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AIBU?

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AIBU to wonder if my surfing instructor should offer me a lift?

131 replies

Sarnpark · 25/09/2026 23:59

Question for instructors or students:

I’m a relatively new surfing student, doing a one-to-one course with an instructor at a place about 2.5 hours’ drive from where we live. I’ve discovered that my instructor lives literally 5 minutes from my house.

Would it be normal for the instructor to offer me a lift/share the journey, given that we’re going to exactly the same place anyway? I don't mind driving. Or would most instructors avoid this because of professional boundaries?

We’re opposite genders and he is older than me, although I’m not sure whether that makes any difference.

Our kit wont need to be transported as we are hiring everything.

From a student’s perspective, would you see a lift as a completely normal logistical thing, or would you assume the instructor was deliberately maintaining more distance by travelling separately?

AIBU to expect to share a lift (either me or him driving)

Or is driving together for 5 hours too personal in addition to the course itself?

OP posts:
Icecreamisthebest · Yesterday 00:13

I would see it as potentially against the rules of the organisation he works for.

LoveBluey · Yesterday 00:12

No I imagine that would be a really awkward journey. I like being in the car by myself so I can listen to my own music and not have to make polite small talk. Also they may not be travelling straight there and home again.

Sarnpark · Yesterday 00:10

Slumgullion · Yesterday 00:09

But it’s not his problem how you get to class. If you signed up for something 2.5 hours’ travel away, then presumably you expected to have to handle your own travel?

I would offer to drive him

OP posts:
Slumgullion · Yesterday 00:09

But it’s not his problem how you get to class. If you signed up for something 2.5 hours’ travel away, then presumably you expected to have to handle your own travel?

Sarnpark · Yesterday 00:09

honeylulu · Yesterday 00:02

Does he know you live near each other?

Yea he does know where I live

OP posts:
honeylulu · Yesterday 00:02

Does he know you live near each other?