A-Level results day is just around the corner and if Uni no longer feels like the right next step, you’re not alone. More students than ever are hitting pause on the academic treadmill to do something bold, exciting, and genuinely life-changing.
But how do you break the news to your parents that you’re planning to take a Gap Year Surfing around the world?
Here’s how to do it with confidence, clarity and minimal eye rolls.
1. Be Prepared
Don’t drop it mid-dinner with a casual, “I think I’m just going to go to Mozambique instead of uni.”
Instead, show them you’ve thought it through. Have a plan. Explain why this isn’t about avoiding responsibility, it’s about choosing a more meaningful path for now.
Key points to prepare:
- Where you’re going and with whom (Ticket to Ride, 20 years in the game reputed provider of Gap Year adventures etc)
- What you’ll be doing (surf coaching, traveling supervised, gaining qualifications)
- Why this gap year has long-term benefits
2. Stress the Financial Benefits
University is a massive financial commitment. In the UK tuition fees average around £9k per year and rent another £9k, not to mention living expenses, books, and interest-bearing student loans that can follow you for decades.
In contrast:
- A structured surfing gap year costs significantly less than a year at university, so if you’re already hesitant to attend right now, you could potentially end up dropping out of the first year meaning a huge financial loss, whereas deffering for a year and going on a surfing gap year is a financial win!
- You’ll graduate the gap year with usable qualifications, including internationally recognised Lifeguard and Surf Coach certifications and we also open doors to paid seasonal work in UK and abroad.
Sell it to the parents as a return on investment for your personal growth
3. Introduce the Adventure (and the Structure)
It’s not a “gap yah.” It’s an organised, professional surf adventure with real outcomes.
Let them know your trip includes:
- Sri Lanka: Learn to surf, build confidence in the waves, and gain a globally recognised Lifeguard qualification and ISA Level 1 Surf Coaching award.
- South Africa: Take your surfing to the next level and explore a new culture in safe, supportive environments.
- Mozambique: Live by the beach, connect with coastal communities, and surf amazing waves in a totally unique setting
This isn’t a backpacker free-for-all, it’s structured, supervised and designed to develop leadership, resilience, and professional skills.
4. Address Their Top Concerns Head-On
Safety:
Let them know the program is run by experienced trip leaders, surf coaches, lifeguards, and travel professionals. There’s 24/7 on-ground support, clear risk management, and proven safety protocols.
Education:
You’re not avoiding learning, you’re expanding it. You’ll gain:
- First Aid and Lifeguard qualifications
- ISA-accredited Level 1 Surf Coach training and award
- An apprenticeship working in a busy Surf House, putting your new found skills and qualifications to the test, whilst under supervision and gaining further training
- Real-world communication and problem-solving experience
- Cultural awareness from living and learning abroad
Career Prospects:
This kind of gap year shows initiative, independence, and global thinking, traits every employer loves. Plus, you’ll leave with a professional qualification and work experience you can use to coach surf anywhere in the world.
5. Talk About the Why
Tell them what’s really behind your decision:
- You want to take time to figure out your future, not rush into a degree you’re unsure about.
You want to build confidence, leadership and life skills.
- You want to grow, not just as a student, but as a person.
Framing your gap year as an investment in yourself (rather than a delay) helps them see the long-term value.
6. Reassurance, Not Rebellion
This isn’t about defying them, it’s about asking for their support while you take charge of your own path.
Offer to:
- Stay in regular contact while abroad
- Share your itinerary and trip details
- Keep a budget (and stick to it)
- Revisit your university or career plans with fresh eyes after the trip
7. Show Them You’re Serious
There’s nothing quite like proving your commitment. Apply for the course, secure your place, and show them how much it means to you.
Because once they see your excitement and the structure behind the adventure, they’ll realise this isn’t you going off course, it’s you carving your own.
Want to Find Out More?
If you’re ready to turn your gap year into an unforgettable, qualification-packed surf journey check out the Epic Gap Year and start the conversation today.