Sea Surf Instructor

To work as a paid sea surf instructor in France, you need a BPJEPS activités nautiques with the surf mention (or the newer BPJEPS surf et disciplines associées). Before starting, you must declare your activity with the SDJES (Service Départemental à la Jeunesse, à l'Engagement et aux Sports) of your main area of practice and obtain a carte professionnelle.

The declaration is made online and must be renewed every five years. The carte professionnelle covers instruction in surfing, shortboard, longboard, bodyboard, bodysurf, kneeboard and skimboard. Teaching without a valid declaration is punishable by up to one year in prison and a 15,000 euro fine. You are responsible for the safety of participants and for equipment maintenance.

Required Qualifications

  • Diplomas: BPJEPS, DEJEPS or DESJEPS specialty water sports surf mention
  • RNCP registration: Certification guaranteeing safety competence
  • Specific environment: Only organizations under Ministry of Sports supervision can train future professionals
  • EU/EEA nationals: Recognition according to equivalent qualification level

Declaration Procedure

  • Activity declaration: Mandatory with department prefect via Arquedi application or SDJES
  • Form: Cerfa 12699*02 with supporting documents (diploma, identity, medical certificate)
  • Response time: 3 months (extendable 1 month) for professional card issuance
  • Renewal: Every 5 years with valid refresher certificate

Professional Obligations

  • Continuing education: Mandatory refresher training every 5 years (minimum 24 hours) on safety, regulations and accident analysis
  • Good standing: Prohibition to practice in case of conviction for serious crimes or offenses
  • Sanctions: 1 year imprisonment and €15,000 fine for practicing without declaration
  • Compensation measures: Aptitude test possible for EU/EEA nationals