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Level 1 & Level 2 Surf Instructor courses Mentawai Islands

Surf Instructor courses Mentawai Islands

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Surf Instructor Training In The Mentawais

Train to become a surf instructor in the Mentawis, home to some of the best waves on the planet. With the Outer Reef Surf Instructor Academy, you will sharpen your surfing in epic reef breaks while building the coaching, water safety and session management skills you need to work worldwide. Our ISA Endorsed training is hands-on and practical, focused on real lesson delivery, risk awareness, and confident decision-making in genuine ocean conditions, so you leave ready to teach professionally in surf schools and resorts across the globe.

Join Our ISA Approved Surf Instructor Courses

ISA Level 1 & Level 2 Surf Instructor Courses

International Surfing Association

Train in the Mentawai Islands at Awara and Macaroni’s with the Outer Reef Surf Instructor Academy and earn an ISA-endorsed surf instructor qualification in one of the world’s most consistent and revered surf regions. Set among tropical islands and world-class reef breaks, our one-week intensive course is designed for established surfers who can go left and right and perform basic manoeuvres. You’ll develop coaching skills, water safety knowledge, and practical session delivery under expert supervision, gaining the confidence to teach in a variety of conditions.

After your intensive week, there’s the option to stay an extra week at the resort to surf, unwind, and chase barrels, putting your skills into practice while enjoying some of the Mentawai’s most famous waves.

With over 25 years of surf education experience, we deliver globally recognised ISA Level 1 and Level 2 Surf Instructor certifications. Additional options include adaptive surf instruction, SUP coaching, aquatic rescue and safety, and professional lifeguard training. Endorsed by the International Surfing Association and supported by Rip Curl, our Mentawai programmes are perfect for gap-year travellers, surf career starters, or anyone looking to train internationally, meet like-minded surfers, and graduate ready to teach confidently worldwide.

Turn your passion into a rewarding career

Become a Certified Surf Instructor In The Mentawai Islands

Mentawai Islands Surf Instructor Training

The Outer Reef Surf Instructor Academy delivers ISA Endorsed surf instructor training in the Mentawai Islands, a remote Indonesian archipelago renowned for its consistency, quality and variety of reef breaks. Training here places instructors in a true ocean-led environment, where understanding swell, reefs, tides and safety is part of everyday learning.

With over 25 years of international surf education experience, Outer Reef specialises in developing confident, capable instructors through globally recognised ISA Level 1 and Level 2 Surf Instructor certifications, alongside ISA Judging and specialist training options. The Mentawai Islands provide an ideal setting for hands-on instruction, allowing candidates to train and teach in warm water, high-performance surf conditions under experienced supervision.

Our Mentawai surf instructor courses are designed for those travelling long-term, taking a gap year or pursuing a professional career in surf instruction. Flexible training pathways include intensive one-week certifications and extended 2 week development programmes. Each pathway focuses on surf progression, teaching methodology, water safety, and real teaching experience in a challenging but supportive environment.

Endorsed by the International Surfing Association and supported by long-standing industry partnerships, Outer Reef qualifications are recognised worldwide. Training in the Mentawai Islands offers a rare opportunity to qualify in one of the world’s most iconic surf destinations, preparing you to teach confidently and professionally wherever your surf journey leads.

A Brighter Future Through Surfing

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OUTER REEF SURF INSTRUCTOR ACADEMY

Course Dates

Unlock your potential and join us for our ISA certified Surf and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Instructor courses, paired with our essential lifeguard training. Our ILS and SLSGB Surf Coach and Beach Lifeguard certificates are internationally recognised. Dive into the details below to discover upcoming course dates and embark on a journey to become a certified water sports instructor and lifeguard with Outer Reef.

 

OUTER REEF SURF PACK 1

Duration
7 nights / 8 days

 per person

Dates

COMING SOON

Includes

  • 7 nights accommodation

  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited water, coffee)

  • Group airport to hotel transfers

  • 2 daily surf trips with surf guide to nearby spots

  • Unlimited free-surf sessions

  • ISA Level 1 course

  • Lifesaving course

Does not include

  • Extra drinks (beers, juices, soft drinks, etc.)

  • Tips

  • Flights

  • Travel assistance insurance

  • Trip cancellation insurance

OUTER REEF SURF PACK 2

Outer Reef Surf Pack 2

Duration
7 nights / 8 days

per person

Dates

COMING SOON

Includes

  • 7 nights accommodation in boutique hotel

  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited water, coffee)

  • Group airport to hotel transfers

  • 2 daily surf trips with surf guide to nearby spots

  • Unlimited free-surf sessions

  • All local taxes included

  • ISA Level 2 course

  • Lifeguard course

Does not include

  • Extra drinks (beers, juices, soft drinks, etc.)

