Outside

Term from Surfing Instruction industry explained for recruiters

In surfing instruction, "Outside" refers to the area beyond the breaking waves where surfers wait to catch waves. When this term appears in resumes or job descriptions, it indicates experience with managing students in deeper water conditions. This is an important skill because instructors need to safely guide students through different water zones and teach them how to position themselves correctly for catching waves. Similar terms include "lineup," "takeoff zone," or "peak." Understanding this concept is crucial for surf instructors as it involves both safety management and teaching fundamental surfing techniques.

Examples in Resumes

Supervised groups of 5-8 students in the Outside zone while teaching wave selection techniques

Developed safety protocols for transitioning beginners from inside waves to the Outside

Certified in rescue techniques for Outside surfing instruction

Typical job title: "Surf Instructors"

Also try searching for:

Surfing Coach Water Sports Instructor Surf School Instructor Ocean Safety Instructor Surfing Teacher Aquatic Sports Instructor

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you assess wave conditions to determine if students are ready for outside instruction?

Expected Answer: A senior instructor should explain their method for evaluating wave size, interval, and student skill level, along with safety protocols for transitioning students to deeper water.

Q: Describe your approach to managing multiple students in the outside area during larger swells.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of group positioning, emergency procedures, and ability to maintain visual contact with all students while providing instruction.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What techniques do you use to teach wave selection in the outside?

Expected Answer: Should explain methods for teaching students how to read waves, position themselves correctly, and make decisions about which waves to take or let pass.

Q: How do you handle a situation where a student panics in the outside area?

Expected Answer: Should describe calm communication techniques, rescue procedures, and methods to prevent such situations through proper assessment and preparation.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the key safety considerations when teaching in the outside area?

Expected Answer: Should mention basic safety protocols like maintaining proper distance from students, checking equipment, and monitoring student comfort levels.

Q: How do you prepare beginners for their first outside experience?

Expected Answer: Should explain progression steps, confidence-building exercises, and basic ocean awareness training necessary before taking students to deeper water.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-1 years)

  • Basic water safety knowledge
  • Teaching fundamentals in whitewater
  • Understanding of ocean conditions
  • Basic rescue techniques

Mid (1-3 years)

  • Group management in outside conditions
  • Advanced rescue techniques
  • Wave assessment abilities
  • Emergency response protocols

Senior (3+ years)

  • High-level safety management
  • Advanced teaching methodologies
  • Program development expertise
  • Mentor to junior instructors

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No formal water safety certification
  • Limited experience in varied ocean conditions
  • Poor communication skills
  • Lack of emergency response training
  • No experience teaching different skill levels