The Surf School Setup Checklist (90-Day Version)

Days 1-30: Foundation

Legal & Admin

• [ ] Obtain surf instructor certification (ISA, ASI, or local equivalent)
• [ ] Register your business
• [ ] Apply for beach usage permits/concessions
• [ ] Purchase public liability insurance (€1M+ coverage)
• [ ] Purchase professional indemnity insurance
• [ ] Open a business bank account
• [ ] Register for tax (VAT if applicable)

Planning

• [ ] Define your product offerings (group, private, kids, camps)
• [ ] Set pricing per product
• [ ] Identify 2-3 beaches (primary + backup)
• [ ] Document ideal conditions per beach
• [ ] Set safety protocols (condition thresholds, ratios, emergency procedures)
• [ ] Write your waiver/liability form

Days 31-60: Build

Equipment

• [ ] Purchase surfboards (soft-tops, variety of sizes)
• [ ] Purchase wetsuits (full range of sizes)
• [ ] Purchase rashguards/coloured vests
• [ ] Purchase first aid kits (2 minimum)
• [ ] Purchase/rent rescue board
• [ ] Arrange equipment storage
• [ ] Arrange transport (van or trailer)

Tech & Online

• [ ] Set up booking system with online payments
• [ ] Build website with booking widget embedded
• [ ] Configure automated waiver emails
• [ ] Set up instructor profiles in system
• [ ] Configure beach profiles with condition parameters
• [ ] Connect Stripe for payments
• [ ] Set up Google Business Profile (photos, hours, link)
• [ ] Create Instagram account and start posting

Team

• [ ] Recruit instructors (if not solo)
• [ ] Verify all certifications
• [ ] Brief instructors on safety protocols
• [ ] Set up instructor scheduling system
• [ ] Share schedules and emergency procedures

Days 61-90: Launch

Soft Launch (Week 9-10)

• [ ] Run 5-10 lessons with friends/family at reduced rate
• [ ] Test entire booking → payment → waiver → lesson → review flow
• [ ] Fix any issues discovered
• [ ] Collect testimonial photos and videos

Marketing Launch (Week 11-12)

• [ ] Go live with full pricing
• [ ] Activate hotel/hostel partnerships
• [ ] Post daily on Instagram
• [ ] Request Google reviews from first customers
• [ ] List on TripAdvisor
• [ ] Join local tourism/expat groups

Operations

• [ ] Run automated condition monitoring
• [ ] Test rescheduling/cancellation flow
• [ ] Verify SMS/email notifications working
• [ ] Confirm waiver completion rates
• [ ] Review first week's booking data

Post-90 Days: Optimise

• [ ] Analyse booking patterns (peak days, popular products)
• [ ] Add package deals based on demand
• [ ] Launch gift cards for off-season revenue
• [ ] Set up follow-up email sequence for reviews
• [ ] Build email list for return-customer marketing
• [ ] Plan next season's product expansion

The Shortcut

Most of this checklist covers two things: legal requirements (which you can't shortcut) and operations setup (which you can).

The operations side — booking, scheduling, conditions, waivers, payments, communications — can be set up in a single afternoon with the right platform.

SurfSlot handles booking, scheduling, conditions, waivers, instructor management, and payments. Setup takes 2-3 hours. Onboard your school →