  • Tips

  • Flights

  • Travel assistance insurance

  • Trip cancellation insurance

 

Immerse yourself in the surfing haven of Bali. Train amidst lush landscapes and vibrant culture, turning your ISA/ILS certification into a tropical adventure.

Course Dates:

Dates

Choose dates
Dates
Choose dates
  • Saturday, 1 Nov 2025 - Saturday, 29 Nov 2025
  • Sunday, 1 Feb 2026 - Sunday, 1 Mar 2026
  • Friday, 1 May 2026 - Friday, 29 May 2026
  • Thursday, 1 Jan 2026 - Saturday, 28 Feb 2026
  • Wednesday, 1 Apr 2026 - Friday, 29 May 2026
  • Monday, 1 Dec 2025 - Friday, 27 Feb 2026
  • Sunday, 1 Mar 2026 - Thursday, 28 May 2026
  • Monday, 1 Jun 2026 - Friday, 28 Aug 2026

Book Today

ISA Courses

OUTER REEF SURF PACK 1

Duration
7 nights / 8 days

EUR 2,118 per person

Dates

  • 19/04 - 26/04

  • 26/04 - 03/05

  • 03/05 - 10/05

Includes

  • 7 nights accommodation in boutique hotel

  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited water, coffee)

  • Group airport to hotel transfers

  • 2 daily surf boat trips with local surf guide to nearby spots

  • Unlimited free-surf sessions

  • All local taxes included

  • ISA Level 1 course

  • Lifesaving course

Does not include

  • Extra drinks (beers, juices, soft drinks, etc.)

  • Tips

  • Flights

  • Travel assistance insurance

  • Trip cancellation insurance

OUTER REEF SURF PACK 2

Outer Reef Surf Pack 2

Duration
7 nights / 8 days

EUR 2,168 per person

Dates

  • 19/04 - 26/04

  • 26/04 - 03/05

  • 03/05 - 10/05

Includes

  • 7 nights accommodation in boutique hotel

  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited water, coffee)

  • Group airport to hotel transfers

  • 2 daily surf boat trips with local surf guide to nearby spots

  • Unlimited free-surf sessions

  • All local taxes included

  • ISA Level 2 course

  • Lifeguard course

Does not include

  • Extra drinks (beers, juices, soft drinks, etc.)

  • Tips

  • Flights

  • Travel assistance insurance

  • Trip cancellation insurance

OUTER REEF SURF PACK 3

Outer Reef Surf Pack 3

Duration
7 nights / 8 days

EUR 2,518 per person

Dates

  • 19/04 - 26/04

  • 26/04 - 03/05

  • 03/05 - 10/05

Includes

  • 7 nights accommodation in boutique hotel

  • Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, unlimited water, coffee)

  • Group airport to hotel transfers

  • 2 daily surf boat trips with local surf guide to nearby spots

  • Unlimited free-surf sessions

  • All local taxes included

  • ISA Level 1 and Level 2 courses

  • Lifesaving course

Does not include

  • Extra drinks (beers, juices, soft drinks, etc.)

  • Tips

  • Flights

  • Travel assistance insurance

  • Trip cancellation insurance

 

 

Discover Courses

This course is designed for individuals looking to start a career in surf instruction. It provides the knowledge and skills needed to teach basic surfing techniques, safety procedures and surf awareness

This advanced course is for individuals looking to improve their teaching skills and gain a deeper understanding of surf instruction. It covers more advanced teaching techniques, as well as assessment and analysis of student progress

This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to perform rescues and emergency procedures in a surf or SUP environment. It is essential for anyone looking to work as a surf or SUP instructor

This course is designed for individuals who want to teach Stand-up Paddleboarding on flat water, like lakes and rivers. It provides the knowledge and skills needed to teach basic techniques, safety procedures, and equipment usage

This course is designed for individuals who want to teach Stand-up Paddleboarding on open water, like the ocean. It provides the knowledge and skills needed to teach advanced techniques, safety procedures, and equipment usage

This course is designed for individuals who want to become surf coaches. It covers the knowledge and skills needed to teach surf techniques, safety procedures and surf awareness

This course is designed for individuals who want to work as a beach lifeguard. It provides the knowledge and skills needed to perform rescues and emergency procedures in a surf and beach environment

Start Your Journey Today

Don't hesitate to contact us today with any questions or to book your spot in the Mentawai Islands. We look forward to helping you advance your surf and paddle boarding instruction career!

