- Gain all the outdoor qualifications you need to live the life you love
- Duration: Three months (Mondays-Thursdays)
- Learn to lead activities including surfing, paddlesports and coasteering
- Comprehensive training in First Aid and beach lifeguarding
Have you always dreamt of living a healthy outdoor lifestyle whilst getting paid for it? We’re offering you the chance to get qualified in instructing a whole host of outdoor activities so you can do just that. You’ll gain a wide range of qualifications, including your ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor, British Canoeing Paddlesport Leader Award, Beach Lifeguard Qualification and Outdoor First Aid. So, whether you choose to stay here in Newquay or spread your wings and travel around the world, this course has you covered.
QUICK FACTS
- Water temperature: 7°C – 18°C
- Local currency: Pound sterling
- Language: English
- Local beer: Korev
- Mixed climate
- Consistent swell
- Surf 2ft – 6ft
- Perfect for beginner/intermediate/advanced surfers
- Surf, kayak, coasteer, bodyboard & SUP coaching to bring your skills up to the standards to pass your instructor exam
- Qualifications for you to work all over the world
- Free use of centre equipment for training purposes (kayaks, surfboards, SUPs etc)
- Guaranteed interviews at the end of the course to work with Women + Waves and Newquay Activity Centre
- Exclusive discounts on Rip Curl wetsuits, coasteering equipment and other instructor kit
Do you spend your weekends embracing the outdoors only to return to the office again every Monday morning? Are you tired of having adventure stripped away from you? If you love spending time with the sand between your toes and the fresh air in your lungs, then qualifying as an outdoor instructor could take you down the new career path you’ve been dreaming of.
Here at Women + Waves we know first-hand the benefits of living the adventure life day in, day out. The sun on your face and the ocean breeze in your hair; there aren’t many jobs that even come close to providing you with such a high degree of lifestyle happiness.
If you like the idea of being surrounded by oceans, mountains, good people and good times, then it’s probable that life as an outdoor instructor is for you. We’ve teamed up with our friends at Newquay Activity Centre to offer our Women + Waves Outdoor Activity Instructor Training Course. This is a three-month long adventure programme that ultimately equips you with the skills you need to become an effective outdoor instructor.
You’ll learn how to coach, guide, instruct and save lives at sea using the Newquay coastline as your very fun but very real training ground. During the course you could get the opportunity to shadow our existing instructors during weekend retreats, as well as the opportunity for paid work with our local business partnerships. We’re here to help shape your future in the industry however we can, no matter your desired job role.
During the programme you will gain a wide range of qualifications readying you for a life of enjoyable work in the great outdoors. These will include your ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor Award, British Canoeing Paddlesport Leader Award (this will allow you to guide kayak, canoe and SUP tours), a Beach Lifeguard Qualification and an award in Outdoor First Aid.
Our outdoor instructor course is Covid safe with theory work being delivered online or outside and all practical lessons safely taking place in the great outdoors. We’re entirely focussed on finding that perfect balance between outdoor adventure and comfortable indoor learning.
Whenever the weather is right, we much prefer to be sitting on the beach or on a cliff top delivering your theory work rather than being stuck inside. After all, outdoor instructor life is about having the fresh air in your lungs and the sun on your face. Why wait until you’re qualified to reap the benefits?
On completion of the course you could stay and work in Newquay with our ‘guaranteed interview’ process, or you could pack your bags and jet off to places like New Zealand, Morocco, Bali or beyond. Our qualifications are internationally recognised and highly sought-after, putting you in an excellent position for working abroad.
This is your ticket out of the office and into a life of flip-flops, wetsuits and adventure!
To supplement our Outdoor Activity Instructor Training Course, we have a couple of in-house accommodation options available to add on as extra. We have two apartments, both within walking distance to the beach and both stylishly fitted out with all modern luxuries.
Please note: the cost of accommodation is not included in the course price. Accommodation costs are due 8 weeks prior to the course start date. Please see the video below for a virtual tour of our apartments.
Sunset Views Apartment, Pentire, Newquay
Our first apartment overlooks Pentire Headland and benefits from lots of natural light in a spacious living area. This two-bedroom property is perfectly located close to Fistral Beach and Newquay Town Centre; ideal for a post-lesson surf or a bite to eat in the evening. Both the Gannel Estuary and Crantock Beach are within a five-minute walk too, with the coastal path or main road being accessible from the apartment.
