Surf Instructor

Job Description

Job Description

Hawaiian Style Surfing | Poipu, Kauai

Do you love surfing and want to share that passion with others?

At Hawaiian Style Surfing, we believe learning to surf should be one of the highlights of every Hawaiian vacation. Every day, we introduce guests from around the world to the thrill of catching their very first wave while providing a safe, fun, and unforgettable experience.

We're looking for energetic, patient, and safety-minded Surf Instructors who enjoy working with people, love being in the ocean, and are passionate about helping others succeed. This is much more than teaching surfing—it's about creating confidence, building memories, and representing the aloha spirit both in and out of the water.

If you're dependable, positive, and thrive in an outdoor environment, we'd love to have you join our team.

• Teach private, semiprivate, and group surf lessons for guests of all ages and experience levels.
• Create a fun, safe, and encouraging learning environment for every student.
• Conduct beach instruction covering surfing fundamentals, ocean awareness, surf etiquette, paddling, popup techniques, and water safety.
• Supervise students in the water while providing individualized coaching and encouragement.
• Organize, transport, clean, and properly store surfboards and lesson equipment.
• Conduct daily surf demonstrations for resort guests and actively promote surf lessons and rentals.
• Assist guests with surfboard rentals and equipment selection.
• Monitor beach and ocean conditions while helping maintain a safe environment for students, swimmers, and beach visitors.
• Assist neighboring resort operations when business needs require.
• Work closely with fellow instructors and resort staff to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Represent Hawaiian Style Surfing with professionalism, positivity, and aloha every day.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must:
• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Be able to provide documentation verifying work authorization on the first day of employment.
• Be a strong swimmer with excellent ocean awareness and confidence in surf conditions.
• Possess strong surfing skills and the ability to safely teach beginner surfers.
• Hold current CPR and First Aid certification or be able to obtain certification before the first day of work.
• Hold a valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Be physically capable of lifting and carrying surfboards and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Be dependable, punctual, and committed to providing exceptional customer service.
• Be available to work weekends, holidays, and peak tourism seasons.
Preferred Qualifications
• Previous surf instruction experience.
• ISA Surf Instructor Certification.
• Lifeguard certification or professional ocean safety experience.
• Experience teaching children and families.
• Knowledge of Hawaiian surf etiquette, local surf breaks, tides, and ocean conditions.
• Experience working in hospitality, tourism, recreation, or customer service.
• Basic surfboard repair and equipment maintenance experience.
Compensation & Benefits
• Competitive pay based on experience and lesson volume.
• Opportunities to earn generous gratuities.
• Health insurance (eligible employees).
• Employee activity benefits.
• Consistent scheduling.
• Yearround employment opportunities.
• Professional, supportive team environment.
• Opportunities for advancement and professional growth.
Availability Requirements

We operate year-round and are busiest during holidays and peak tourism seasons.

Applicants must be available to work:
• Weekends and holidays.
• June through September.
• December 15 through January 15.

These are our busiest periods, and time-off requests during these blackout dates generally cannot be accommodated.

Why Join Hawaiian Style Surfing?

Every lesson is an opportunity to change someone's vacation—and sometimes their life. Whether you're helping a child stand on a surfboard for the first time or giving someone the confidence to conquer their fear of the ocean, you'll create memories that last a lifetime.

At Hawaiian Style Surfing, we're looking for team members who are passionate about surfing, committed to safety, and genuinely enjoy helping others. If you're ready to spend your days doing what you love while sharing the aloha spirit with guests from around the world, we'd love to meet you.