ISA LEVEL 1 & WATER SAFETY

• Become an ISA Certified Surf Instructor 

Looking to turn your passion for surfing into a professional career? Join Dean from Outer Reef Surf School this September in Vieux Boucau, France, for an internationally recognised instructor training programme combining the ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor Course and the ILS Water Safety Course.

The full programme runs from 19th to 26th September 2026, with the ILS Water Safety Course taking place from 23rd to 25th September.

Delivered by Surf School Alliance

Outer Reef Surf School is proud to be a member of the Surf School Alliance (SSA), a network of professional surf schools committed to delivering high-quality coaching and internationally recognised training.

This course is organised by Dean, founder of Outer Reef Surf School and an experienced surf coach, offering participants the opportunity to learn in a professional yet friendly environment on France’s beautiful Atlantic coast.

An Internationally Recognised Qualification

To become an ISA Certified Surf Instructor, participants must successfully complete both:

• ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor Course
• ILS (International Life Saving) Water Safety Course

Both certifications are mandatory to receive the official ISA Surf Instructor Certification.

Recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the world governing authority for surfing, the International Surfing Association (ISA) has developed a coaching programme that combines technical knowledge, teaching methodology and ocean safety. It remains one of the most respected qualifications for surf instructors worldwide.

What You’ll Learn

Throughout the course you’ll develop the practical and theoretical skills required to teach surfing safely and confidently.

Topics include:

• Surf coaching methodology
• Lesson planning and delivery
• Student progression
• Ocean awareness and surf forecasting
• Risk assessment
• Beach management
• Rescue techniques
• Water safety procedures
• Emergency response
• Practical coaching sessions in the ocean

Whether your goal is to work in a surf school, travel the world as an instructor or develop your coaching career, this programme provides a solid professional foundation.

Accommodation Included

For logistical reasons, it is not possible to attend the ISA and ILS courses without accommodation.

The package includes:

• Accommodation throughout the course
• Daily breakfast
• Saturday evening barbecue dinner
• Easy access to the beach and training facilities

Living and training together throughout the week creates a supportive learning environment and allows participants to fully immerse themselves in the experience.

Important Information

In addition to the course fee, the ISA requires all participants to complete a mandatory online e-learning module.

• €50, payable directly to the ISA
• Access details will be provided by the ISA presenter during the course

Course Dates and booking:

Combined ISA Level 1 + ILS Water Safety Course
19–26 September 2026

ILS Water Safety Course only
23–25 September 2026

Take the Next Step

Whether you’re aiming to teach locally or internationally, becoming an ISA Certified Surf Instructor opens the door to exciting opportunities within the global surf industry.

Train with Dean from Outer Reef Surf School, a proud member of the Surf School Alliance, and gain the skills, confidence and internationally recognised qualifications needed to begin your professional surf coaching journey.