Testimonials

Outer Reef Surf Travel Logo

Jake, Level 2 ISA Instructor 

"Completing my ISA Level 1 & 2 with Outer Reef Academy in Bali was the best decision I ever made! The 4 week program was intense but incredible from learning wave theory in the tropical classroom to practicing rescue techniques in perfect Indonesian barrels. The instructors' 25+ years of experience really showed they didn't just teach us to surf, they taught us to read conditions, manage groups, and handle any situation safely. Six months later, I'm now head instructor at a resort in the Maldives earning more than I ever did in my office job. The international recognition of ISA certification opened doors I never imagined. Outer Reef didn't just give me qualifications they gave me a lifestyle!"

★★★★★

Outer Reef Surf Travel Logo

Sophie, ISA/ILS Instructor & Lifeguard (Trained in Wales)

"Starting my instructor journey at Freshwater West in Pembrokeshire was perfect for building solid foundations. The Welsh conditions taught me to handle everything from gentle rollers to powerful winter swells. What sets Outer Reef Academy apart is their comprehensive approach I left with ISA Level 1 & 2, SLSGB Lifeguard certification, and SUP instructor qualifications all in one program. The support didn't end at graduation either. Within two weeks, I was placed at a surf school in Portugal, and now I'm running my own surf camps across Europe. The academy's 100% job placement rate isn't just a statistic - it's a promise they deliver on. Best investment I ever made in myself!"

★★★★★

Outer Reef Surf Travel Logo

Marcus, Professional Surf Coach (Trained in Portugal)

"After 10 years as a recreational surfer, I wanted to turn my passion professional. Outer Reef Academy's Portugal program exceeded every expectation. Training along the Algarve's consistent breaks with world-class instructors was incredible, but what impressed me most was the business side - they taught us marketing, customer service, and how to actually build a career in surfing. The Rip Curl sponsorship and industry connections opened doors immediately. I'm now coaching at three different surf schools, running private lessons, and just launched my own surf photography business. The academy didn't just certify me as an instructor - they equipped me with everything needed to succeed in the surf industry. Five years later, I'm still part of the Outer Reef family!"

★★★★★

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SURF INSTRUCTOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes! All of our Courses and packages include FREE wetsuit hire.

Let us know what dress size or jumper you wear

Of course you can! If you only have a shortie or are unsure if it still fits you (don't worry it happens!), let us know what size you are anyway and we can bring you a suit just in case.

  • A swimming costume/shorts  
  • A beach towel
  • Some flip flops or shoes to walk over the pebbles (if needed)
  • Any medication you may need (eg. Asthma inhaler)
  • Warm clothes to change into afterwards
  • A big smile and a sense of adventure

SUP: For ease, we recommend using one of ours. They are all top of the range O’shea, Jobe and Finla boards. 

Surf: If you have your own board you are more than welcome to use it but we do recommend one of our Foam boards as they really help when you are learning

The beauty of watersports is that anyone can give them a go! We have taken people on the water from every walk of life imaginable. All we ask is that you can swim at least 25m unaided as this is for your safety.

Yes, in most cases you can absolutely still come along to our weekends. All of our instructors take ‘rescue bags’ out on the water with them so any medications can go into this bag for the duration of the activities. If you would like to discuss this with us further, please drop us an email and a member of the team will contact you.

We do ask that you can swim at least 400m unaided in 8 minutes inorder to join us on any one of our instructor courses

We use various accommodation providers across the globe depending on the season and location. Please feel free to get in touch.

Your accommodation will be well signposted with Outer Reef signage for your arrival and you can check in. The following day your team of instructors for the week will meet you just inside your accommodation at 9am for a meet & greet.

Our accommodation providers meals so you can make your own lunches we recommend packed lunches or you can buy lunch at the beach venue.

Our locations do not have changing facilities so we recommend wearing your swimming costume under your clothes. Tenby North beach has a cold water public shower that is free to use. All other locations do not have shower facilities. We recommend bringing a towel robe or Dry Robe to change after your session. 

All of our locations have toilet facilities.

Yes! You can leave your car keys etc in our vans or our lock ups (depending on the location). Outer Reef does not take responsibility for any items left and we do have limited space so please don’t bring your diamond jewellery and massive overnight bags!

Don’t worry, we understand these things happen. 

If you cancel more than 3 months before your arrival date, we are able to give you a full refund.

If it is less than 3 weeks before, we will endeavour to fill your spot. If we are unable to do so, we will issue a voucher for the value of the activities which you can spend in one of our stores or on activities in future. Unfortunately we are unable to refund the accommodation.

TOP QUALITY EQUIPMENT PROVIDED & EPIC ACCOMMODATIONS

Surf instructor training courses

From as little as £525pp

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