sessions at the islands’ premier breaks. Evenings include feedback sessions and performance reviews. All accommodation, meals, surf access, boat transfers, and course materials are included.

Career Support & Global Opportunities

Every graduate receives 100% job placement support, connecting you to surf schools and resorts across Bali, Australia, Europe, the UK, and Indonesia. With Outer Reef’s 25+ years of global surf education experience and 4,500+ instructors trained, your certification truly opens doors worldwide.

Who Is This Course For?

Intermediate advanced surfers, aspiring instructors, adventure-driven travellers, and anyone ready to turn passion into a global career. Train in paradise, qualify at the highest standard, and launch your future as a surf instructor.

Train in the world’s best waves. Qualify with world-class coaches. Start your surf career in the Mentawais.

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LIMITED SPACES

Surf Instructor Academy – Courses & Packages

We offer a range of intensive surf and lifeguard courses to suit every level and schedule. Our 1-week intensive Surf & Lifeguard Award is perfect for beginners looking to gain essential skills quickly. For those aiming to become professional instructors, we run 3-week intensive Surf Instructor courses that combine surf training with lifeguard qualifications, available in the Canaries, Bali, and Sri Lanka. If you want a more in-depth experience, we offer 4, 8, and 12-week courses in Bali and Sri Lanka, with a 4-week course also available in Java, giving you the chance to train, travel, and gain internationally recognised qualifications.

4-week Intensive – From £2,500

ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor Certification
Accommodation & all equipment included
Perfect for beginners starting their surf career
Premium professional development pathway

8-week Professional – From £3,500

ISA Level 1 & 2 Surf Instructor Certifications
ILS Beach Lifeguard Training
Complete instructor development package
Gain practical teaching experience and coaching skills

12-week Ultimate Experience – From £5,695

All certifications plus SUP qualification
International destinations available
Perfect for beginners looking to start a surf career with a premium professional development pathway

Early Bird Special: Book 60 days in advance and save £300!

Flexible Payment Plans Available
Contact Us Today for more information and to receive a link to book the course of your choice.

14 Programs Per Year

Investment & Payment Options

We offer comprehensive surf instructor programs designed to kickstart your surf career anywhere in the world. All courses include accommodation, equipment, and internationally recognised certifications — no hidden costs. Flexible payment plans are available.

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Surf Instructor Courses Frequently Asked Questions

Mentawai ISA Course Faq

What surf level do I need for this instructor course? Intermediate to advanced. You should be comfortable surfing 4-8ft reef breaks, handling strong currents, and paddling through impact zones confidently. You'll be demonstrating techniques and coaching in varied conditions.

Do I need previous teaching experience? No previous teaching experience required for ISA Level 1. The course covers all coaching fundamentals from scratch. For Level 2, you must already hold ISA Level 1 certification.

What's included in the course price? ISA Level 1 or Level 2 certification, lifeguard training/revalidation, 10 nights vessel accommodation, all meals, course materials, surf access to 20+ breaks, airport transfers, Mentawai entry tax, and safety equipment. International flights not included.

Is accommodation really on a boat for 10 days? Yes! You'll live aboard a premium Mentawai surf charter vessel with comfortable cabins, hot showers, modern facilities, and quality catering. It's an adventure that enhances the immersive learning experience.

What if I get seasick? The Mentawai Islands are protected waters with minimal boat movement when anchored. Seasickness is rare. We provide medication if needed, and most students adapt within 24 hours.

Can I extend my trip to other Indonesian destinations? Absolutely! We can arrange extensions to Bali, Nias, Telos, or other Indonesian surf destinations. Many students combine their ISA course with additional surf travel.

What happens after I graduate? You receive 100% job placement support. We connect you with surf schools, charter boats, and surf camps globally. Our 25+ years of industry connections and 4,500+ instructor alumni network opens doors worldwide.

Is the ISA certification internationally recognized? Yes! ISA (International Surfing Association) certification is recognized in over 100 countries and qualifies you to teach surfing professionally worldwide.

What if weather/waves aren't suitable for training? The Mentawai Islands have the world's most consistent surf. We have access to 20+ breaks, so we always find suitable conditions for every training module. Flat days are extremely rare.

Is this better than a standard land-based ISA course? If you want adventure combined with certification, absolutely. You get ISA qualification + lifeguard training + 10 days surfing the world's best waves + boat-based experience. Standard courses are 1 week on crowded beaches in less exciting locations.

How many students per course? Maximum 8 students ensures personalized attention, quality coaching practice, and individual feedback from ISA presenters.

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Outer Reef Surf Academy

Testimonials

8-week Isa Program At Outer Reef

The 8-week ISA program at Outer Reef completely changed my life. I went from working in an office to becoming a qualified surf instructor with job offers in three different countries. The training in Wales was incredible, but the Bali experience with Soleia Canggu really took my skills to the next level. Dean and the team don't just teach you to surf - they prepare you for a career. Six months later, I'm running my own surf lessons and couldn't be happier!

The Outer Reef Team

What sets Outer Reef Academy apart is the international experience. Training across Wales, Bali, and now with opportunities in Morocco and Sri Lanka - you're not just getting certified, you're building a global network. The ILS Lifeguard certification included in the program opened doors I never expected. I've worked in five countries since graduating, and the Outer Reef name is recognized everywhere.

James Thompson, Graduate 2023, Currently in Mentawai Islands

25 Years Of Experience

25 years of experience really shows in their teaching methods. The progression from Level 1 to Level 2 ISA certification was seamless, and adding SUP instruction made me so much more employable. The best part? 100% job placement isn't just a promise - they actually delivered. I had three job offers before I even finished the course!"

Emma Rodriguez, Graduate 2024, Now Head Instructor in Canary Islands

The 10-day Mentawai boat trip

The 10-day Mentawai boat trip was absolutely life-changing. Perfect waves, professional coaching, and an experience you can't get anywhere else. It's not just about the surfing - it's about understanding ocean safety, reading conditions, and becoming a complete waterman. Worth every penny of the investment.

Marcus Chen, Graduate 2023, Now Running Surf School in Bali