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Writer's pictureBailey Ann Kaiser

Surf Jobs: How to Get a Job in the Surf Industry in 2024

Updated: Dec 13, 2023

If you’re like me, your life revolves around surfing.


Sometimes, when work and life starts to get busy, you wish you could just be anywhere near the beach and the waves.


Getting a job in the surf industry is a great option for all surf lovers because even if you aren’t surfing, you get to work in an environment that is focused on surfing.


There are many jobs out there up for grabs in the surf industry and profitable enough to give you steady income while doing what you love.



How profitable is the surf industry?

The surf industry is extremely profitable… and it’s just getting better and better.


According to Grand View Research, “the global surfing equipment market size was valued at 3.88 billion USD in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 4.4% from 2021 to 2028.”


With this news, it is possible to hop into the industry and make good money without sacrificing your love for your work.


Where can you find surf jobs?

You are more likely to find a good paying surf job on the coast, of course.


Our surf-obsessed world requires the ocean and so will most surf jobs.


There are plenty of surf brands and companies that need good employees, it’s not a smaller and competitive industry.


Best Surf Jobs Today


Surf instructor

A surf instructor is a great job for those who want to be immersed in the ocean while they work, all while sharing the stoke.


A surf instructor is one who teaches others how to surf and safety as well.


The great thing about giving lessons too is that there isn’t an age limit, anyone can learn how to surf.


Teaching someone else the love of surfing is one of the most rewarding feelings out there and seeing the joy that comes with it is unmatched.


Surf shop manager

A manager is a retail and marketing job for those who like the ambience of surf shops.


There’s always good vibes and you get to take care of all of the shop's aspects including staff, product stock and resources, and sales.


It’s typically a chill job and if you enjoy talking to others, this is a great career option.


Surf photographer

A surf photographer is a unique and fun job for the creative minds who like being in the ocean all of the time. With this career, you get to capture the beauty of waves and surfers doing their thing out in the water. Equipment is fun to play around with and you get to edit your photos on your couch when you get home. Surf photographers are getting higher and higher demand as media keeps becoming a larger aspect of life.


Surf videographer

A surf videographer is very similar to a surf photographer, and you could do both if you wish!


A surf videographer is someone who takes videos of surfers or the ocean while out in the water or on land.


You can play around with fun equipment in this career as well and get to edit your videos in the comfort of your own home.


A videographer is popular among surfers since it is rare to get clips of yourself surfing and people pay good money for it.


Surfers who want to become sponsored also need to grow a social media following nowadays and video edits are a great way to do that.


Surf editorial

Someone who works in editorial is one who writes articles or news meant for publication on certain topics, in this case it would be surfing.


Surf editorial consists of writing for surf magazines, websites, and blogs.


Most of the time, you can work from home and be in charge of managing your own time and hours, which is super nice if you're wanting to go for a surf at some point during the day!


Freesurfer

A free surfer is someone who gets to just surf for a living- wow doesn’t that sound nice!


Realistically, a free-surfer is someone who typically gains a good following on social media and can make a living off of brand sponsorships and deals.


A freesurfer may gain a large audience and if they have something unique about their public appearance, they can become pretty well known and be considered a surf influencer.


Usually someone who gets to surf for a living does it in competitions as a professional surfer, but a free surfer is someone who surfs outside of competitions while getting their income from elsewhere.


Lifeguard

A lifeguard is an important job for those who are strong, fast, and attentive.


A lifeguard’s job is to watch the waters and beach to make sure everyone is safe and to watch for those who need saving for assistance.


Surfers are typically the perfect person for the job because they have all of the attributes that a lifeguard may need and they know the ocean like the back of their hand.


Brand manager

Being a surf brand manager is for someone who is skilled in marketing, surf knowledge, and people. Brand managers are responsible for making sure a brand’s image is good and reaches the right people.


They watch competing companies and make sure that they are always one step ahead of them when it comes to unique ideas and marketing tactics.


Surf Jobs

Everyone should have a job that is fun, exciting, and is something they love to do. If you love surfing, consider getting a job in the industry.


There are many different opportunities for all sorts of skills in this industry that is continually growing.

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