Level 1 & 2 Surf Instructor Courses in Spain

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 Level 1 Instructor Certification 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 Surf Level 2 Coach Certification 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 

Through this course, the ISA and ILS have established a global minimum standard for Surf/SUP instructors water safety certification, as water safety requirements vary from country to country on a national level. This collaboration has resulted in a standard safety accreditation that benefits traveling coaches.

The course is designed to complement the ISA Coaching and Instructing Program Courses that currently require all ISA accredited instructors to hold a valid, recognized water safety accreditation. The course helps the ISA build a better world through surfing by promoting water safety world-wide.

Course Details:
The course is run over two days. It contains theory, practical components, and group activities. Assessment is competency based and successful completion is based upon the following:

• Full attendance of the training course and all practical assessments
• Basic Surf Fitness Test
• Competency in each of the Practical Assessments
• Completion of course participant workbook

Basic Surf Fitness Test: Run-swim-run to demonstrate surf skill competency, based on small to moderate surf conditions and to be completed within a 5-minute timeframe: Minimum of 100m run, negotiation of the inner surf zone with a swim of at least 100m through the surf and impact zone, 100m run. Course presenters may extend the Basic Surf Fitness Test depending on conditions and adjust the time-frame accordingly.

Practical Assessments: Unconscious board rescue, basic first aid techniques in various scenarios, and provision of basic emergency care, including CPR.

All participants who successfully demonstrate the competencies will receive an ISA/ILS Water Safety Accreditation that is valid for two years. This accreditation fulfills the minimum water safety requirement for the ISA Coaching and Instructing Program and includes international ILS-endorsement and recognition

Renewal: The ISA/ILS Water Safety Accreditation must be refreshed every two years

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 

About this Course:

Introduction:
The ISA Flat Water Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Instructor Course is designed for introductory SUP instructors that are teaching the sport in the flat water environment (lakes, bays, lagoons and all flat water settings).

Benefits of Attending:
The ISA Flat Water SUP Certification is recognized as the international standard of safety, quality, and efficacy for instructors at quality SUP schools around the world. This is also the most popular ISA SUP Course with the broadest international appeal and recognition.

The ISA Coaching & Instructing Program is designed to develop the skills, knowledge and abilities of those individuals who wish to obtain a scientific approach to the Coaching and Instructing of SUP.

Who Should Attend:
Those with an interest in coaching and instructing the sport of SUP.

Prerequisites: ISA Introduction to SUP Instructing E-Learning Course

Requirements:

• Participation in the Flat Water SUP Certification Course
• Demonstration of a basic level of Stand Up Paddling ability
• Completion of 20 practical hours logged and supervised by an ISA Instructor
• Obtain a valid lifesaving/surf rescue award
• Sign the ISA Coach’s Code of Conduct

Outline:
Module 1: Role of the Instructor
Module 2: Safety of the Paddler in Your Care
Module 3: Equipment for the Beginning Sup Student
Module 4: Coaching Methods
Module 5: Skill Development
Module 6: Program Planning

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

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 

• Age: Minimum of 16 years old by the date of the assessment.
• Membership: Be a current member of Surf Life Saving GB (SLSGB).
• Fitness:
  • Complete a 400m pool swim in under 7 minutes and 30 seconds (the first 200m of which should be under 3 minutes 30 seconds).
  • Complete a 200m beach run in under 40 seconds.
• Water Competency: Be able to surface dive to a depth of approximately 2m and be competent at swimming in the sea. 

• Timed Pool Swim: 400m in under 7 minutes 30 seconds.
• Timed Beach Run: 200m run in under 40 seconds.
• Tube Rescue (Sea-based): Run 50m with a rescue tube, swim 100m to an unconscious, non-breathing patient, perform supported Expired Air Ventilation (EAV), and return to shore with appropriate aftercare.
• Board Rescue (Sea-based): Rescue an unconscious, non-breathing patient approximately 150m from shore using a rescue board, perform deep water supported EAV, and return to shore.
• Unaided Rescue: Rescue a conscious patient from the sea (approx. 50m from shore) without equipment, demonstrating appropriate patient management.
• Spinal Injury Management: As part of a team, rescue a patient with a suspected spinal injury and provide aftercare.
• Incident Management: Initiate appropriate procedures as a team leader or team member in a simulated emergency situation. 

• CPR: Demonstrate CPR on adult, child, and baby manikins.
• Basic Life Support: Scene assessment, turning a patient prone to supine, airway management (including jaw thrust for suspected spinal injuries), recovery position, and action for vomiting/blockages.
• Oxygen Administration: Competent use of supplementary oxygen via an approved method.
• First Aid Scenarios: Management of various first aid incidents. 

• Beach Environment: Knowledge and identification of hazards and dangers.
• Lifeguard Techniques: Thorough knowledge and understanding of all signals and rescue techniques.
• Communications: Understanding how to use all available communication methods for lifeguards.
• Documentation: Completion of an Incident Report form. 

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

Immerse yourself in the surfing haven of Bali. Train amidst lush landscapes and vibrant culture, turning your ISA/ILS certification into a tropical adventure.

