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 →](https://surfslot.eu/onboard)

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