Our luxury apartment is located on the third floor with both elevator and staircase access. There is also a spacious, open-plan kitchen diner to enjoy home-made meals after a hard day of training. There is a juliet balcony in the kitchen that enjoys morning sunshine for alfresco breakfasts too. The dining room houses a large dinner table which is a great space for working or eating while enjoying ocean views out across Fistral Beach.
In the large lounge you will find a sofa-bed, flat-screen TV, plenty of space and a private south-facing balcony. This means you will benefit from sunshine all day alongside excellent opportunities to check the surf and catch some epic sunsets.
Each of the two bedrooms have a set of twin beds, a wardrobe, chest of drawers, bedside table and reading light. One has an en-suite with two hand basins, a bath, shower and toilet. There is also a separate bathroom and WC. Both bedrooms have stunning sea views for that ultimate hint of luxury.
Newquay Bay Apartment, The Harbour, Newquay
The second choice of accommodation is our Newquay Bay Apartment, a place where you really couldn’t get any closer to the action if you tried. This apartment is ideally located directly above the course HQ, making it the perfect choice for those who like to snooze that alarm clock every once in a while!
Newquay Bay Apartment is a modern, quiet, two-bedroom property that benefits from brand new fixtures and fittings due to a complete refurbishment in 2021. There is a new and modern kitchen as well as a brand new bathroom. The apartment is just a two-minute walk to Newquay Harbour where you will find one of our favourite wild swimming spots and idyllic ocean views. In the opposite direction, but just as close, you’ll find Newquay Town Centre with an abundance of coffee shops, restaurants and surf shops.
Inside the property there is a large and spacious living room/diner, comprising a sofa bed and brand new 52” TV. There is also a sizable dining table that lends itself nicely to group meals. Alternatively, it can double up as a large work or study space to go over your course notes in the evening. During the course we may transform the living room into a lush workspace to deliver some relaxed lessons in a chilled atmosphere.
The two bedrooms are both twin rooms with zip-link beds; these can be connected together if you’re after a private double room or you’re staying with a partner. Both rooms have wardrobes, chests of drawers, bedside tables and reading lights.
The living room space benefits from four large windows that face out across Towan, Great Western and beyond – all the way to Watergate Bay on a clear day! There is also a large south-facing courtyard to the rear of the property, perfect for catching some rays or hanging wetsuits out to dry.
View our accommodation for more images and please see our video tab for a virtual tour of the accommodation.
2021 Course days run Monday – Thursday: 9am – 4pm
2022 Course days run Monday – Friday: 9am – 4pm
Your course days will be split between outdoor practical learning and indoor theory work.
Do you feel like there’s so much more to be gained out of life? Maybe you want to boost your existing outdoor instructor skills? Perhaps you’ve decided to take a gap year before uni? Or maybe you just can’t face another day at your artificially-lit desk job; whatever your reason for wanting more, we have just the course for you.
Ordinarily it would take years to gain the qualifications and skills on offer. Enrolling in our instructor academy gives you the chance to kickstart your dream life on the beach as soon as possible!
To organise and book these qualifications yourself would take an immense amount of time and effort; you simply couldn’t do these qualifications back-to-back. Training options can be limited, out of season, and restricted with the demand in trade. You may get two or three per year, at most, if you timed things right.
Here at Women + Waves we have condensed all of your training into just a few short months. This means you can be qualified and ready to enter the world of outdoor instructing as soon as you finish the course. When you undergo outdoor instruction qualification, there are necessary shadowing hours as part of your training. These can be quite hard to come by so we have fast-tracked this process for our students within the course. These hours can be completed during the three months or fairly soon after completion.
Our NEW Outdoor Activity Instructor Training Course in Newquay will harness you with all the training, skills and assessments you need to get qualified. What’s more, you’ll get real on-the-job experience through shadowing hours when you’re experienced enough to do so. You’ll also get a guaranteed interview for a lead instructor position after the course with Women + Waves or Newquay Activity Centre!
