Sri Lanka 10 Week Surf Academy
Combine an epic Sri Lankan surfing experience with a serious surf coaching qualification.
This 10 week surf training programme and instructor course Sri Lanka is aimed at anyone who wants to become a surf instructor, experienced or not, whilst experiencing the beautiful island of Sri Lanka.
We will teach you the fundamentals of surfing, traveling from the East to West Coast of Sri Lanka, through the beautiful Hill Country, whilst getting you ready for your ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor Award and Surf Lifeguard Qualification, which combined together enables you to work as an instructor around the world.
Depending on whether you’re joining the tour in October or March the itinerary changes with the switching of the seasons.
October – You’ll start things off on the East Coast at the world-famous Arugam Bay, embarking on your surfing journey riding the reeling, sand-bottom point breaks, learning the fundamentals, enjoying some of the longest waves of your life, whilst exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding area by visiting the national park, lagoon tour etc.
You will spend the next section of the trip at the Ticket to Ride Surf House in Ahangama, on the South West Coast, focussing on improving your surfing under the wings of a team of qualified and seriously experienced surf instructors led by ex-world tour surfer Nikita Robb as your head coach.
Halfway through the course, you slow down a little and head on a week long tour of the beautiful Hill Country, stopping in Ella, Kandy and ‘Adam’s Peak’.
Once you’re back at the Surf House the surf training goes up a gear with daily coaching and feedback to prepare you for your ISA Level 1 Exam in the final week.
March – If you’re joining us in March you will start at the Surf House in Ahangama on an intensive four week surf course. Then you take a much needed break to visit the Hill country, followed by three weeks back at the Surf House focusing on your surfing and training for the ISA Course which is taken the following week. After completion of the course we head up to Arugam Bay where the right hand points will be peeling perfectly and the group get to have a well earned surf holiday riding some of the most perfect right handers on the planet!
After passing your instructor exams, the team will do their best to help you find your dream job and can set you up with interviews at a number of surf schools around the world.
Get in touch for specific dates
Mar – Jun
Sep – Dec
Surfing Ability
This trip is suited to both beginners as well as surfers who have some experience and want to take their surfing to the next level and qualify as level 1 surf instructors. We have run this trip many times with all level of surfers and have the knowledge and skills to accommodate your surfing.
Accommodation
The accommodation is at the Ticket to Ride Surf House, optimally located by 3 of the best waves on Sri Lanka’s South Coast. Rooms are shared single sex (2-3 ppl per room), all equipped with air conditioning and en suite bathrooms.
Food
During the trip you will be provided with daily breakfast and five evening meals per week. On the nights off we will arrange group meals at local restaurants. There is a great café on site at the Surf House which serves food, coffees and smoothies throughout the day so you can eat here for lunch, or try out one of the many eateries in town.
Equipment
If you have your own surfboard you like to ride then we suggest you bring it with you. If you are not the proud owner yet then don’t worry, board rentals are included in the trip.
Extra Activities
- Picturesque train ride from Ella to Kandy
- Visit Kandy Royal Botanical Gardens
- Hike the famous pilgrimage Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) for sunrise
- Tea Plantation Visit
- Galle Fort Visit
- Buddhist temple visits
- Airport transfers (on trip start and finish dates)
- Accommodation for duration (shared, en suite rooms with a/c)
- Daily Breakfast
- 5 Dinners per week at Surf House
- 5 Lunches per week in Arugam Bay
- Trip leaders for duration
- Surf Coaching for duration
- Surf equipment hire for duration
- Surf transport
- Video analysis and surf theory sessions
- Functional training sessions
- ILS Water Safety Course (2.5 days)
- ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor Course (2.5 days)
- All training, course material and membership fees
- Hill Country Tour
- Additional excursions
- Final farewell party
- Flights
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Vaccinations
Age 18 +
Suitable for ages 18 to 60
Average age between 18 - 40
A meal in Sri Lanka can range from as little as £1 for a simple rice or curry, while a fresh tuna steak and a large Lion beer will set you back about £7. Your breakfast is included daily and evening meals are whilst we are based at the Surf House and lunch is included at Arugam Bay, so you don’t have to worry too much about budgeting for your food.
To pass the Surf Instructor course, you need the essential surf skills and fitness levels to gain the qualification. You must complete a timed swim of 200m completed in less than 5 minutes to prove your water fitness is strong enough.
For your surfing, you must be able to paddle out back and duck dive when needed, pop-up consistently on green waves and perform basic manoeuvres, turning both left and right.
We will work on all of this through the course.
Everyone traveling to Sri Lanka must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for entering Sri Lanka. Visit www.eta.gov.lk for more information. Your initial visa will be for 30 days and this can be easily extended online once you are in the country. We can assist you if needed.
Of course! The vast majority of people on any of our trips come alone, as it is a great way to meet people and do the holiday you want.
Your first year’s ISA (International Surfing Association) Membership is included in the course fee. You must ensure you pay your membership annually (directly to ISA via their website) in order to hold a valid qualification and membership with ISA. If you miss this deadline, you may be required to take the course again.
After you pass the course, you have the qualification for 2 years. After this time you will need to take a ‘refresher’ course. This is shorter and cheaper than the full course and is designed to refresh your skills and update you on new methods and techniques. After this, you’re required to take a Refresher course every 2-years. Should you miss any of these deadlines then you will be required to take the full course again.
They are widely recognised and respected, allowing you to work all around the world as long as both your ISA and Lifesaving qualifications are in date.
After your course you are required to gain 20 hours surf coach shadowing experience with a surf school. We can help arrange these hours in Sri Lanka, or you’re welcome to arrange this yourself somewhere else.
Early starts and early finishes!
- 6am – Coffee
- 6:15 am – Surf Lesson
- 9am – Breakfast
- 10am – Analysis and Theory
- 11am – Functional Training
- Midday – Break
- 3pm – Guided Surf Session
- 5pm – Happy Hour
- 7pm – Dinner
- 10pm – Bar closed / music off
The most challenging and rewarding physical and mental experience of my life. Despite being 31 years older than the average age of the group I always felt completely included and supported by coaches and fellow students alike. The ethos of success and knowing others believe in you is so motivating. I know that I have developed skills and a personal insight and inner strength that I will be able to carry forward in my own coaching to inspire others to experience the energy, joy and freedom that surfing can bring to life.
Rebekah, 10 Week Sri Lanka
Everything that I experienced throughout my stay was professional and amazing beyond anything I have ever experienced before. There is a nice variety of boards from beginner foamboards to advanced shortboards and every surf instructor is packed with surf knowledge, compassion and enthusiasm. Whether you’re a person who thrives on being out of your comfort zone, or you like to take things slow one step at a time, the incredible crew will work together and tailor something that makes YOU progress as much as possible, while still having tons of fun in the water.
Magnus, 10 Week Sri Lanka
I had an incredible time. From A to Z everything is super organized. The surf house in Sri Lanka has a great location, just across the street and you are at different surf spots. Also the rooms are nice and clean. The highlight of the house is definitely the roof terrace where you can watch the sunset with a cold coconut or a lions! No matter with which surf level, with them you are definitely in good hands. The whole group was well mixed with people from all over the world and different ages.
Celine, 10 Week Sri Lanka
This was such an epic trip! All the staff were so kind. Couldn’t imagine I would improve so much surfing wise and just as a person. They got me so much out of my comfort zone, but felt always safe with the great coaches around.
Esmee, 10 Week Sri Lanka
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