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Surf Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DSRT Surf

DIRECTOR OF SURF OPERATIONS

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description DSRT SURF isn't a traditional workplace, and we're not looking for traditional people. We're building a fast-growing hospitality and lifestyle brand where surf culture ...

DSRT SURF

DIRECTOR OF SURF OPERATIONS

Palm Desert, CA

$100K - $125K/yr

Description DSRT SURF isn't a traditional workplace, and we're not looking for traditional people. We're building a fast-growing hospitality and lifestyle brand where surf culture, guest experience ...

DSRT SURF

Surf Instructor $24-$26/hr

Palm Desert, CA

$24 - $26/hr

Description Surf Instructor DSRT SURF isn't a traditional workplace, and we're not looking for traditional people. We're building a fast growing hospitality and lifestyle brand where surf culture ...

DSRT Surf

Surf Instructor $24-$26/hr

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Job Type Full-time Description Surf Instructor DSRT SURF isn't a traditional workplace, and we're not looking for traditional people. We're building a fast growing hospitality and lifestyle brand ...

Everyday California

Surf Instructor

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

We are looking for a few more outstanding surf instructors. Innovative individuals with the desire to make sales and build a lifestyle brand are a major plus. WATCH WHY THIS IS SAN DIEGO'S COOLEST ...

DSRT SURF

Join the DSRT Surf Team

Palm Desert, CA

Description Future Opportunities at DSRT Surf DSRT Surf is building something unlike anything else in the desert, and we're always interested in connecting with talented, hospitality-driven ...

DSRT Surf

Join the DSRT Surf Team

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

Future Opportunities at DSRT Surf DSRT Surf is building something unlike anything else in the desert, and we're always interested in connecting with talented, hospitality-driven individuals who may ...

Everyday California

Surf Instructor

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

We are looking for a few more outstanding surf instructors. Innovative individuals with the desire to make sales and build a lifestyle brand are a major plus. WATCH WHY THIS IS SAN DIEGO'S COOLEST ...

Everyday California

Surf Instructor

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$17.25/hr

We are looking for a few more outstanding surf instructors. Innovative individuals with the desire to make sales and build a lifestyle brand are a major plus. WATCH WHY THIS IS SAN DIEGO'S COOLEST ...

SP Management LLC

Seasonal SURF PATROL

Palm Springs, CA

$21 - $25/hr

Description Surf Patrol Mission : This position will oversee the safety and experience of guests surfing in the surf pool at PSSC. Our job is to provide a safe and fun experience leaving customers ...

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Surf information

See California salary details

$7

$19

$46

How much do surf jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for surf in California is $19.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.95 and $24.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surf instructor?

Surf instructors are professionals who teach individuals or groups how to surf, focusing on techniques, safety, and ocean awareness. They provide guidance on paddling, standing up on the board, and reading waves, ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning environment. Many surf instructors are experienced surfers themselves and often work at surf schools, resorts, or as independent coaches. Their goal is to help students progress from beginners to confident surfers while emphasizing water safety and respect for the ocean.

What are the qualifications to get a surf job?

The primary qualifications for a surf job depend on the position. Retail sales positions usually require little or no education, though employers prefer applicants who are already familiar with surfing products and culture. Becoming a surfing teacher requires expert-level surfing skills and the ability to manage a classroom, but these positions rarely require special certification. Special roles, such as filming while surfing or taking photographs of other surfers doing stunts, often require a bachelor's degree and several years of experience. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a surf job requires excellent communication skills, swimming skills, physical fitness, and the ability to memorize and follow safety and emergency procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surf instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surf Instructor, you need excellent swimming ability, surf proficiency, and often a certification such as the International Surfing Association (ISA) instructor credential. Familiarity with safety protocols, first aid/CPR certification, and knowledge of local surf conditions are also essential. Outstanding communication, patience, and motivational skills help instructors effectively teach and encourage students of varying skill levels. These skills ensure safe, enjoyable, and productive surf lessons that foster student progress and confidence.

What are some common challenges faced by surf instructors and how can they overcome them?

Surf instructors often encounter challenges such as varying student skill levels, unpredictable ocean conditions, and maintaining student safety. To overcome these, instructors must adapt their teaching methods for beginners and advanced learners, stay vigilant about changing tides and weather, and prioritize clear communication about safety protocols. Building strong rapport with students and staying updated on local surf conditions both contribute to a positive and effective learning environment.

What is the difference between Surf vs Lifeguard?

AspectSurfLifeguard
Required CertificationsCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification, Surf Instructor CertificationCPR, First Aid, Lifeguard Certification
Work EnvironmentBeaches, surf schools, water parksBeaches, pools, water parks, aquatic facilities
Industry UsageSurfing schools, water sports centersPublic beaches, private pools, aquatic safety services
Job FocusTeaching surfing, ensuring safety during surf activitiesMonitoring water safety, rescuing swimmers, enforcing safety rules

While both roles involve water safety, a Surf primarily focuses on teaching and guiding surfing activities, whereas a Lifeguard is responsible for monitoring overall water safety and rescuing swimmers. The certifications overlap but differ slightly in scope, with Surf roles emphasizing surf instruction and Lifeguard roles emphasizing rescue skills.

More about Surf jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Surf jobs in California?

The most popular types of Surf jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Surf jobs in California?

For Surf jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surf jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Surf jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Surf jobs?

