Course Overview

Instruct beginner level surfing lessons and activities.

You will be qualified to instruct at locations with the following conditions:

• Surf no larger than 1½ft (½ metre)

• Water depth of chest deep or less

• Sandy beach and ocean floor with even gradient (no rocks or reef) 

• Free from rocks, free from rips, minimal lateral current, no dumping shore break

• Wind less than 20 kph

• The role of the surfing instructor

• Identifying laws and regulations that apply to conducting surfing lessons

• Client management and safety

• Identifying surfing lesson risks and hazards

• Emergency processes and responses

• Logistics and how to plan surfing sessions

• Suitable boards, equipment and resources

• Communication skills for the surfing environment

• Instruction and coaching methods

• Creating lesson plans

• Assessing students performance

• Evaluating surfing lessons

• Minimising environmental impacts (social & natural)

Surfing instructor in the surfing or outdoor recreation industry.
Industry job roles that require surfing knowledge (e.g. marketing sales, retail, travel)

Before enrolling in this course, you will have:

• at least 500 hours surfing experience 
   

• surfing skills and knowledge equivalent to ASI Level 6 Intermediate Surfer.    
  able to select appropriate, makeable wave and ride the wave effectively, demonstrating control and performing and linking intermediate level manoeuvres (bottom turn and top turn, cut-back on forehand). 
   

• English speaking skills (Online courses have translation options).

The following study options are available for this course.

Workshop:  An intensive course that focuses on the major components, with the ability to interact with the trainer and the group. 
Duration:  2 days. 

Online Learning:  Study in your own time with ASI's e-learning platform.  Upload video to demonstrate skills. 

Apprenticeship: A blend of online learning and hands-on, practical instruction. Gain real-world experience, complete assessments, and meet course requirements under the expert guidance of an ASI Trainer.

Transfer:   Obtain your ASI qualification based on recognition of your non ASI instructor qualification. This is an online course option.

Update:  For ASI instructors whose qualification has expired and need to regain the ASI qualification. This is an online course option.

Online Courses - ASI's E-learning Platform
ASI's e-learning platform provides access to training manuals, videos, reference materials and assessments. Ability to upload assessment and monitor your own progress.

An intensive course that focuses on the major components, with the ability to interact with the trainer and the group. 
Duration:  2 days. 

What We Provide

• Level 1 Surfing Instructor manual (paper)

• Surfing Instruction Logbook (paper)

• Learn to Surf for Beginners Manual (online access)

• Learn to Surf Intermediate Level Manual (online access)

• 12 months ASI membership

• 1 free assessment plus 1 free re-assessment

Course Requirements

At Workshop:

• Complete theory assessments and exercises, practice at beach.

• Demonstrate ASI Level 6 Intermediate surfing ability.

• Complete written assessment

After Workshop:

• Complete 25 practical hours experience (5 hours signed off in workshop).

Other:

• Submit a current ASI Surf Rescue certificate or other surf rescue certificate. Refer to: Acceptable Rescue certificates

• Submit a current senior first aid certificate. Refer to: Acceptable First Aid certificates

• Submit identification

• Submit child check (if applicable to your country)

Note: Surf Rescue and First Aid Certificates can be provided before or after workshop or within 12 months of enrolment. 

Time to Complete: You have 12 months from date of workshop to complete all course requirements.  

Re-assessment Fees: Apply if not yet competent in surfing ability or project. Fees

Study in your own time with ASI's e-learning platform.  Upload video to demonstrate skills.  

What We Provide

• Level 1 Surfing Instructor manual (online access)

• Downloadable Surfing Instructor logbook (for practical hours)

• Learn to Surf for Beginners Manual (online access)

• Learn to Surf Intermediate Level Manual (online access)

• 12 months ASI membership

• 1 free assessment plus 1 free re-assessment

Course Requirements

• Read online manual, view videos, complete exercises

• Submit 1 written assessment    

• Complete online multi choice test - 15 questions

• Submit video demonstrating ASI Level 6 Intermediate surfing ability.

• Complete 25 practical hours experience

Other:

• Submit a current ASI Surf Rescue certificate or other surf rescue certificate. Refer to: Acceptable Rescue certificates

• Submit a current senior first aid certificate. Refer to: Acceptable First Aid certificates

• Submit identification

• Submit child check (if applicable to your country)

Time to Complete: You have 12 months from enrolment to complete all course requirements.  

Re-assessment Fees : Apply if not yet competent in surfing ability or project. Fees

A blend of online learning and hands-on, practical instruction. Gain real-world experience, complete assessments, and meet course requirements under the expert guidance of an ASI Trainer.

Usually completed over a period of up to 6 weeks. 
Includes 25 hours practical on the job instruction experience and approx. 1-2 hours theory per week (feedback sessions and homework). 
However, you have 12 months to complete all course requirements. 

