Year-round Surf Instructor Job at Swell Tofino

Surf Instructor and Rental Shop Attendant

Full Time one year contract position.

Start Date: Feb 2026

Starting at $21/hr and negotiable based on surf instruction experience.

** $1/hour bonus will be paid upon completion of the contract.

*** staff accommodation is available for all full time positions at $600/month for a shared room including utilities.

Additional Benefits:

Extended Health Care and Dental Benefits

Professional Surf Coaching

Tofino’s best staff accommodation

Free work wetsuits and deals on personal wetsuit and surf equipment

Overview:

Swell Tofino is all about inspiring people to build connections with the ocean and others through getting on the water and outside together. As a surf school and rental company we offer two daily 3 hour surf lessons as well as SUP lessons and rental equipment: Surfboards, Paddleboards, and Bikes.

We are looking for organized, enthusiastic compassionate leaders to join our team both on the water and in the shop. The Surf Instructor and Rental Shop Attendant will be responsible for teaching surf lessons, SUP lessons and working at our surf rental rental renting gear and taking bookings.

Additional Job Duties:

Instruct recreational surf and paddleboard lessons and enforce safety rules, providing assistance and first aid when required. Assemble surf, paddle and bike equipment, ensuring they are excellent condition. Maintain, repair, and keep equipment in professional working order including surfing equipment, paddling equipment, bikes, safety equipment, and first aid supplies. Keep logs of weather conditions and equipment maintenance, maintain records of guests paperwork and prepare reports for inventory maintenance. Attend to projects and needs of the company related to any retail or maintenance.

The ideal candidate will exhibit the following experience and skills:

Professional, creative, energetic personality.

Responsible, punctual and well organized.

Outgoing and customer service oriented.

Teaching, Coaching and/or Instruction skills preferably in the outdoor industry.

Surfing experience (minimum 2 or more years of personal experience).

Paddleboarding experience is an additional benefit.

Compassionate Leadership and team building. You need to be a strong leader and a great team player. With a small team, we all need to pitch in to get the work done, even if it’s not in your job description.

Ability to lead outdoor activities pertaining to a wide range of age groups.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: Clear and friendly communication skills and professional demeanour, over email, phone, and in-person with both co-workers and customers.

Organized and self-motivated. You need to be able to take initiative.

Problem-solving and multi-tasking in a fast-paced work environment.

Flexibility and the willingness to adapt to changes in work routine based around changes in demand due to the seasonal nature of the surf industry.

Positive outlook and a curiosity to learn.

Required certifications:

Standard First Aid with CPR-C (WorksafeBC Intermediate First Aid)

International Life Guarding (ILS) or Bronze Cross (or higher level of lifesaving)

Valid full driver’s license (not new driver)

Additional useful certifications:

Paddle Canada SUP Instructor Certification

ISA lvl 1 or 2 certificate for surf instruction

How to apply:

Please send your application including PDF version of your resume and cover letter to jobs@swelltofino.com

** please do not include expired certifications on your resume.

We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. These positions are only open to those legally entitled to work in Canada.