Step by step · 8 guides

Surfing: from first wave to coach

Start with your first lessons, then follow the instructor and coach track or the competition track. Every step is here in order, with the UK bodies that run each one.

Quick links

Prices

What it costs

Experience day
£45 to £140 per person (two-hour lesson with kit, group to private)
Become qualified
£160 to £400 (block of lessons to ISA Level 1 surf coach)
Hourly
£35 to £70 an hour

Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.

Governing body

Competitions

Start here

  1. Step 1: How to start surfing in the UKHow to start surfing in the UK. Then pick a track.Read the guide →

Instructor and coach track

After the lifesaving award, take Surf Instructor: Recreation (step 3) or ISA Level 1 (step 4).

  1. Step 2: Surf lifesaving awards: the first step to teaching surfingSurf lifesaving awards: the first step to teaching surfing.Read the guide →
  2. Step 3: Surf Instructor: Recreation: teach your first beginner lessonsSurf Instructor: Recreation (SE1): teach your first beginner lessons.Read the guide →
  3. Step 4: ISA Level 1 surf instructor: the international awardISA Level 1 surf instructor: the international award (Scotland, Wales, and RPL in England).Read the guide →
  4. Step 5: Surf Coach: Progression: coach surfers out backSurf Coach: Progression (SE2): coach surfers out back.Read the guide →

Surf schools

Useful for everyone, whether you're booking a lesson or looking for work.

  1. Step 6: Surf school accreditation: what Surfing England checksSurf school accreditation: what Surfing England checks.Read the guide →

Competition track

  1. Step 7: Surf competitions in the UK: from Junior Surf Series to GBSurf competitions in the UK: from Junior Surf Series to GB.Read the guide →

For everyone

  1. Step 8: Surfing in the UK: prices, who runs what, and safetySurfing in the UK: prices, who runs what, and safety.Read the guide →

Ready to start? The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport, or use the enquiry form to have a coach found for you.