Introducing ASI L2 Surfing Instructor, Arthur Kor, Singapore

Imagine growing up in a country with no natural waves, yet becoming a competitive athlete and inspiring surfing instructor.   We chat to Arthur about his journey to becoming a full time surfing instructor.

What is your background?  

I’m Arthur Kor from Singapore. I live in Singapore, a country with no natural waves.

Our nearest surf spots are in Malaysia and Bali.   Malaysia is easily accessible, only (110 kms) a 1 hour 45 minute drive from Singapore to Desaru. The waves are small but still great fun.   Bali is only a 2 hour direct flight, with some of the best surf breaks in the world.

What got you involved in the sport?

I was introduced to surfing at the age of 14 in Desaru, Malaysia, and was instantly hooked the moment I caught my first wave.

I’ve been surfing ever since and have represented my country for surfing in the 2019 South East Asian Games, which was the very 1st time that surfing was included in a major South East Asia sporting competition.

Now, I’m 42 years old, still an active athlete repping my country, and also the National Coach for surfing in Singapore. 

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

As Singapore lacks natural ocean waves, I often travelled to nearby countries to surf.

However, when the COVID pandemic struck and travel was restricted, I turned to surfskating to stay connected to the sport I love. Practicing surfskating on dry land allowed me to refine my moves, and when the world reopened, I discovered that it significantly improved my ocean surfing skills.

This realization inspired me to support fellow surfers, particularly Singaporeans, in achieving their surfing goals. I developed a carefully designed cross-training course that combines surfskating with actual ocean surfing, helping others enhance their skills both on land and in the water.

I went to Bali to do my ASI Surfing Instructor training. I am now an ASI Level 2 Surfing Instructor and working towards the ASI Level 3 Surfing Coach certification.   

What are you doing now?

I am a full-time surfskate instructor in Singapore, where I cross train my students and prepare them for surfing.

I’ve teamed up with my Indonesian friend, Mul, an ASI Level 2 Surfing Instructor, to provide surf coaching in Bali. Together, we run a surf school in this stunning location.

What do you like about being an instructor?

I absolutely love helping my students unlock their surf potential.

It is an utter joy to play a pivotal role in my students' surfing journey, seeing them overcome the challenges and still putting on a smile at the end of the day because they've accomplished something they didn't know they could.

Everyone is happy when we ride the waves and being happy is also the most important thing in life.

And that's why I love to teach. 

Tell us about an interesting or nice situation/s that has happened to you with instructing?

I have a student who first started learning surfskate with me during COVID times. When the world opened up again, we travelled outside of Singapore to a surf break and he took his very first surfing lesson with me.

The moment he stood on the board, he was hooked and he immediately understood the stoke that I had described to him about surfing.

This student of mine has continued to implement daily workout routines and training techniques that I've given him. All for the purpose of wanting to surf better each time and continue to enjoy all that surfing offers !

About ASI
ASI is a global leader in training and accrediting instructors, coaches, and schools for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and bodyboarding.  ASI instructors and schools ensure world-class training, safety and operational standards. Whether you're learning for personal enjoyment or to establish a career in the industry, ASI opens the door to new skills, global opportunities, and adventure.
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