First Step

• Contact an ASI Trainer at an ASI Accredited School

• Confirm the Trainer has availability.

• Complete online enrolment form and payment - list the trainers name on enrolment form.

What We Provide

• Level 1 Surfing Instructor manual (online access and paper manual)

• Surfing Instructor logbook (for practical hours)

• Learn to Surf for Beginners Manual (online access)

• Learn to Surf Intermediate Level Manual (online access)

• 12 months ASI membership

• 1 free re-assessment

Course Requirements

Your Trainer will

• Review and discuss theory topics.

• Organise practical on-the-job instruction experience (25 hours).

For submission, with your trainers assistance:

• Video of demonstrating intermediate surfing skill: perform a bottom turn with spray, cut-back ready

• Written assessment

Other:

• Submit a current ASI Surf Rescue certificate or other surf rescue certificate. Refer to: Acceptable Rescue certificates

• Submit a current senior first aid certificate. Refer to: Acceptable First Aid certificates

• Submit identification

Time to Complete: You have 12 months from enrolment to complete all course requirements.  

Re-assessment Fees : Apply if not yet competent in surfing ability or written assessment. Fees

Obtain your ASI qualification based on recognition of your non ASI instructor qualification.
This is an online course option.
There is no requirement to complete practical hours experience.

Entry Requirements
Submit an acceptable non ASI Surfing Instructor certificate, not expired by more than 12 months  (Contact ASI for more information)

What We Provide

• Level 1 Surfing Instructor manual (online access)

• Learn to Surf for Beginners Manual (online access)

• Learn to Surf Intermediate Level Manual (online access)

• 12 months ASI membership

• 1 free assessment

Course Requirements

• Read online manual, view videos, complete exercises

• Submit 1 written assessment

• Complete online multi choice test - 15 questions

• Submit video demonstrating ASI Level 6 Intermediate surfing ability.

Other:

• Submit a current ASI Surf Rescue certificate or other surf rescue certificate. Refer to: Acceptable Rescue certificates

• Submit a current senior first aid certificate. Refer to: Acceptable First Aid certificates

• Submit identification

• Submit child check (if applicable to your country)

Enrolment: Special discount fee applies if you hold an Australian surfing instructor certificate and are working for an ASI accredited surf school. (Choose special fee on enrolment form, and provide the name of the ASI surf school).

Time to Complete: You have 12 months from date of enrolment to complete all course requirements.  

Re-assessment Fees: Apply if not yet competent in surfing ability or project. Fees

For ASI instructors whose qualification has expired and need to regain the ASI qualification.
This is an online course option.
There is no requirement to complete practical hours experience.  Previously submitted surfing ability video can used.

Entry Requirements
Hold an ASI L1 Surfing Instructor certificate – completed within the past 3 years.  
(contact ASI if you completed the ASI training prior to this).

What We Provide

• Level 1 Surfing Instructor manual (online access)

• Learn to Surf for Beginners Manual (online access)

• Learn to Surf Intermediate Level Manual (online access)

• 12 months ASI membership

• 1 free assessment

Course Requirements

• Read online manual, view videos, complete exercises

• Submit 1 written assessment

• Complete online multi choice test - 15 questions

• Submit video demonstrating ASI Level 6 Intermediate surfing ability.

Other:

• Submit a current ASI Surf Rescue certificate or other surf rescue certificate. Refer to: Acceptable Rescue certificates

• Submit a current senior first aid certificate. Refer to: Acceptable First Aid certificates

• Submit identification

• Submit child check (if applicable to your country)

Enrolment: Welcome back special fees apply. On the enrolment form choose special fee.

Time to Complete: You have 12 months from date of enrolment to complete all course requirements.  

Re-assessment Fees: Apply if not yet competent in surfing ability or project. Fees

The following equipment and clothing is required to complete the training:

• Surf clothing

• Fibreglass surfboard to demonstrate intermediate surfing skills.

• Beginner soft-top boards with soft fins and leash

In addition, for Online learning courses: 

• Computer to access ASI e-learning platform  

• Video camera or mobile phone to take video of practical skills 

ASI Level 1 Surfing Instructor 
(valid for 12 months)

ASI also issues education department approved training certificates. (excludes transfer/update course options).

Australia Only
ASI is an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and also issues the following certificate to students undertaking training in Australia.
Australian Department of Education. Registered Training Organisation RTO ID 91496
Statement of Attainment in Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership (SIS30619) 
for units of competency:

SISOSRF004 Lead surfing activities, small waves and basic manoeuvres
SISOSRF002 Surf waves using intermediate manoeuvres
SISOSRF001 Surf small waves using basic manoeuvres
SISOFLD002 Minimise environmental impact 
PUASAR012 Apply surf awareness and self-rescue skills

Each year, ASI Instructors renew their ASI Surfing Instructor certificate.   
More about renewal requirements

Read more at: Surfing Instructor Course FAQ's