This course is designed for individuals looking to start a career in surf instruction. It provides the knowledge and skills needed to teach basic surfing techniques, safety procedures and surf awareness
Surf Instructor Academy Nicaragua
ISA Surf Instructor Courses Nicaragua
Become a Surf Instructor In Nicaragua
Swap the ordinary for Nicaragua’s warm waters, empty lineups, and world-class reef and beach breaks. Qualify as a surf instructor in one of Central America’s top surf destinations with the Outer Reef Surf Instructor Academy and build a career that lets you travel, work in epic locations, and spend your days in the ocean doing what you love. Our ISA-endorsed training is based on real surf school delivery in genuine Nicaraguan conditions, covering coaching techniques, water safety, risk management, session planning, and hands-on instruction, with daily support to help you progress fast. Leave Nicaragua with a recognised surf instructor qualification, real confidence in the water, and the skills surf schools worldwide are looking for.
We run Instructor courses on land and on boat charters
International ISA Surf Instructor Course in Nicaragua
Surf Instructor Courses Nicaragua
ISA L 2 Surf Instructor Courses Nicaragua
Surf Instructor Courses Nicaragua
Surf Instructor Courses Nicaragua
Join Our ISA Approved Surf Instructor Courses
Transform Your Passion Into A Career
Outer Reef has been training surf instructors for over 25 years, delivering professional, real-world coaching in destinations we know inside out, including Nicaragua. Our academy programmes are designed to take you from training to certification with clear progression, supportive coaching, and the hands-on experience needed to become a confident, work-ready instructor.
Training in Nicaragua means warm water, consistent swell, and a mix of reef and beach breaks that allow you to develop your skills across varied conditions. With uncrowded lineups and easy access to multiple waves, your days follow a surf-first rhythm of sessions, coaching, feedback, and recovery. Nicaragua’s Pacific coastline is known for its reliability and quality, making it an ideal environment to grow both your surfing and teaching ability.
Depending on your pathway, you can gain ISA Level 1 and Level 2 Surf Instructor qualifications, along with international water safety training such as ISA/ILS Aquatic Rescue and Safety (surf and SUP). Optional add-ons include SUP instructor awards and further rescue or lifeguard pathways for those aiming to progress into higher-responsibility roles.
What sets Outer Reef apart is experience and structure: thousands of instructors trained worldwide, ISA-qualified educators with extensive teaching backgrounds, and programmes that blend coaching, safety training, and real surf school delivery. With flexible 1 + 3 week pathways, you can choose the format that suits your goals and leave Nicaragua with recognised qualifications and the confidence to work anywhere in the world.
Our ISA surf camp in Nicaragua and the home base for Outer Reef’s ISA Surf Instructor courses, designed for surfers who want to combine professional training with quality waves and a comfortable, supportive environment. Located close to some of the region’s most consistent beach and reef breaks, it offers easy access to reliable surf alongside experienced local and international instructors delivering real-world, hands-on coaching. With a small number of private rooms in twin, double, or shared layouts, each with an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, and daily housekeeping, it provides a calm, focused setting for instructor training, surf camps, and independent travellers.
All ISA course participants stay on a full-board basis, with meals prepared on-site using fresh local produce and vegetarian or dietary options available on request. Training days are built around practical surf school delivery in genuine Nicaraguan conditions, combining water sessions, coaching practice, safety training, and feedback, with time set aside for recovery and progression. Dedicated spaces for stretching, mobility, and yoga support the physical demands of the course, creating an ideal environment to train, qualify, and leave Nicaragua as a confident, work-ready ISA Surf Instructor.
Discover Our Courses
ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor course
ISA Level 2 Surf Instructor Course
This advanced course is for individuals looking to improve their teaching skills and gain a deeper understanding of surf instruction. It covers more advanced teaching techniques, as well as assessment and analysis of student progress
ISA/ILS International Surf and SUP Instructor Aquatic Rescue and Safety Course
This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to perform rescues and emergency procedures in a surf or SUP environment. It is essential for anyone looking to work as a surf or SUP instructor
ISA Flat Water SUP Instructor Course
This course is designed for individuals who want to teach Stand-up Paddleboarding on flat water, like lakes and rivers. It provides the knowledge and skills needed to teach basic techniques, safety procedures, and equipment usage
ISA Open Water SUP Instructor Course
This course is designed for individuals who want to teach Stand-up Paddleboarding on open water, like the ocean. It provides the knowledge and skills needed to teach advanced techniques, safety procedures, and equipment usage
SLSGB Surf Coach Rescue & Safety courses
This course is designed for individuals who want to become surf coaches. It covers the knowledge and skills needed to teach surf techniques, safety procedures and surf awareness
This course is designed for individuals who want to work as a beach lifeguard. It provides the knowledge and skills needed to perform rescues and emergency procedures in a surf and beach environment
Start Your Journey Today
Don't hesitate to contact us today with any questions or to book your spot. We look forward to helping you advance your surf and paddle boarding instruction career!
Turn your passion into a rewarding career
Become a Certified Surf Instructor with us
Outer Reef has been delivering surf instructor training for over 25 years and offers internationally recognised ISA certification courses in carefully chosen surf destinations worldwide. In Nicaragua, our instructor programmes take place in warm-water beach and reef breaks that offer consistent waves and the perfect environment for focused learning.
