Home > About > Jobs > Jobs FAQs

Jobs F.A.Q

How do I get a job as a surf instructor?

Let’s Go Surfing has a great reputation for having fully qualified and totally professional surf coaches. We expect the absolute best. It might not be easy getting a job with us, but if you’re the right person for our team we want to meet you! We are often looking for good coaches and are happy to hear from people who fit our criteria which includes:

  • Good surfer with solid ocean and water safety knowledge
  • Positive attitude and hard worker
  • Fit , healthy & can handle working in the water in all kinds of weather conditions
  • Customer service experience
  • Excellent communicator, interpersonal & presentation skills
  • Natural leader
  • Available to work weekends, do early starts, late finishes and work through the summer season
  • Previous coaching experience (not necessarily surfing) appreciated
  • Willing to undertake the necessary training (see below).


What training do I need to do to be a surf instructor?

Let’s Go Surfing instructors are very fit and highly qualified coaches who’ve undergone some pretty rigorous training. To become a coach you need to do a number of courses which will cost you around $700 (approximately) this investment paid to Surfing NSW, APOLA etc and is tax deductible. Completing these courses does not guarantee you a position at Let’s Go surfing but they are a mandatory requirement for all our coaches. Generally speaking, most people who are able to satisfy the requirements of this training do get work as a surf coach.

All our surf coaches must complete the following:

  • A physical assessment held at Bondi Beach (demonstrating to us you are able to swim, have a good level of fitness, and can surf).
  • Level 1 Surf Coaching course with Surfing NSW.
  • APOLA courses OSSCA (or bronze medallion through a surf lifesaving club), Advance Resuscitation and Senior First Aid Course.
  • 20 voluntary practical hours at a registered surf school. This is a requirement of the Level 1 Surf Coaching Course and we recommend you do this with us.

NB: APOLA usually conduct OSSCA and Advance Resuscitation on the day before the Level 1 Coaching Course and are both required to work at Let’s Go Surfing.


Do I have to complete all of this training before I apply for a job?

No. If we think you’ve got what it takes we will invite you to do your voluntary 20 hours at Let’s Go Surfing under our mentor programme – once you’ve completed our application form and physical assessment and also booked in for your Level 1 Coaching Course with Surfing NSW.


Does doing the required training guarantee me a job?

No. Completing these courses does not guarantee you a position at Let’s Go surfing but they are a mandatory requirement for all our coaches. Generally speaking, most people who are able to satisfy the requirements of this training do get work as a surf coach.


How much will I get paid?

Pay starts at completion of the Level 1 Surf Coaching course with Surfing NSW  Rookie base pay rates start at aprox $20 per hour (higher rates on weekends) when all courses are completed and Surfing NSW acknowledges you as a fully qualified surf coach.  From there your Base rate increases each season and Senior Coaches can earn up to $25 per hour.  You also receive financial bonuses when you do 3, 4, or 5 lessons in one day.


What if I have other or overseas qualifications?

If you have completed other courses we advise you to check with Surfing NSW and check if they will grant you recognised prior learning and a coaching card without having to do further training. If not you will be required to complete the courses to gain your coaching card to work with us. All our coaches must be certified by Surfing NSW.


Where can I get more information about these training courses?


Level 1 Surf Coach Course bookings

Call (+612) 93497055 or email claire@surfingnsw.com.au. Learn more

All other courses

Contact APOLA on 0408 855 267 or email info@apola.asn.au


I want to work in customer service but I’m not a great surfer.

That’s cool. We’d still like to hear from you. Typically our customer service staff love the waves but that doesn’t mean you have to know how to carve up the foam! We’re more interested in people who can simultaneously make our customers feel welcome, take bookings, juggle phone calls, help our instructors get classes underway and keep smiling!


This all sounds good. What do I do next?

If you’re confident you fit our criteria, email your resume and contact details to marty@letsgosurfing.com.au. We look forward to hearing from you.