Surfing Waves

Hi fellow surfers!

I understand that some of you may be surf instructors who can help me out. I'm female and I'm really passionate about being a surfing instructor, once I take my level 1 course I'll be all set!

But I had a thought. Everyone gets to the age where they are no longer flexible enough to move around on a board and show students how to surf. I mean, sure ill hopefully still be able to surf, I just won't be as flexible as I am now.

When men retire from being surf instructors I guess they could either run their own surf school, or go into building work or something. But what can us females do? I haven't got a qualification yet, and even if I did I might go to university to study psychology. But i won't be able to finish that degree completely as the whole qualification takes around 10 years...

I don't exactly want to be cleaning toilets or sitting behind a surf hire shack all day. I mean, I could! It's just not desirable. Is hiring surf equipment to people a reasonable job?

I currently work in a coffee shop so when the surfing season comes to a close I'm going to look for work in a coffee shop, maybe I should carry on with that when I retire?

I don't even know when I'll retire... I look at my parents (both 45) and see how unflexible they are and wonder if I'll have to retire at 35 but then if I keep active maybe I'll stay flexible!

Sorry for the long post

My main question, other than advice and a rant, is 'what exactly can a female surf instructor do after they retire?'

Thanks for your patience and thoughts!

Have a look at your surfing elders, how flexible are they compared to their contemporaries?
Look,at the intermix of of Yoga, Pilates, lifestyle and other lifestyles.
do Sports Psychology stay on the board!
So many older women are wishing to learn surfing doesn't it make sense they would be more comfortable learning from someone near in age to them!

Why do you believe being older means being inflexible?
Your parents may engender that, you do not have to follow that path!
I'm 65 I surf all over the world, I often get to talk to women of similar age who are still surfing!
Your beliefs as you hold them, are the beliefs that will limit you, not your age!

Often too as we move through a career, different avenues open up to you.

Your future as a surf instructor could be bright!

Firstly, if you surf regularly, you will probably be more flexible than your parents when you are 45. Sitting at a desk is probably what they have done and its amongst the worst things you can do for flexibility.

Secondly, down my way Pam Burridge runs a surf school. She is 50, although admittedly an ex world champ pro surfer, so pretty special. Still, she runs the school and is out there teaching lessons no problem. Still outsurfs 98% of the people I see. Anyway, there is a real life person who has done it and is still doing it.

I wonder Hatchling if you surf yet? also where might help too ! I know a number of vintage women surfers some of whom are instructors , they might be near you!
A lot of ex pro surfers male and female run surf schools al over the world, someone in the forum may well be able to give you some contacts?

Fascinating that an obviously very young women thinks that the opportunities for a retiring female surf instructor would be fewer than for a man!

Jaffa makes an excellent point that many older women learning to surf may relate more to an older female coach.

Maybe you could work towards specialising in guiding surf tours/camps for women (or children? Or just anybody!)? Then when you feel you are no longer up to coaching, you could concentrate on the admin side.

Hmmm Jaffa you are absolutely right! I guess I've never taken a second thought towards being more flexible than my parents. I'm down near Newquay but I'd love to know about older women who are surfing, I think they'd also be quite an inspiration! I've been surfing for 2 years nearly every day (even in the winter months), so I wouldn't say I'm a beginner Jaffa and you have a point... The older generation might feel more comfortable with a slightly older teacher. I was watching a lesson yesterday, In particular a more aged lady learning to surf, and your comment really hits home now. It's ignited my passion even more! Thanks for the advice!

Zebroo, I only think the opportunities for women are smaller than that for men because women are naturally not as strong as men, and there is a smaller ratio of women to men surfing instructors so there's less to go against for me. I know only one female instructor down my local spot and she's about 25. But going into admin doesn't sound too bad. I just worry that if I decided to switch surf schools when I'm, say 40, I may be less applicable because the youth will be out there looking for work

Thanks for the tips and comments though everyone! You've all really helped me do some thinking...

I think you are overthinking it too much!
If you get a good reputation as a surf coach/teacher then schools with a suitable demographic will head hunt you!
Get experience under your belt, maybe even plan to start your own specialist surf school for people of your age!

You are stressing about the journey before you have evn started out!

Nobody plans to fail, they fail because they fail to plan. Look at the small steps you need to make and take them one at a time!
I do corporate coaching, if you focus on the obstacles you will trip on them, or worse still ,stop yourself for fear of failure. ( and that is the ultimate failure).

In surfing terms if you don't take off you will never know if you'll make the wave.

Thanks Jaffa, you really are a surfing legend!!! I'm going to do it, I'm going to book my level 1 course now!!!! Thanks very much!

Here is a video that will inspire you, you don't know where your journey will end but if it ends like this, well far out!
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=22895

Idea 1. open a beachwear and bikini shop

Idea 2. Open restaurant at beach serving breakfast and lunch that caters to surfers, fishermen, and divers

Idea 3. Obtain 2 year nursing degree and work in medicine or providing care in convelescence homes (you could get this degree while instructing surfers)

Idea 4. Get degree and primary school teaching certificate and work in education (you could get this degree and cert while instructing surfers)

Wow, thanks Billie! That was a very thoughtful post! I'm blown away at how freely everyone helps out, it's really appreciated!

And thanks once again, Jaffa, for the link! I took a look at it and was very impressed, it's certainly surged my interest in the career!