Taking your surf instruction skills to the next level opens up new career opportunities and enables you to help intermediate surfers progress in their journey. The ASI (Academy of Surf Instructors) Level 2 Surfing Instructor qualification is internationally recognised and highly respected in the industry. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining this qualification in Australia.
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What is the ASI Level 2 Surfing Instructor Qualification?
The ASI Level 2 Surfing Instructor course is designed for those who want to advance their teaching capabilities beyond the basics. With this qualification, you can:
- Instruct improver to intermediate level surfers
- Teach in surf/green waves up to 3ft (1 metre)
- Help students master bottom and top turns, cutbacks, and linking manoeuvres
- Increase your earning potential as an instructor
- Work internationally as part of the ASI worldwide community
Entry Requirements
Before you can enroll in the Level 2 course, you must meet the following prerequisites:
- At least 750 hours of surfing experience at various surf breaks
- Surfing skills equivalent to ASI Level 7 Advanced Surfer, including:
- Ability to perform top turns with spray
- Bottom turns with spray
- Re-entries
- Cutbacks and roundhouse cutbacks in 4ft to 6ft surf
- Minimum of 12 months surfing instruction experience (may be waived for those with advanced to elite surfing ability)
- Hold an ASI Level 1 Surfing Instructor certificate (non-ASI Level 1 certificates may be accepted based on experience and ability, but additional coursework will be required)
- English speaking skills
Study Options
You have two main options for completing the Level 2 course:
1. Workshop
- An intensive 2-day course
- Focuses on major components of instruction
- Provides direct interaction with trainers and other participants
- Hands-on learning environment
2. Flexible Online Learning
- Study at your own pace through ASI's e-learning platform
- Access to training manuals, videos, and reference materials
- Upload videos to demonstrate your skills
- Complete assessments online
There's also an Update option for ASI instructors whose qualifications have expired and need to regain their ASI certification.
Course Requirements
To earn your Level 2 qualification, you'll need to complete:
Knowledge and Skills
- Review ASI theory and complete exercises
- Submit a written project of an improver/intermediate surfing session, including:
- Finding a student at the improver level
- Recording and assessing their ability according to ASI Surf Wise criteria
- Creating a lesson plan to improve their performance
- Conducting the session and providing written feedback
- Demonstrate your own surfing ability at the ASI Level 7 Advanced Surfer level
Practical Experience
- Complete 15 hours of practical work experience
- Assist in delivering intermediate-improver surfing lessons at an ASI accredited surf school or other approved facility
- Submit a logbook of hours with a declaration signed by the surf school owner
Additional Requirements
- Current ASI Surf Rescue certificate or other approved surf rescue certificate
- Current senior first aid certificate
- Working with Children Check (if applicable)
Time Frame
You have 12 months from the date of workshop or online enrollment to complete all course requirements.
Equipment Needed
- Surf clothing
- Fibreglass surfboard (to demonstrate your ASI Level 7 advanced surfing skills)
- A student at the improver level (for your project)
- Beginner soft-top boards with soft fins and leash and/or fibreglass boards (for your student project)
- Computer or mobile phone to access the e-learning platform
- Video camera or mobile phone to record practical skills
Certification
Upon successful completion, you will receive:
- ASI Level 2 Surfing Instructor Certificate (valid for 12 months)
- Statement of Attainment in Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership SIS40619 for the following units:
- SISOSRF005 Lead surfing activities, intermediate manoeuvres
- SISOSRF004 Lead surfing activities, small waves and basic manoeuvres
- SISOSRF002 Surf waves using intermediate manoeuvres
- SISOSRF001 Surf small waves using basic manoeuvres
- SISOFLD002 Minimise environmental impact
- PUASAR012 Apply surf awareness and self-rescue skills
This dual certification is possible because ASI is an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO ID 91496), recognised by the Australian Department of Education.
Annual Renewal
Keep in mind that your ASI Instructor certificate must be renewed annually to remain valid. Check the ASI website for specific renewal requirements.
Why Choose the ASI Level 2 Qualification?
- Internationally recognised certification
- Opportunity to work in amazing locations worldwide
- Increased earning potential
- Comprehensive training in advanced instruction techniques
- Part of the respected ASI community of surf instructors
Taking the step to become a Level 2 ASI Surf Instructor not only advances your career but also enables you to share your passion for surfing with students who are ready to take their skills to the next level.
Where to From Here?
Finding the right ASI Course and camp requires local knowledge! There's nothing worse than committing to a programme and finding out it's not a good fit. Don't waste thousands of dollars without speaking to a professional first!
Whether you're dreaming of teaching on Australian shores or traveling the world, the right certification course makes all the difference. Reach out today—we'll help match you with a program that transforms your surfing passion into a rewarding profession. And we'll do it for free!
Want to learn more first? Explore the best surf camps on Australia's East Coast!