Course Dates:

Dates

ISA Surf Level 1 is the foundation award for surf instructors. It covers the core skills you need to run safe beginner and early-intermediate sessions, including lesson structure, communication and demonstration, group management, hazards and risk assessment, basic rescue and emergency response, and how to coach real people in real surf conditions.
A typical day on a Bali surf instructor course

Morning
Breakfast at the camp
Daily briefing: conditions, hazards, plan for the day
Beach set-up and safety checks
Practical coaching session: lesson planning, demos, water work, group management

Midday
Lunch break and recovery time
Video review and coaching feedback (technique and teaching)
Surf theory workshop: ocean knowledge, risk management, coaching method, progression planning

Afternoon
Second water session: coaching practice, personal surfing development, or assessment preparation
Equipment care and debrief: what went well, what to improve tomorrow

Evening
Optional mobility or yoga session
Social time, local food, early night before the next training day

What is included in the Bali package

Accommodation
7 nights accommodation (or matched to your course length)
Daily breakfast
Use of camp facilities and communal spaces

Training and surf
Daily surf sessions and coaching aligned to your level and course goals
Video coaching and progression support
Surf theory sessions and instructor workshops
Equipment support (board rental options available)
Local surf spot access planning with your guide (conditions and level dependent)

Extra value
Yoga and movement sessions (scheduled through the week)
Social activities and group atmosphere

Why train in Bali with Outer Reef

Real surf environments
You train in changing ocean conditions, not a pool or classroom-only format, so your confidence and judgement improve fast.

Safety-led instruction
ISA pathways emphasise safety, quality and effectiveness in surf coaching.

Progression built in
Daily guidance plus video coaching helps you improve your surfing and your teaching, even if you are not starting as an advanced surfer.

Support after qualifying
We can advise on next steps, professional development, and how to use your qualification to find work in the surf industry.

Entry guidance: am I ready?

If you are unsure about your level, that is normal. The 1-week intensive suits accomplished surfers who are already confident in varied conditions. If you want time to improve your surfing while you train, choose a 4, 8 or 12-week programme so you can build ability safely and steadily, with structured feedback and coaching support.

FAQs

Are ISA qualifications recognised?
ISA coaching and instructing certifications are positioned by the ISA as an international industry standard.

What is ISA Surf Level 1?
It is the entry-level instructor award covering the foundations of coaching and water safety for instructing. 

Do you only take advanced surfers?
No. We offer a 1-week track for accomplished surfers, plus longer programmes designed to develop your surfing alongside instructor training.

Is there local Indonesian recognition?
We align delivery with local Indonesian surf structures through the Indonesian Surfing Association 

Yes! All of our Courses and packages include FREE wetsuit hire.

Let us know what dress size or jumper you wear

Of course you can! If you only have a shortie or are unsure if it still fits you (don't worry it happens!), let us know what size you are anyway and we can bring you a suit just in case.

• A swimming costume/shorts  
• A beach towel
• Some flip flops or shoes to walk over the pebbles (if needed)
• Any medication you may need (eg. Asthma inhaler)
• Warm clothes to change into afterwards
• A big smile and a sense of adventure

SUP: For ease, we recommend using one of ours. They are all top of the range O’shea, Jobe and Finla boards. 

Surf: If you have your own board you are more than welcome to use it but we do recommend one of our Foam boards as they really help when you are learning

The beauty of watersports is that anyone can give them a go! We have taken people on the water from every walk of life imaginable. All we ask is that you can swim at least 25m unaided as this is for your safety.

Yes, in most cases you can absolutely still come along to our weekends. All of our instructors take ‘rescue bags’ out on the water with them so any medications can go into this bag for the duration of the activities. If you would like to discuss this with us further, please drop us an email and a member of the team will contact you.

We do ask that you can swim at least 400m unaided in 8 minutes inorder to join us on any one of our instructor courses

We use various accommodation providers across the globe depending on the season and location. Please feel free to get in touch.

Your accommodation will be well signposted with Outer Reef signage for your arrival and you can check in. The following day your team of instructors for the week will meet you just inside your accommodation at 9am for a meet & greet.

Our accommodation providers meals so you can make your own lunches we recommend packed lunches or you can buy lunch at the beach venue.

Our locations do not have changing facilities so we recommend wearing your swimming costume under your clothes. Tenby North beach has a cold water public shower that is free to use. All other locations do not have shower facilities. We recommend bringing a towel robe or Dry Robe to change after your session. 

All of our locations have toilet facilities.

Yes! You can leave your car keys etc in our vans or our lock ups (depending on the location). Outer Reef does not take responsibility for any items left and we do have limited space so please don’t bring your diamond jewellery and massive overnight bags!

Don’t worry, we understand these things happen. 

If you cancel more than 3 months before your arrival date, we are able to give you a full refund.

If it is less than 3 weeks before, we will endeavour to fill your spot. If we are unable to do so, we will issue a voucher for the value of the activities which you can spend in one of our stores or on activities in future. Unfortunately we are unable to refund the accommodation.