{"id":25211,"date":"2018-09-19T16:19:18","date_gmt":"2018-09-19T16:19:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.tickettoridegroup.com\/?p=25211"},"modified":"2025-10-17T18:18:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T18:18:47","slug":"working-as-a-surf-instructor-in-the-uk-the-lowdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tickettoridegroup.com\/blog\/working-as-a-surf-instructor-in-the-uk-the-lowdown\/","title":{"rendered":"Working as a surf instructor in the UK – the lowdown"},"content":{"rendered":"

I became a surf instructor two years ago and without sounding cliche it was one of the best decisions I ever made! After graduating from university I was stuck with where to go next; I wanted to experience the world as well as getting a job I enjoyed and was passionate about. It seemed an impossible task until I found surf instructing. With numerous work perks, I was hooked!<\/span><\/p>\n

The Surfing<\/b><\/p>\n

Being from Cornwall I have always loved the ocean and surfing, but since becoming an instructor my passion and skill level has increased massively. In my experience people who aren\u2019t from the coast think that the UK can\u2019t possibly be home to awesome surf breaks and beautiful beaches. Cornwall and Devon are home to some epic surf spots, picturesque and uncrowded if you know where to look – although I may be a bit biased. The southwest is home to an abundance of beaches to explore, you\u2019ll never run out of coves and secrets to uncover along the endless coastlines. <\/span><\/p>\n

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A photo of me duck diving at my local break by Clare James – check out her Instagram<\/a> and website<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

The Lifestyle <\/b><\/p>\n

It\u2019s hard to imagine a better office than the beach; the uniform is a wetsuit, bare feet and salty hair. The days when you get to the beach before everyone else and the sun is shining, it’s just peaceful and perfect. Then it’s on to setting up for the day before taking your first group for their lesson. When its sunny it\u2019s amazing to be outside, alternatively when it\u2019s raining, you may as well be in the sea! I worked at Harlyn Surf School <\/a><\/span>but Cornwall and Devon are hosts to so many other awesome surf schools too, including Wavehunters<\/a><\/span>\u00a0in Polzeath and the Ticket to Ride school<\/a><\/span>\u00a0in Perranporth. <\/span><\/p>\n

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An empty line up at Penhale by Clare James<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

The People<\/b><\/p>\n

The amount of people you meet while instructing is insane. I have built up so many friendships whilst instructing because everyone is so like minded, fun and nearly always up for a post work surf! \u00a0Additionally, the range of clients from children to adults, complete beginners to improvers from all walks of life. You have the chance to introduce people to a new experience and sometimes a change in their lifestyle which is a great feeling. Most people are learning for the fun experience, but you do get people who want to continue surfing and even become an instructor themselves, so you\u2019ve introduced them to their newest passion. I\u2019ve taught kids as young as five years old and to see the stoke on their faces is rad. You know its a job well done when people are smiling even when they\u2019re wiping out!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Instructing for Harlyn Surf School<\/a> by Lisa Stonehouse<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

The Fitness<\/b><\/p>\n

Surf instructing is a great way to stay active and healthy whilst working. Personally I think that just getting into a wetsuit is a decent workout, so pairing that with some beach activities and a swim in the sea you\u2019ve got yourself a gym equivalent session. There aren\u2019t many jobs you can come home from and pig out on your favourite foods without feeling guilty that you haven\u2019t done enough exercise to warrant it. Being outdoors all day and in the sea is a great workout and in my opinion there aren\u2019t many things better than coming home after work and a surf to dinner and a cider that you\u2019ve earned! <\/span><\/p>\n

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Another photo by Clare James<\/a> of Fistral beach, Newquay<\/p><\/div>\n

The Possibilities <\/b><\/p>\n

Teaching in the UK is a great set up to take your skills abroad. The English surf school season typically run from April-October and if you don\u2019t feel like braving the chilly winters then you can hop on a plane and explore the world. Whether its teaching in warmer climates, swapping to colder temperatures on a snow season or going on an epic surf adventure until the next season starts. I chose the latter and had 5 months to chase the endless summer in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines before heading back to Cornwall for another season of teaching. <\/span><\/p>\n

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A photo I took of Balangan, Bali during my winter break between instructing<\/p><\/div>\n

If this sounds like a journey you\u2019d love to undertake Ticket to Ride<\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/i>offer epic trips to South Africa<\/a><\/span>, Sri Lanka<\/a><\/span>, Indonesia<\/a><\/span>, the Philippines <\/a><\/span>and more – in which you can complete your instructor training, go on the trip of a lifetime and be linked to a Cornish or Australian surf school on your return. Get out there and do something that will change your life! <\/span>