Surf Instructor

Turn Your Passion for the Ocean into a Career

The Surfing England Instructor Award

For many, surfing begins as a passion — but for some, it becomes a lifestyle and a career. At MAKAI, we provide a clear pathway into the surf industry through official Surfing England coaching qualifications, delivered by our Director and registered Trainer Assessor, Steve.

Working as a surf instructor is one of the most rewarding jobs imaginable — sharing your passion, helping others progress, and living a life shaped by the ocean.

Entry Level Qualification

The Surfing England Instructor Award is the recognised starting point for new surf instructors, building the core coaching, safety, and communication skills needed to deliver beginner lessons in a professional surf school. This qualification enables you to:

- Deliver safe beginner lessons in waist-depth water
- Understand ocean safety and hazards
- Use effective coaching and communication
- Run safe, structured group sessions
- Support beginner and improver surfers
- Work within professional surf school safety systems

The course combines theory, practical coaching, and assessment, ensuring you gain the real-world skills needed to start instructing.

Course Structure

The Surfing England Instructor pathway blends flexible learning with practical coaching experience. Typical course components include:

- Online/In-Person theory learning completed at your own pace (approx. 10 hours)

- Practical coaching and mentoring with a Trainer Assessor (approx. 20 hours)

- Final assessment to confirm coaching competency

This combination ensures you develop both the knowledge and hands-on experience required to begin working as a surf instructor.

Two Flexible Delivery Options

Online Modular Course

Great for those looking for flexible learning!

- Complete theory modules in your own time

- Structured online learning with guided assessments

- Remote support from our Trainer Assessor

- Practical coaching and assessment scheduled locally

Ideal for those balancing work, study, or other commitments.

Face-to-Face Course

Great for those looking for something practical and immersive!

- Delivered through in-person classroom and beach-based training

- Practical coaching in real surf conditions

- Mentored practice and direct feedback

- Fast-track route into the surf industry

Popular with gap-year students, seasonal workers, and aspiring instructors looking to qualify quickly.

Entry Requirements

You can begin the course straight away, but to become a certified Surfing England Instructor you must:

Demonstrate minimum surf ability
- Paddle out confidently and turtle roll
- Catch green waves, trim left and right, and perform a basic turn

Complete required certifications
- Signed Coaches Code of Conduct
- Valid Beach Lifeguard or Surf Lifesaving qualification
- Safeguarding training (Surfing England or NSPCC recognised course)

Age requirements
- Age 16+ Junior Instructor (working under supervision)
- Age 18+ Qualified Surf Instructor

These standards ensure all instructors can deliver safe, professional lessons.

Scope of the Qualification

The Surfing England Instructor Award prepares you to:

- Deliver safe beginner lessons in controlled conditions
- Teach small groups (typically up to 8 participants)
- Work within accredited surf schools using professional safety systems
- Begin your journey within the surf coaching pathway

This is your foundation qualification and the first step toward a long-term career in the surf and outdoor industry.

Delivered by Experienced Professionals

All MAKAI Surf Coach courses are delivered by Steve Hancock — MAKAI Director, Surfing England registered Trainer Assessor, and highly experienced surf coach.

With decades of experience training and nurturing instructors, Steve provides real-world coaching insight, practical mentoring, and industry guidance beyond the qualification itself.

Career Pathway — Where It Can Take You

Becoming a surf instructor opens doors to a wide range of opportunities:

- Work as a surf instructor in the UK or abroad
- Travel and teach surfing internationally
- Progress to higher Surfing England coaching awards
- Work in outdoor education and watersports centres
- Build a long-term career in the ocean industry

We actively support candidates beyond qualification, offering guidance and potential employment opportunities within our own surf school where available.

Start Your Journey

Ready to turn your passion into a profession?

Get in touch to:

- Register your interest in a face to face course

- View upcoming course dates

- Choose your preferred learning route

- Learn about entry requirements and next steps

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