Cities in California with the most Surf job openings:

Surf jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surf job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, 47% Part Time, and 11% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,947 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

DIRECTOR OF SURF OPERATIONS

DSRT Surf

Palm Desert, CA • On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
DSRT SURF isn't a traditional workplace, and we're not looking for traditional people.
We're building a fast-growing hospitality and lifestyle brand where surf culture, guest experience, and high performance come together in a unique way. We're looking for people who thrive in energetic environments, take pride in their work, and want to help build something special from the ground up.
This is a fully on-site role in Palm Desert, California.
What You'll Do
The Director of Surf Operations is one of the most critical and non-negotiable hires at DSRT SURF. This is not a role to grow into - it is a role for someone who has already built a career in water safety and surf operations and is ready to lead at the highest level.
You will own the full spectrum of in-water operations, reporting directly to the VP/GM, and you will set the standard for everything that happens in and around our wave.
This is the kind of role most people in water safety and surf ops spend their careers working toward. If leading a world-class surf facility is your dream job - this is it.
Responsibilities include:
  • Own and oversee all surf operations including wave management, surf instruction, water safety, and lifeguard programs
  • Directly lead, manage, and elevate the Water Safety Manager, Surf Manager, Lifeguard Leads, Coaches, and supporting staff
  • Establish, enforce, and continuously improve water safety protocols, emergency action plans, and operational procedures across all in-water disciplines
  • Partner with StarGuard Elite to ensure all water safety standards, staff certifications, and training programs are implemented, current, and exceeded
  • Lead and develop the Surf Coaching and Water Safety management teams, ensuring each department is performing at the highest level and continuously improving
  • Ensure all surf equipment including boards, safety gear, and water assets are properly maintained, inventoried, and guest-ready at all times
  • Oversee surf and wave bookings in coordination with Guest Experience to ensure smooth scheduling, capacity management, and a seamless guest journey
  • Develop each functional area within Surf Ops - setting performance standards, training programs, and clear growth pathways for every role on the team
  • Ensure all staff certifications, training requirements, and compliance obligations are current, documented, and upheld without exception
  • Partner with HR on recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management for the Surf Ops team
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Guest Experience, Facilities, and F&B to deliver a seamless world-class operation
  • Partner with Sales and Marketing departments to support events, group bookings, and the growth of DSRT SURF's surf programming - providing operational expertise, capacity guidance, and on-water execution
  • Monitor, investigate, and respond to incident reports, near-misses, and safety concerns with urgency and accountability
  • Serve as the subject matter expert and final decision-maker for all in-water operations
  • Build and protect a high-performance, safety-first culture across the entire Surf Ops team
  • Represent DSRT SURF at industry events and within the broader surf and water safety community

Requirements
What You Bring
This role requires demonstrated, hands-on expertise across all areas of surf and water safety operations. Water safety experience is not preferred - it is required. If you do not have an extensive background in water safety management, this role is not the right fit.
  • 7+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in surf operations, water safety management, or aquatic facility leadership - required
  • Deep expertise across multiple Surf Ops disciplines including lifeguarding, water safety supervision, surf instruction, and wave operations - required
  • StarGuard Elite certification or equivalent water safety certification required - experience working within the StarGuard Elite system strongly preferred
  • Proven track record of building, managing, and developing high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams in a safety-critical environment
  • Comprehensive knowledge of emergency action planning, incident response, and regulatory compliance in aquatic environments
  • Experience overseeing surf equipment management, board inventory, and facility asset maintenance
  • Familiarity with surf booking systems, wave scheduling, and capacity management
  • Experience in wave pool, surf park, or artificial wave operations strongly preferred
  • Strong operational and organizational leadership with the ability to manage multiple teams and competing priorities
  • Experience in a hospitality or guest-facing environment is a plus

Who You Are
You have spent your career in the water. This isn't a stepping stone for you - this is exactly where you want to be. You've held every role on your team at some point, you've earned your credibility the hard way, and you bring that with you every single day. Safety is never negotiable for you. Neither is excellence.
  • A proven water safety and surf operations expert - this is your life's work, not your next chapter
  • A leader who develops others and builds teams that perform at the highest level
  • Calm, decisive, and unshakeable under pressure - especially when it matters most
  • Deeply passionate about surf culture, water safety, and the guest experience
  • Detail-oriented and operationally sharp - you notice when a board is off, a booking is wrong, or a safety gap exists
  • Collaborative across departments while maintaining clear ownership of your domain
  • In it for the long haul - you want to build something great and see it through
  • Stoke

Compensation
$100,000 -$125,000 annually. Compensation is competitive and based on experience, including base salary and total rewards package.
Benefits
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work in and around water for extended periods
  • Ability to perform water rescues and physical emergency response as needed
  • Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout operational areas for extended periods
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions including desert heat
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy environment

Schedule Expectations
This is a full-time, on-site position. Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and events is required based on operational needs. As a director-level role, your schedule will flex with the business.
Why DSRT SURF
This is an opportunity to help build something from the ground up where hospitality meets surf culture in a way that hasn't been done before. Our team is focused on creating an exceptional experience for both guests and employees while building a strong, energetic, and collaborative culture.
Equal Opportunity Employer
DSRT SURF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We consider applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
DSRT SURF provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should notify the company.
At-Will Employment Statement
This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment. Employment with DSRT SURF is at will, which means either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.
Work Location
This is a fully on-site role in Palm Desert. If you're looking for remote or hybrid, this isn't it.
Salary Description
$100,000 - $125,000

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