Introducing Walter Schmitz, ASI Surfing Instructor, The Netherlands

Surfing isn't just a hobby for Walter—he has made a career out of it, doing what he loves: surfing and teaching. It's his passport to travelling and working in other countries, meeting new people, and immersing himself in diverse cultures.

What is your background?

I live in the Hague, close to Scheveningen, the famous surf spot in the Netherlands.  There I am a sports teacher at a primary school and I also teach students to become a sports teacher. I am also  normal teacher at The Hague University at Pabo /Halo. 

Although the waves at Scheveningen may not be world-class, we're fortunate to have small waves, even if the conditions aren't always consistent. In spring, we often enjoy northwest swells with offshore winds, creating better opportunities for waves. It's a great place to learn to surf, and also to hone your surfing skills so you can get the most out of each wave you ride.  The bonus is that we're just a short hour's flight from Portugal and France, with some of the best waves in Europe.

What got you involved in the sport?

In my twenties, I embarked on a holiday to France with my girlfriend, visiting Sulac Sur Mer. We joined a surf camp there, and by the end of the trip, I was completely hooked.

Once back in Holland, I bought my first secondhand surfboard—a Boc 7'9—and spent countless hours surfing at my local spot.

Later, I travelled to South Africa, where I did volunteer work in Cape Town and surfed the waves at Muizenberg. My journey also took me along the coast, leading to Jeffreys Bay, where I picked up a 7'2 surfboard—a stunning piece that's now proudly displayed as wall decor in my home!

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

After exploring the waves during various surf trips to South Africa, Morocco, and France, I decided to become a surf instructor. My passion for the sport was so strong that I wanted to share it with others, and teaching felt like a natural fit since I was already a sports teacher. Taking the instructor course felt like the next logical step.

I first attempted the ASI Surfing Instructor course in 2011, but unfortunately, a shoulder injury prevented me from completing it. After spending 1.5 years traveling through South America and surfing at spots in Peru, Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil, I found myself wondering if I could give the course another try. Then in 2016, I completed the training again in Sagres, Portugal. After successfully passing, I became a surfing instructor at a local surf school in Sagres. 

What are you doing now ?

Currently, I teach at a primary school and at The Hague University during the week. On Sundays, I work at a surf school, teaching the Kids Club Level 3 and 4. These are children who already know how to surf and are eager to improve their skills. Occasionally, I also teach beginner groups.

In the past, I spent five months teaching surfing at a surf school in Sri Lanka. Additionally, every July, I teach at a small and vibrant surf, skate & music festival held in Ameland in the West Friesland Islands off The Netherlands —it's always an incredible experience!

What do you like about being an instructor?

Being in nature and outdoors while teaching surfing is an incredible privilege and a truly rewarding job.

One of the best parts is seeing the huge smiles on the faces of the people I teach when they stand up on their board for the first time and ride their very first wave—it's so cool to see that!

Beyond that, I love the flexibility of being able to teach anywhere I go while traveling.   It's the perfect combination of sharing my passion for surfing, working and exploring new places.

Tell us about memorable experiences,  you've had while instructing.  

I have countless wonderful memories from my time as a surf instructor.

One that stands out is from when I was teaching in Sagres. I had the privilege of working with 8-year-old twins who were so eager to learn. It was incredible to see the moment when everything clicked for them—they understood what I meant and applied it perfectly. They were having so much fun, they didn’t even want to leave the water after the lesson was over. Their constant smiles and pure joy truly embody what surfing is all about for me.

Another unforgettable experience was while teaching at the surf school in Scheveningen. I had an older lady in my class who was also on the heavier side, and she struggled to get up on her feet. I reassured her that surfing is not just about standing up—it’s about having fun and enjoying the experience. I suggested she try staying prone on the board, and once I shared that the best surfer is the one having the most fun, her whole perspective changed. She ended up having such a great time and thoroughly enjoying the session.

One special Mother’s Day, I taught a group of moms from the Surfing Kids Club Level 3. One mother was there with her son, and she was finding it challenging to make progress. I offered her some advice, and with a bit of feedback, she had a breakthrough moment. That was a few years ago, and now she’s still surfing regularly with a group set up for moms. Moments like these are what make surfing so meaningful to me—seeing people continue to enjoy it, no matter their age. Surfing is all about having fun and embracing what the sea has to offer.

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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