Introducing ASI Surfing Instructor, Niels Otten, Netherlands

Neils travels the world, working as a surfing instructor.  We chat to him about how he turned his connection to nature into a journey of surfing, self-growth and a fulfilling career.

What is your background?

I’m from the Netherlands, but I was raised in Albania. Being surrounded by nature as a child, it was tough for me to adapt to the concrete jungle of the Netherlands.

That’s when I found my way into surfing. While the surf in the Netherlands isn’t exactly world-class—the small sea here only sees periods up to 8 seconds—it’s the only place in the country where I can still feel a connection to the wild.

What got you involved in the sport?

After seeing footage of surfers in action, I knew that was what I wanted to do.

In my brainless teenage mind, I thought the best way to become a good surfer was to teach it. After three months of surfing, the beach bar I worked at decided I should teach in their surf school—though I wasn’t allowed to give examples (probably because they didn’t want students to see how bad I was!).

While those lessons were far from great, they taught me what to do—and, of course, what not to do.

A year later, I joined a surf school in The Netherlands. where they let me do an internship for my school, and after gaining enough experience, they supported me in earning my ASI certification from ASI Master Surfing Coach, Mike Raven.

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

I wanted to get a certification that would make me trustworthy to the companies I worked for and the students I taught.

ASI seemed like a great fit because it has a broad reach in many different countries, which opened up plenty of opportunities for me.

What are you doing now ?

After eight years of teaching in the Netherlands, I passed my approval test to teach along the French coastline.

During the European summer, I work here in The Netherlands, and in the winter, I follow the swell and teach in places like Portugal, Spain, Indonesia, and New Zealand.

I also have a degree in sports science and coaching, so I’m now integrating breathwork, goal-setting, and mindfulness into my surf coaching.

I’m looking for new opportunities to work with surfers in a more holistic way—helping them grow both on and off the water.

What do you like about being an instructor?

What I love about being an instructor is that we’re not just teaching a sport—we’re acting as life coaches in a way.

Many people aren’t used to being challenged, and they don’t know how to deal with it.

Surfing is a safe space to experience the uncontrollable and learn how to handle it.

Even though some students only come for a one-time experience, I believe they leave with valuable life lessons that they can apply beyond the waves.

Tell us about an inspiring story about your student(s) or memorable experiences,  you've had while instructing.  

This one is close to my heart. During my time teaching in the Netherlands, I worked on a project for blind surfers and another for surfers with extreme brain injuries.

One of the most memorable moments was teaching a blind surfer. He stood up on a 10ft SUP board, with a knee-high foam wave pushing him forward. He was absolutely stoked—shouting from excitement and throwing shakas.

It was such a simple wave, but the joy he experienced made me realise that the true essence of surfing isn’t about looking good or riding perfect waves. It’s about feeling the ride, connecting with the water, and finding pure joy in the process.

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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