Surf Instructor

Also called: Surf Coach

Teaches people of all ages to surf, from first-timers to competitive surfers.

A day in the life

You give a beach lesson on popping up, then push beginners into small waves and cheer when they stand. You watch currents and conditions to keep everyone safe. Some instructors run surf camps in Hawaii, Costa Rica, or Bali.

Pay over a career

Starting
$25k
Typical
$38k
High
$60k

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Certificate, about 0 years after high school. Surfing skill plus lifeguard/CPR and instructor certification.

Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training, Self-taught. Training cost: Under $15k.

Outlook

Growing about average.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. Teaching people to stand up on a board in real waves is hands-on coaching.

Could start within a month

Age 16+. One way to start: Get CPR and First Aid certified, then ask local surf schools and camps about summer instructor jobs First: CPR/First Aid (one day); many schools also want a lifeguard certificate

Start now, in high school

Classes: Physical education, Health, Earth science.

Official data: O*NET occupation 39-9031.

More Adventure & Outdoor Tourism careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.