Mobile surf coach for schools and groups

Travel with your boards to run surf programs for schools, holiday groups and private clients.

Surf instructor helping a beginner carry a surfboard down a sunny beach.
Startup costA$8k to A$30k
Monthly revenueA$2k to A$9k
Time needed15+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$8k-30k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
  • Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

A mobile surf coaching service using a ute or van and trailer to bring boards, wetsuits and gear to different beaches. Focus on school programs, holiday camps, private coaching and group bookings.

Your first three steps

  1. Get your surf coaching accreditation, first aid and CPR, and apply for a Working with Children Check through your state
  2. Contact local schools, holiday programs and accommodation providers to find out how they book outdoor activities and what they require from suppliers
  3. Price a ute or van with a board trailer, then check beach access rules with each council area you plan to work in
Who pays

Schools, holiday programs, community groups, corporate teams and parents booking private coaching for their children.

How it makes money

Per-student pricing for school and group programs, hourly rates for private coaching, and block bookings for term-long programs.

Skills that help
  • Strong surfing and coaching ability
  • Organising groups and transport
  • Communicating with teachers, parents and young people
Watch out for
  • Council or land manager permits for each beach, as rules differ between areas
  • Public liability insurance that covers coaching children and school groups
  • Schools may require supplier approval, risk assessments and a Working with Children Check
  • Vehicle and trailer costs, including insurance and board storage
  • Seasonal demand and weather cancellations affecting income

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: mobile surf coach for schools and groups

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a mobile surf coaching business?

Startup costs are typically around $8,000 to $30,000, depending on the vehicle and trailer, board and wetsuit stock, insurance and board storage. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own setup before you commit.

What permits and checks do I need to coach surfing at schools?

Check council or land manager permits for each beach, as rules differ between areas. Also check public liability insurance that covers coaching children and school groups, and whether schools require supplier approval, risk assessments and a Working with Children Check.

How much can a mobile surf coach earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,000 to $9,000, depending on how many school, holiday and private bookings you win. Seasonal demand and weather cancellations can affect income. Plan on at least about 15 hours a week.

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Photo: Anestiev on Pixabay

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