Surf Photographer

Head Surf Coach Soul & Surf Sri Lanka has been the leading surf and yoga stay on the island since 2014. We’re a small, hands-on team delivering surf, yoga, food, and retreat experiences — and we’re looking for a professional, highly motivated Head Surf Coach to run our entire surf department, manage our instructor crew, and own our on-site Surf School. This is a senior leadership role for someone who wants to be a central part of our community. We are not a party camp. Our guests are here to enrich their souls and experience high-quality coaching. The Reality of the Role This is a demanding, highly physical leadership position in a hot tropical environment. You aren’t just here to surf and coach. You are the operational manager of a multi-layered department. Your days start at 6:30 AM, coordinating logistics, managing local transport dynamics, and handling the “local politics” of taking lessons to changing breaks. You will be moving from high-energy in-water coaching to rigorous spreadsheet tracking, rota management, and financial admin for our walk-in Surf School. You are also a key face of the retreat, meaning you must have the social energy to host guest dinners and evening events multiple times a week. If you want to own an entire operation and lead a team from the front, you will thrive here. Hours & Logistics Type: Full-time, 5 days a week. Schedule: Early starts (6:30 AM) with flexible downtime during the day, plus at least 5 guest hosting meals/events per week. Busy season runs from November to April. Age Requirement: Minimum 25 years of age. Responsibilities Surf Operations & Team Leadership Manage the surf team: Lead, schedule, and motivate a team of 4–5 instructors and assistants, video filmers, and our freelance photographer. Own hiring, onboarding, performance reviews, and contract compliance. Deliver the curriculum: Oversee and implement our Level 1 to 4 lesson plans and Soul of Surfing structure, ensuring consistent quality control across all ability levels. Lead by example: Maintain a hands-on presence by conducting at least 5 Soul of Surfing workshops and coaching a minimum of 4 practical in-water sessions per week. Enforce an elite safety ethic: Complete ownership of beach, ocean, and transport safety protocols for all staff and guests. Logistics, Admin & Financial Management Own the Surf School business: Run our walk-in/non-resident surf school as a distinct business unit. Manage end-to-end bookings, process payments, hit monthly revenue targets, and oversee freelance staff. Master the logistics: Coordinate daily with the retreat management to match guests, instructors, and vehicles perfectly every morning. Track finances and data: Maintain the daily Tuk Tuk Tracker, audit transport invoices, keep meticulous guest lesson records, and strictly manage your monthly department expense budget. Inventory & Maintenance: Control the full department inventory. Source and purchase gear proactively to avoid shortages, and implement a strict ongoing repairs schedule for all surf equipment. Community Relations: Navigate local line-up dynamics and community relationships firmly but fairly. Essentials For The Role Certifications: Current ISA/ASA Surf Coaching certificate, Beach Lifeguard certificate, Surf Instructor Liability Insurance, and proven advanced surfing skills. Leadership Experience: Demonstrated experience managing, training, and motivating a team, including handling difficult staff conversations when necessary. Financial & Admin Comfort: Capable of tracking budgets, updating spreadsheets, managing operational trackers, and administering digital records (Google Drive/Slack). Communication & People Skills: Exceptional presentation skills for guest workshops and natural social stamina for hosting dinners and events. The Pitch-In Attitude: A total absence of entitlement. We are a small team; you will comfortably step in to wash boards, clear café tables, or run operational errands when needed. What We Offer Accommodation: A room in the staff house (including active participation in house upkeep) or an equivalent accommodation budget if you source your own. Meals: Staff breakfast and lunch on working days, plus retreat meals provided when hosting guest events. Perks: Provided visa support, airport transfers, staff discounts at the Café, free yoga classes when available. How to Apply Please contact us using the form below. Your application must include: Your updated CV. Scans/copies of your current Coaching qualifications. The names and contact numbers of 2 previous managers for references. A short paragraph explaining why you’d be a great fit for Soul & Surf specifically.