Training in Nicaragua lets you develop your teaching, safety, and surf skills in real-world conditions, with our courses combining expert coaching, water safety qualifications, teaching methodology, and hands-on experience. Whether you’re just starting your journey or progressing to advanced levels, the programmes provide a structured, supportive path into professional surf instruction.
With decades of experience in surf education and a global network of partner surf schools, our Nicaraguan surf instructor courses deliver internationally recognised qualifications and ongoing guidance beyond certification. It’s a chance to train, grow, and qualify in one of Central America’s most exciting and consistent surf destinations.
A Brighter Future Through Surfing
Surf Instructor Academy Courses Nicaragua
The Surf Instructor Training programme is the ultimate pathway to a rewarding career teaching surf worldwide.
A brighter future through Surfing
Surf Instructor Academy Courses Nicaragua
The ISA Instructor Academy is the ultimate surf adventure combining certification, travel, and career launch.
A brighter life through Surfing
Surf Instructor Courses Nicaragua
The Surf Instructor Course is the ultimate journey from passionate surfer to certified professional instructor.
A brighter future through Surfing
Surf Instructor Academy Courses Nicaragua
The Instructor Training package is the ultimate blend of world-class coaching, certification, and global opportunity.
A brighter future through Surfing
Surf Instructor Courses Nicaragua
The ISA Surf Academy is the ultimate experience of skill development, qualification, and joining our global instructor family.
A brighter future through Surfing
Surf Instructor courses Nicaragua
The ISA Surf Academy is the ultimate experience of skill development, qualification, and joining our global instructor family.
OUTER REEF SURF INSTRUCTOR ACADEMY
Course Dates
Unlock your potential and join us for our ISA certified Surf and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Instructor courses, paired with our essential lifeguard training. Our ILS and SLSGB Surf Coach and Beach Lifeguard certificates are internationally recognised. Dive into the details below to discover upcoming course dates and embark on a journey to become a certified water sports instructor and lifeguard with Outer Reef.
OUTER REEF SURF PACK 1
Duration
7 nights / 8 days
per person
Dates
-
02 Nov - 08 Nov 2026
Includes
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7 nights accommodation
-
Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited water, coffee)
-
Group airport to hotel transfers
-
2 daily surf trips with surf guide to nearby spots
-
Unlimited free-surf sessions
-
ISA Level 1 course
-
Lifesaving course
Does not include
-
Extra drinks (beers, juices, soft drinks, etc.)
-
Tips
-
Flights
-
Travel assistance insurance
-
Trip cancellation insurance
OUTER REEF SURF PACK 2
Outer Reef Surf Pack 2
- 02 Nov - 08 Nov 2026
Duration
7 nights / 8 days
per person
Dates
Includes
-
7 nights accommodation in boutique hotel
-
Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited water, coffee)
-
Group airport to hotel transfers
-
2 daily surf trips with surf guide to nearby spots
-
Unlimited free-surf sessions
-
All local taxes included
-
ISA Level 2 course
-
Lifeguard course
Does not include
-
Extra drinks (beers, juices, soft drinks, etc.)
-
Tips
-
Flights
-
Travel assistance insurance
-
Trip cancellation insurance
Testimonials
James, Level 2 ISA Instructor
"Completing my ISA Level 1 & 2 with Outer Reef Academy in the Maldives was the best decision I ever made! The 4 week program was intense but incredible from learning wave theory in the tropical classroom to practicing rescue techniques in perfect Indonesian barrels. The instructors' 25+ years of experience really showed they didn't just teach us to surf, they taught us to read conditions, manage groups, and handle any situation safely. Six months later, I'm now head instructor at a resort in the Maldives earning more than I ever did in my office job. The international recognition of ISA certification opened doors I never imagined. Outer Reef didn't just give me qualifications they gave me a lifestyle!"
★★★★★
Zoe, ISA/ILS Instructor & Lifeguard (Trained in Maldives)
"Starting my instructor journey at Freshwater West in Pembrokeshire was perfect for building solid foundations. The Welsh conditions taught me to handle everything from gentle rollers to powerful winter swells. What sets Outer Reef Academy apart is their comprehensive approach I left with ISA Level 1 & 2, SLSGB Lifeguard certification, and SUP instructor qualifications all in one program in the Maldives was epic. The support didn't end at graduation either. Within two weeks, I was placed at a surf school in Portugal, and now I'm running my own surf camps across Europe. The academy's 100% job placement rate isn't just a statistic - it's a promise they deliver on. Best investment I ever made in myself!"
★★★★★
Mark, Professional Surf Coach (Trained in Maldives)
"After 10 years as a recreational surfer, I wanted to turn my passion professional. Outer Reef Academy's Maldives program exceeded every expectation. Training along the Northern Atols consistent breaks with world-class instructors was incredible, but what impressed me most was the business side - they taught us marketing, customer service, and how to actually build a career in surfing. The Rip Curl sponsorship and industry connections opened doors immediately. I'm now coaching at three different surf schools, running private lessons, and just launched my own surf photography business. The academy didn't just certify me as an instructor - they equipped me with everything needed to succeed in the surf industry. Five years later, I'm still part of the Outer Reef family!"
★★★★★
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