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Start Windsurfing Instructor

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RYA Start Windsurfing Instructor Course

Become a Windsurfing Instructor

The RYA Start Windsurfing Instructor Course is the first step into teaching windsurfing. It is designed for competent windsurfers who want to help beginners get afloat, build confidence and discover the sport properly.

At Chieftain Training, we run instructor training in a practical, professional and supportive way. The course is not just about proving that you can windsurf. It is about learning how to teach, manage groups, spot common problems, keep sessions safe and deliver enjoyable beginner windsurfing sessions.

swac-windsurf

Who is the Course For?

This course is suitable for windsurfers who are ready to take the next step and become instructors.

It is ideal for:

  • Club sailors who want to support youth and adult training
  • Seasonal watersports staff
  • Assistant instructors ready to qualify
  • School, college and outdoor centre staff
  • Experienced windsurfers looking to work in the watersports industry
  • Young people looking for a first professional watersports qualification

You do not need to be an Olympic windsurfer, but you do need to be comfortable, competent and confident on the board before attending.

Course Overview

The Start Windsurfing Instructor Course focuses on how to introduce complete beginners to windsurfing.

During the course you will develop:

  • Session planning and structure
  • Teaching beginner windsurfing skills
  • Shore-based briefings and simulator demonstrations
  • On-water coaching techniques
  • Group control and safety management
  • Launching and landing management
  • Communication afloat and ashore
  • Use of suitable beginner equipment
  • Rescue awareness and incident prevention
  • Understanding of the RYA Windsurfing Scheme

The course includes both shore-based and afloat elements. Candidates will take turns teaching, observing, receiving feedback and developing their own delivery style.

What Can a Start Windsurfing Instructor Teach?

Once qualified, a Start Windsurfing Instructor can teach beginner windsurfing sessions within the RYA scheme, normally including:

Start Windsurfing Instructors work under the supervision of a Senior Instructor at an RYA recognised Training Centre.

Prerequisites

Before attending the course, candidates should normally hold:

If you are unsure whether your windsurfing standard is suitable, please contact us before booking. We can advise on preparation or suitable coaching before the course.

Personal Windsurfing Standard

Candidates should arrive able to sail confidently and consistently at Intermediate Non-Planing standard.

You should be comfortable with:

  • Sailing on all points of sail
  • Tacking and non planing gybing
  • Returning to your launch area
  • Basic board and rig handling
  • Beach starts

The course is instructor training, not a personal windsurfing improver course. There will be coaching and feedback, but candidates must arrive with the required personal skills already in place.

Course Duration

The RYA Start Windsurfing Instructor Course is normally run over 5 days.

The course includes training, practice teaching and moderation. Candidates will be assessed throughout the course on their teaching, safety awareness, personal skills, professionalism and ability to work within the RYA scheme.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous throughout the course and moderated by a second trainer on the final day.

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate:

  • Safe and effective group management
  • Clear communication
  • Good personal windsurfing ability
  • Sound judgement
  • Professional conduct
  • Effective beginner teaching
  • Ability to plan and deliver suitable sessions
  • Understanding of the RYA method and progression

There may also be formal teaching tasks, practical demonstrations and feedback sessions. The aim is to help candidates improve throughout the week, not simply to test them at the end.

Why Train With Chieftain?

Chieftain is a professional training organisation with a strong background in instructor training, marine safety and watersports delivery.

At SWAC, our windsurfing training benefits from:

  • Sheltered training water
  • Purpose-built watersports facilities
  • Experienced instructors and trainers
  • Power, sail and paddle activity on one site
  • Realistic teaching environment
  • Strong safety culture
  • Practical focus on employable instructor skills

We train instructors to be useful, safe and confident — not just to hold a certificate.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • 5 days coaching
  • Use of one of our boards and rigs
  • Loan of a buoyancy aid
  • RYA Start Windsurfing Instructor Certificate
  • Tea & Coffee
  • Free Parking

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

  • Wetsuit and spray top (£5 a day to hire from us)
  • Footwear/wetsuit boots
  • RYA Publictaions
  • Lunch

After the Course

Once qualified, you can start gaining experience teaching beginner windsurfing under supervision.

Many candidates go on to work at:

  • Watersports centres
  • Sailing clubs
  • School and youth activity programmes
  • Holiday centres
  • Outdoor education centres
  • Overseas activity centres

With experience, Start Windsurfing Instructors may later progress towards the Intermediate Windsurfing Instructor and.or Senior Windsurfing Instructor Courses.

Book Your RYA Start Windsurfing Instructor Course

If you are ready to become a windsurfing instructor, book your place on our next RYA Start Windsurfing Instructor Course.

Train well. Teach safely. Inspire the next generation of windsurfers.