Level 1 Surfing Instructor
enrol optionsLearn how to instruct beginner level surfing lessons with ASI the world leader in surf coaching.
The ASI Level 1 Surfing Instructor course is the first course to complete to develop your surfing instructor career.
This course is recognised as the best and most comprehensive surfing instructor course in the world and prepares instructors to deliver beginner level surf lessons with safety and confidence.
Study by attending a workshop or completing the ASI online learning course. You can even transfer your non ASI qualification to ASI. Complete the update course if your ASI instructor qualification has expired.
An ASI accredited surfing instructor is part of the ASI worldwide community. Your qualification is international. You get to work with great people in amazing locations.
It’s the best job in the world! Combine your love of surfing with a career. Follow the seasons and work around the world.
Check out what ASI instructors are doing around the world Read stories…
Aim
This course is your first step in becoming a surfing instructor. Instruct beginner level surfing lessons and activities.
Locations
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
Career Outcomes
Surfing instructor in the surfing or outdoor recreation industry.
Industry job roles that require surfing knowledge (e.g. marketing sales, retail, travel)
Topics Covered
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)
Entry Requirements
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
Study 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.
Flexible Online Learning: Study in your own time with ASI's e-learning platform. Upload video to demonstrate skills.
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.
Course Requirements
Knowledge Requirements
Complete theory assessments and exercises
Workshop: at the workshop, plus 1 assessment submitted after the workshop
Flexible Online course: anytime
Transfer: anytime
Update: anytime
Skills Requirements
Demonstrate ASI Level 6 Intermediate Surfer surfing ability: Ride the wave from start to finish, demonstrating control and linking intermediate level manoeuvres (bottom turn, top turn, cut-back on forehand) on the one wave.
Workshop: practice at workshop. Submit own video after workshop.
Flexible Online course: submit your own video
Transfer: submit your own video
Update: submit your own video
Practical Hours Experience
Complete 25 hours practical work experience, assisting in the delivery of beginner surfing lessons, at an ASI or approved SUP school. Submit logbook of hours.
Workshop: completed after the workshop. (note: Recognition of previous surfing instruction experience can be provided).
Flexible Online course: completed after submitting surfing skills video. (note: Recognition of previous surfing instruction experience can be provided.)
Transfer: not required, provide copy of non-ASI instructor certificate and some details of previous instruction
Update: not required, provide some details of previous instruction
Other
Applies to all study options.
Submit a current ASI Surf Rescue certificate or other surf rescue certificate
Submit a current senior first aid certificate
Identification
Working with Children Check: If applicable to your country.
Acceptable Rescue certificates
Acceptable First Aid certificates
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, or date or online enrolment, to complete all course requirements.
What We Provide
All courses include ASI membership for 12 months.
Workshop
Level 1 Surfing Instructor paper manual
Surfing Instruction Logbook (paper)
Online Learning Courses
Access to Level 1 Surfing Instructor online manual
Surfing Instruction Logbook online version
Equipment
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
- Access to ASI surf school to complete your practical hours training
In addition, for Online learning courses:
- Computer to access ASI e-learning platform
- Video camera or mobile phone to take video of practical skills
Certificate Issued
ASI Level 1 Surfing Instructor
(valid for 12 months)
Additional Certificate Issued
ASI also issues education department approved training certificates. These do not expire.
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
Renewal
Each year, ASI Instructors renew their ASI Surfing Instructor certificate.
More about renewal requirements