Surf Wise is ASI’s official system for identifying your exact surf skill level.
It breaks surfing into 10 clear levels, so you always know where you are and what to learn next.
Once you know your level, Surf Wise gives you a modular, step-by-step learning pathway that makes progressing your surfing easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
For those planning to become instructors, Surf Wise is the easiest way to check your current ability level and identify any skills you may need to strengthen before enrolling.
No confusion. No guessing. Just clear skills, clear goals, and steady improvement.
There are 4 surfing ability levels plus surf safety:
And this is further broken down into 10 knowledge and skills levels:
Identifies the core skills you must have to start surfing waves. It’s where you start feeling the excitement of real wave riding — and where your Surf Wise journey truly begins.
Identifies the moment you shift from riding straight in white water to beginning real wave riding skills. You’re still a beginner, but now you’re starting to interact with the wave and begin shaping your ride and choosing your direction.
Marks your transition from beginner to early intermediate surfer. At this stage, Surf Wise identifies the skills that show you’re ready to move beyond small, simple waves and start surfing with more intention, awareness, and control. It is also the minimum requirements for an ASI Introductory Surfing Instructor assisting teaching beginners.
Identifies the point where you can surf consistently on a fibreglass board and control your direction with confidence. It shows you’re no longer surviving the wave — you’re starting to shape your ride.
Identifies the skills of the intermediate surfer who can link manoeuvres and control speed with intention. It is the minimum skills required to be an ASI Level 1 Surfing Instructor to instruct beginner surfers.
Identifies surfers who can start to perform a range of advanced manoeuvres with control, confidence, and consistency. At this stage, you’re surfing more powerful waves, reading conditions with accuracy, and demonstrating manoeuvres that require timing, technique, and commitment. These are the skills required to be an ASI Level 2 Surfing Instructor to instruct intermediate surfers.
Identifies surfers who can perform some more advanced level manoeuvres with precision, power, and control on steeper, faster waves, and the ability to adapt your equipment for better performance.
Identifies surfers who can perform advanced manoeuvres with speed, power, control, and safety in challenging surf conditions. At this stage, you’re confidently surfing waves up to 6ft, executing high level manoeuvres, and demonstrating the ocean awareness expected of an advanced surfer. These are the minimum skills required to be an ASI Level 3 Surfing Coach to instruct advanced level surfers.
Identifies elite advanced surfers — the most experienced and capable surfers in the Surf Wise pathway. At this stage, you demonstrate exceptional surfing ability in 6 ft+ waves and have extensive experience surfing different breaks around the world. Your surfing shows mastery, power, confidence, deep ocean understanding, and complete control in all conditions. These are the skills required to be an ASI Level 4 Master Surfing Coach to instruct up to elite-advanced level surfers.
If you’re excited to boost your surfing skills and sharpen your technique, ASI Surf Wise Programs give you a clear, structured pathway to improve. Every option aligns with the Surf Wise system so you can see your current level and confidently work toward the next.
The typical learning format for each level is:
Delivered by ASI Accredited Surf Schools, these programs make progression feel achievable, enjoyable, and genuinely rewarding.
Explore ASI surf publications for extra guidance and insights →
