Surf Instructor Course in Australia: Steps and Cost
Train for 3 months at our Spot X surf camp in NSW, with the option to earn your ASI Level 1 Surf Coach certification.
To become a surf instructor in Australia with Mojosurf, you join the 3 Month Surf Instructor Course at Spot X, our beachfront surf camp at Arrawarra on the NSW coast between Sydney and Brisbane. You live at the camp for 90 nights and surf five days a week. Pass our internal evaluation and you can pay A$1,000 for the ASI Level 1 Surf Coach certification. The course is A$11,599, so A$12,599 in total with the certification.
How to become a surf instructor in Australia: the steps
- Book a Sunday start. The course starts every Sunday, and return transport from Sydney or Brisbane is included.
- Train for 90 nights at Spot X. You get five surf lessons a week (90 to 105 minutes, Monday to Friday), weekly surf theory, 3 to 4 fitness or yoga sessions a week and photo and video analysis to track your progress.
- Pass the internal evaluation. Before the official certification, our Head Surf Instructor runs an internal evaluation.
- Pay for the certification, if you want it. The A$1,000 is only collected after you pass the internal evaluation. It is optional: you can do the course just to improve your surfing.
- Earn your ASI Level 1 Surf Coach certification by the end of the course.
What the ASI Level 1 certification covers
The A$1,000 local payment covers the official certification and accreditation as a Level 1 instructor through ASI. It includes:
- Ocean Surf Safety Award
- Apply First Aid (Senior First Aid)
- Surf Coaching Level 1 Award
- Oxygen Administration
The weekly fitness sessions include swim training, to give you the best chance of passing the Ocean Surf Safety Award.
What the surf instructor course costs
| What you pay for | Cost |
|---|---|
| 3 Month Surf Instructor Course, 90 nights | A$11,599 (A$127 per day) |
| ASI Level 1 Surf Coach certification, optional and paid after the internal evaluation | A$1,000 |
| Total with the certification | A$12,599 |
The course price includes:
- 90 nights in the Mojosurf Academy dorm at Spot X
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, weekends included
- Five surf lessons a week, Monday to Friday
- Weekly surf theory and 3 to 4 fitness or yoga sessions a week
- Photo and video analysis
- Unlimited board hire, with surfboards, wetsuits, rash vests and sunscreen supplied (wax isn’t included)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Return transport from Sydney or Brisbane
Before you start
You need to be able to swim 50 metres unaided to join a lesson. Not very fit? It’s a good idea to start some swim training before you arrive, and the fitness sessions will get you there during the course. Weekends are yours to rest, explore or surf as much as you want.
Prefer to train in Indonesia?
Our 3 Month Surf Academy Instructor Course in Indonesia moves between our Canggu, Nusa Lembongan and Red Island or Lombok camps, depending on the season. It starts on the first Sunday of every month and also has an ASI Level 1 Surf Coach option, at an additional fee.
Not ready for 3 months?
If you aren’t after a qualification yet, our surf gap year in Australia page compares the 14 day taster and the 1 and 2 month Surf Academy courses at Spot X. Read how Gabrielle went on to become a surf instructor after the 3 month academy, and see our surf camp jobs and internships.
Surf instructor course FAQs
5 questions
Still have a question?
Ask a surferHow much does a surf instructor course cost in Australia?
Our 3 Month Surf Instructor Course at Spot X is A$11,599 for 90 nights, including accommodation, three meals a day, surf lessons and return transport from Sydney or Brisbane. The ASI Level 1 Surf Coach certification is an optional A$1,000, paid only after you pass our internal evaluation.
How long does it take to become a surf instructor?
The course runs for 3 months (90 nights), and you can earn your ASI Level 1 Surf Coach certification by the end of it.
Do I have to get the certification?
No. The A$1,000 certification is optional, and you can do the course just to improve your surfing.
When does the course start?
Every Sunday. You stay at our Spot X surf camp in Arrawarra, NSW, for the whole course.
Do I need my own board and wetsuit?
No. Surfboards, wetsuits and rash vests are supplied, and you can bring your own wetsuit if you prefer. Sunscreen is included too, but wax isn’t.
“If you’re in Australia, go with Mojosurf! I did the 3-night surf camp in Arrawarra (Spot X) and it was fantastic!”
– Laurence C
“Awesome experience, staff friendly and welcoming. I’ve done surf days on the east coast, and this was the best.”
– Knighty
“My partner and I had a great experience. The staff and instructor were lovely, chill, and approachable- total Byron vibes.”
– Tonj B
