The qualifications for working in the surf industry vary depending on the position. To compete professionally, you must be an excellent surfer and spend lots of time in various breaks and ocean areas to gain sufficient experience. To be a surf instructor, you also need surfing experience, certification in First Aid and CPR, and to complete coaching and lifeguard classes through the International Surfing Association. To become a surfboard designer, you can seek apprenticeships to learn the proper shaping techniques and duties related to design. To become a surf photographer, having a background in both surfing and photography is usually standard, as you typically go out in the water to photograph surfers in action.