Surfing England Surf Instructor Course in Croyde

Become a certified Surf Instructor through our comprehensive training programme at an award-winning Surfing England Centre of Excellence in Croyde Bay. This course offers a perfect opportunity for passionate surfers to take the next step in their careers, focusing on developing the skills necessary to teach beginner surf lessons with an emphasis on safety and effective communication. Under expert guidance, you'll gain the experience and knowledge required to lead groups and embark on a fulfilling career in surf coaching. The programme integrates both theoretical learning and hands-on training, ensuring you’re fully prepared to deliver professional lessons in a variety of conditions.

Key Details

Group size: Up to 8 participants
Course duration: 40 hours (approximately 20 hours practical training + 20 hours shadowing)
Minimum age: 16 years (junior instructor certification at 16, full certification at 18)
Location: Croyde Bay, North Devon
Requirements: Basic surfing ability, valid beach lifeguard or surf lifesaving award, safeguarding training

Key Skills

Effective communication and teaching techniques for beginner surfers
Surf safety management and risk assessment practices
Leadership and mentorship skills in surf instruction
Surf coaching and the ability to adapt to various surf conditions
Understanding surf etiquette and fostering a positive learning environment

What to Expect

Day 1: Classroom Training
The course begins with two full days of classroom-based learning. These sessions cover a range of key topics, from surf theory and lesson planning to the vital aspects of surf safety and risk assessment. You’ll gain insight into the technical aspects of surf coaching, such as how to assess wave conditions, select appropriate surf spots for beginners, and structure lessons to maximise learning. You’ll also learn how to create an engaging and supportive environment for students, focusing on clear communication and confidence-building.

Day 2: Practical Beach Training
After the classroom sessions, you’ll move to the beach for practical, hands-on training. With guidance from experienced surf instructors, you will conduct real surf lessons, practising everything you learned in the classroom. This phase includes shadowing active surf instructors, where you’ll observe the dynamics of real-world lessons and learn how to handle different teaching scenarios. The practical training will focus on working with small groups, assessing surf conditions, and ensuring the safety and progression of your students. You’ll also practice troubleshooting common issues that can arise during lessons, developing problem-solving skills that are essential for effective teaching.

Final Assessment
The course concludes with a final assessment, which tests your ability to lead a surf lesson, assess conditions, manage risks, and communicate effectively with students. The assessment will be conducted by your trainer, and upon successful completion, you will be awarded the Surfing England Surf Instructor certification. This certification qualifies you to deliver beginner surf lessons in controlled conditions and is a great first step in your surf coaching career. You’ll leave with the knowledge and skills to teach safely and effectively, ready to join the professional surf community.

Location

Croyde Bay in North Devon is the ideal setting for surf instructor training. Known for its consistent surf and picturesque coastal views, it offers both an engaging and scenic environment for budding surf instructors. The beach has a variety of surf conditions, making it a perfect place to learn the ins and outs of surf coaching. Its natural beauty and reliable waves ensure that you’ll have the chance to hone your skills while enjoying one of the most popular surfing spots in the UK.

Prerequisites

To take part in the course, participants must be able to demonstrate a basic level of surfing ability. This includes being able to paddle out, perform a turtle roll, catch green waves, and complete bottom turns and trims along the face of waves.

To achieve certification, you must have a valid Beach Lifeguard or Surf Lifesaving award and have completed safeguarding training, either through the Surfing England Surf Safeguarding Course or the NSPCC Safeguarding in Sport online module.

Why Choose Us

This Surfing England-accredited surf school offers top-tier instructor training, led by a qualified trainer with years of surf coaching experience. The programme is designed to give participants hands-on experience in a supportive, structured environment. By joining this course, you’ll receive expert instruction, alongside mentoring and shadowing opportunities to help you gain real-world teaching experience.

With a strong reputation in the surfing community, the school is known for providing the best in surf education. Positive reviews and media features from outlets like The BBC, Vogue, and Surfing England reflect the high quality of training provided, ensuring that you will be fully equipped to kickstart your surf instructor career.

Surfing England-accredited training
20 hours of classroom and beach-based instruction
Mentoring and shadowing with experienced instructors
Final assessment and certification (upon passing)
Use of surfboards and wetsuits during training

Personal insurance
Accommodation
Meals and drinks
Beach lifeguard or surf lifesaving certification
Transport to and from the meeting point

Yes, this is one of the few places in Croyde where you'll be able to enjoy a hot shower after your session.

It’s a welcome comfort, especially on colder days.

Yes, heated changing areas are available and separated by gender.

Free lockers are provided for all participants.

You’ll be able to lock away your personal items securely while you're out in the water.

Absolutely. There are hundreds of wetsuits on site, with at least 10 available in each size.

This means you'll be kitted out with a suit that fits well and keeps you comfortable throughout your session.

The surf coaching team is headed up by a seasoned professional with years of experience, including nearly a decade coaching for Team GB.

The leadership ensures a high standard across all lessons and keeps the instruction consistent and inspiring.

To begin the training, you should already have a basic to intermediate surfing ability. This includes being able to paddle out beyond the white water, perform a turtle roll or duck dive, catch unbroken (green) waves, complete a bottom turn, and trim along the wave face on both left and right-hand waves.

If you’re not quite at this level yet, it’s worth taking additional coaching sessions before enrolling in the course to build up the necessary skills.

Upon successful completion, you’ll be awarded the Surfing England Surf Instructor Certification.

This entry-level qualification allows you to deliver beginner surf lessons in controlled, waist-deep water conditions. It’s recognised by surf schools and organisations across the UK and internationally, provided you are working within a structured safety framework.

No, you can begin the course without holding a lifeguard qualification. However, you must obtain a current Beach Lifeguard or Surf Lifesaving award before certification can be issued. This is a Surfing England requirement to ensure all instructors can manage group safety effectively in a coastal environment.

Many participants choose to complete the lifeguard award alongside or shortly after their instructor training.

The shadowing phase is around 20 hours of hands-on training at the beach, where you’ll observe and assist qualified instructors as they teach real surf lessons. This includes helping with warm-ups, equipment setup, in-water coaching, and managing groups.

You’ll also get feedback from mentors to help you build confidence and develop your teaching style. This experience is vital to gaining the practical understanding needed to deliver your own lessons.

Located right by the waves in one of the UK’s top surf spots, this centre offers expert-led surf lessons, coasteering adventures, and high-quality equipment hire - all backed by outstanding facilities, including hot showers and heated changing rooms. Lessons are led by experienced coaches trained to national standards, with options for all abilities from beginner to advanced. Whether you're joining a group session, booking private coaching, or organising a weekend package, the focus is always on safety, progression, and having a great time in the water. Also available on-site: sauna and ice bath sessions, plus accommodation options to make the most of your stay in Croyde.