Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Beach Break • Turtle Roll • Priority Rules

Set Waves

Term from Surfing Instruction industry explained for recruiters

Set waves are a series of larger waves that come in groups during surfing conditions. Understanding set waves is crucial for surf instructors because they need to teach students when and where to position themselves for the best surfing experience. Think of set waves like scheduled buses - they come in groups with periods of smaller waves in between. This knowledge helps instructors keep students safe and maximize their learning time in the water. When reviewing resumes for surf instructor positions, you'll often see this term mentioned as it demonstrates the candidate's understanding of ocean patterns and teaching safety.

Examples in Resumes

Taught beginners to identify and safely navigate Set Waves during group lessons

Created teaching methodology for explaining Set Waves patterns to novice surfers

Successfully managed groups of 5-10 students in varying Set Wave conditions

Typical job title: "Surf Instructors"

Also try searching for:

Surfing Coach Water Sports Instructor Ocean Safety Instructor Surf School Teacher Watersports Guide Beach Activities Instructor

Where to Find Surf Instructors

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Online Communities

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you adapt your teaching strategy for different set wave conditions?

Expected Answer: A senior instructor should explain how they assess wave patterns, adjust lesson locations based on conditions, and modify teaching approaches for student safety and success. They should mention experience with various beach types and seasonal conditions.

Q: How do you train junior instructors to teach students about set waves?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership skills by explaining their method of mentoring new instructors, including safety protocols, communication techniques, and how to build student confidence in challenging conditions.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you explain set waves to beginner students?

Expected Answer: Should describe clear communication methods, use of simple analogies, and practical demonstrations to help students understand wave patterns and timing.

Q: What safety procedures do you follow during large set waves?

Expected Answer: Should outline specific safety protocols, including student positioning, communication methods, and emergency procedures when conditions become challenging.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic characteristics of set waves?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that set waves come in groups, describe how to identify them, and explain basic safety considerations for students.

Q: How do you position students when waiting for set waves?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic positioning strategies, safety distances, and proper communication with students in the water.