Surfing · 5 stages · Community
From your very first wave to becoming a certified ISA surf instructor. For young people aged 14 to 23. Completely free of charge.
Who is surfing for?
Surfing isn’t about how athletic you are. It’s about having the courage to give it a go. We’ll help you, and the sea will do the rest.
Everyone goes through periods when life feels harder than you’d like – whether you’re feeling stuck, struggling to fit in, feeling lonely at times, or ready for a fresh start. At Ride the Wave, you don’t need to explain any of that. You grab a board, head out into the water and discover what you’re capable of.
At Ride the Wave, you start where you are. No grades, no qualifications, no expectations. Just water, exercise and a warm community that grows with every participant.
Among the coaches are young people who have completed the programme themselves. They know what it takes to start afresh – and they’re right there beside you, not looking down on you.
The programme
You’ll progress through 5 stages. You’ll start from scratch and have great fun working on your surfing skills and, for those who wish, working towards an ISA Level 1 certification. Each stage has its own pace – you decide how quickly you progress.
In this beginners’ course, you’ll be introduced to the wonderful sport of surfing. Over the course of 10 lessons, you’ll learn both the practical and theoretical aspects. The emphasis is on fun, safety and teamwork.
By the end of this stage, you’ll be able to head out onto the water on your own and catch those first waves.
Once you’ve successfully completed Phase 1, you’re ready for the real thing. Make the most of your new surfing skills! Bring your own wetsuit to the surf school, where a surfboard will be waiting for you.
You’re really starting to become an advanced surfer! By now, you’ve experienced the power of the waves several times and you’re riding them like a real pro! Nothing’s stopping you from enjoying the waves in your own wetsuit and on your new surfboard!
By now, you’re hooked on the water and want to use your skills to teach beginners how to kitesurf. If you’re at least 16 years old, you can become a fully ISA- and LS-certified surf instructor through our programme. You can then start work straight away as a surf instructor at one of the surf schools affiliated with the programme!
With your advanced surfing skills and experience as an instructor, you’re all set to explore the waves abroad and gain international work experience!
Are you at least 18 years old? If so, you can start working as a surf instructor at one of the (international) surf schools affiliated with our programme.
Where you can go surf
Find out where you can go surf with Ride the Wave and which local partners we work with there.
ScheveningenRoute
The Shore is a household name in the Scheveningen surfing scene and is committed to people and nature. Located by the harbour head, this sustainable surf school provides a welcoming venue for Ride the Wave. View The Shore.
Partner: Gemeente Den Haag
Noordwijk aan ZeeRoute
Beach Break is Ride the Wave’s regular venue partner in Noordwijk aan Zee. The surfing and kitesurfing school at beach exit 21 brings water sports enthusiasts together and offers a cosy spot on the beach. View BeachBreak.
Partner: Gemeente Noordwijk
OuddorpRoute
Natural High is Ride the Wave’s regular venue partner in Ouddorp. On the North Sea beach at Brouwersdam, it’s all about freedom, action and that Natural High feeling. Check out Natural High.
Partner: Gemeente Goeree-Overflakkee
Location to be announced in 2027Route
Ride the Wave is preparing a surf site in Costa Rica. The final location and partner will be announced in 2027.
Ride the Wave in the spotlight
Feel the waves. Feel the vibe. Impressions of surfing
They tell the story themselves
You have no idea how happy I am about the surfing. Even though we had quite a bit of grumbling and moaning from the teenagers. Otherwise, he would have spent the whole holiday lying on his bed. Even though he finds surfing really difficult, he still managed to spend nearly three hours outdoors every time. They’ve also had fun together again. She likes to do things perfectly first time round, and that’s not possible with surfing. So it was all the more fun when she proudly told me last time that she’d caught a wave no fewer than ten times!
She really enjoys surfing, but she also loves the fact that she blends in with the group and nobody knows that she gets her surfing pass for free. The fact that she’s a ‘normal’ member of the group is very important to her.
Surfing gives me a sense of freedom, as if I could do it anywhere in the world. I’d definitely recommend it to others. Even though it’s difficult at first, once you get the hang of it, it’s really cool.
Your first wavechangeseverything.
Ready for your first wave?
No experience, equipment or money required. Just leave your details; we’ll get in touch with you and work out together which group and venue suit you best.
We have received your message and will endeavour to deal with it within 24 hours. We’ll be in touch!