Before the sun hits the horizon and the first guests stumble out of bed, the surf guide is already awake –checking charts, reading the wind and eyeing up the best options of the day. Part meteorologist, part diplomat and part lifeguard – they need to be able to read people as well as the conditions, manage expectations, smooth egos all while trying to put you on the wave of your life.
If you were asked to rank occupations in terms of flexibility to allow maximal surf time, I think most would put a surf guide right at the top of the list. Surf all day with guests, let them catch a couple of wave while snagging plenty for yourself, get sunburnt, get back to camp and watch your clips from the day, have dinner, go to bed and do it all again the next day. Sounds bliss, right?
But does the stereotype we portray in our head match up with the realities of the job? We asked a few surfers who have had the chance to live that life if it’s all it’s made out to be and what it takes to be good at the job. Check out what they had to say below.
Holly Wishart – Surf Guide in the Ments.
“If I get the opportunity to go back next season and guide, I’d do it in a heartbeat,” she said.
The 20-year-old goofy-footer spent the majority of the 2025 Indo dry season working as a guide at a resort in the Ments. Holly took up the offer after wanting a break from the regional Aus QS circuit.
“I was in Taiwan in 2024 competing and ran into some guides at the contest. I had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to try and do some guiding and when I didn’t get too many good results on the QS last year, I thought it was time for a change.”
Holly, who is originally from the South Coast of NSW, used her stint in Indo as motivation to push herself in bigger waves. With the likes of Shane Dorian, Bethany Hamilton, Josh and Sierra Kerr checking in as guests where she worked, there was no shortage of inspiration to garner tips from.
“I wanted to try and use my time guiding to push my surfing as hard as I could. You’re surrounded by some of the best waves in the world and have some of the craziest names coming through the door, it’s impossible not to be inspired.”
We asked Holly some quick fire questions, check out her answers below:
Ideal day: Wake up super early and check the waves which would hopefully be pumping. Gather a boat together with as many people as possible and surf all day with just our crew in. See guests get stoked on their waves and then get plenty of tubes for myself. At the end of the day we then all sit down together and watch our clips back from the day and have a laugh and cheer about it all.
Favourite part of the job: Getting to surf really good Kandui and sharing those moments with guests when they get stoked watching their clips at the end of the day.
Worst part of the job: When you get a storm or crazy wind and can’t surf so you’ve got to try and keep everyone occupied.
Ideal guest: An intermediate to advanced surfer who understands the reefs and has good fundamentals but is keen to push themselves so that you can take them to the more difficult breaks. An ideal guest also wants to surf as much as possible and isn’t fussy.
Number one rule as a guide: Always keep the guests happy and keep them surfing.
Advice to someone considering guiding: Be prepared for some really long days in the water and in the sun, you’re going to get fried and be tired but it’s the most rewarding job in the world, getting to share what you love with other people.
Rizky Saputra Surbakti – Local guide at Aura Surf Resort, Simeulue.
Rizky was born and raised on the island of Simeulue off the coast of Northern Sumatra and has been guiding at Aura Surf Resort for the last four years. The resort is situated in front of the island’s most consistent wave, The Peak, which is a reeling A-frame that breaks over soft reef. The area is also home to some of Indo’s heaviest setups, just ask Jimmy, one of Aura’s original guides who we labelled one of the most barreled surfers you’ve never met.
Rizky combines his local knowledge and the teachings of Jimmy, who still works at the resort, in order to become the best guide he can.
He’s also got some surf tips off some heavy hitters before.
“One of my favourite memories while guiding was getting to watch Joao Chianca and Sammy Pupo tackle this scary slab like it was Childs play, they made it look so easy and effortless.”
When Rizky isn’t entertaining guests or watching the big dogs in action, he loves to spear fish.
“I love going spearfishing with my friends and then when the waves are flat we also take guests out with us or we’ll take them to the nearby waterfalls.”
Check our Rizky’s guide to being the best guide below.
Ideal day: My perfect day is surfing epic barrels with guests and friends. A few scary barrels to push each other while also laughing and joking with everyone in the water and then relax at the end of the day.
Favourite part of the job: Aligning your job with your hobby is the best thing ever. I also love meeting new people from all different walks of life and gaining so many new social experiences.
Worst part of the job: There is always a lot of pressure and responsibility on your shoulders as it’s also your job to protect the lives of other people in the ocean. It can be a lot, but it comes with the job.
Ideal guest: An ideal guest is someone who respects the host, our culture and creates a positive impression and shows mutual respect.
Number one rule as a guide: Prioritising guest safety. We must be able to read the skills and ability of each person and advise them on waves which will suit their skill level.
Advice to someone considering guiding: Anyone considering guiding should make sure they’re sociable and outgoing. As an Indonesian, I also think it’s very important to be able to speak English. Most importantly, always have fun. Guests come and stay with you to score waves and enjoy themselves, make sure that you do too!