You’ll develop your skills and get trained in:
- Surfing
- Coasteering
- Beach Lifeguarding
- Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Bodyboarding
- Bodysurfing/Hand planing
- Bushcraft
- Team Building
- First Aid
- And more…
Pre-requisites
You don’t need any previous qualifications to enroll in this programme. Neither do you need to be proficient in the course activities; we have excellent instructors who can teach you from the ground up.
However, this course does require competent swimming skills and a good level of fitness.
The course includes training & assessment modules alongside optional shadowing hours, helping you gain instructing experience in a variety of areas. You’ll get the chance to find direct employment and further training opportunities depending on your interests and abilities. If you can tick all of the following requirements, then you’re in a great position to start:
- 18+ years old
- Competent swimmer (to attain Surf Coach Safety + Rescue or Lifeguard Award)
- Enthusiastic to learn
- Good level of fitness
After the course
After successful completion of the instructor course, you’ll have the opportunity to become a member of our friendly team or you may go on to work with other providers and expand your experience and training.
Surf New Zealand
For those who want to use this course as an opportunity to travel, we have some excellent partnerships that will allow you to do just that. Our Kiwi equivalent are based just north of Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island. Our deep connection to the ocean isn’t bound by borders and we’ve reached out to our Kiwi friends to implement an instructor exchange programme.
Once you’re fully qualified and competent in all aspects of the course, you could be given the opportunity to fly out to NZ and work for a season as a surf instructor. As well as being a paid opportunity for work, this is a chance to visit new places, meet new people and experience new cultures.
You’re guaranteed to make new friends, create awesome memories and maybe even open your horizons with regards to your career plans. Travel is food for the soul; this kind of opportunity doesn’t come around every day!
Fund your training with local work
We can appreciate that enrolling on our Outdoor Activity Instructor Training Course can be a big investment – both in terms of time and money. That’s why we’ve partnered up with local businesses to help provide work for those that need it.
Our local partners can offer a mixture of working hours so you can generate a steady income whilst training with us in Newquay. We don’t want anyone to miss out on this life-changing experience due to financial restrictions, and we hope that our route into local work can be a helping hand for anybody doubting their potential to enrol.
WOMEN + WAVES OUTDOOR ACTIVITY INSTRUCTOR ACADEMY £5,399 per person
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Over the course you’ll have the opportunity to gain the following qualifications:
- ISA/Surfing England Level 1 Surf Coach
- RLSS National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ)
- SLSGB Surf Coach Safety and Rescue Award
- BC Paddlesport leader award (SUP & Kayak)
- Safeguarding Qualification
- ISA Level 1 Bodyboard Coach (1st ever in the UK)
IN-HOUSE QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE:
- Coasteering Guide Award in accordance with the National Coasteer Charter Syllabus
- Super SUP leader
- Bushcraft & Foraging
- Snorkelling and wildlife awareness
- Incident management, safety and rescue
- Outdoor First Aid Award
Additional training included:
- Risk Assessing (including COVID-19 measures)
- Longevity in the industry & personal development
- Interview & CV writing skills
- Coaching barriers and adaptations
- Team Building and icebreakers
- Housekeeping (invoicing, time management, professionalism)
ALSO INCLUDED :
- Purpose-designed pre-course fitness regime
- Equipment use in and outside of course hours (Surfboards, Stand Up Paddleboards (SUP), Super SUP, Bodyboards, Fins etc)
- Discounts with Rip Curl, leading outdoor brands and local businesses
- Regular surfing and swimming coaching sessions
- Unlimited shadowing hours
- Work experience and live group experience
- Opportunity to work with Women + Waves, Newquay Activity Centre and Bodyboard Holidays
- One-on-one skills clinics when required
- Final assessment & employment planning
- Guaranteed interview for a lead instructor role at Women + Waves, Newquay Activity Centre or Bodyboard-Holidays
- Discounted kit package
- Opportunities for paid flexible work alongside the training course (please ask for details)
- Access to an exchange program in New Zealand and other international surf camps and activity centres.
ACCOMMODATION
Sunset Views Apartment – £600 per person per month
Newquay Bay Apartment – £600 per person per month
This is for a shared twin same-sex room. Apartment allocation is made by us and determined by the dynamic of the students on the course. We will confirm with you which apartment you will be staying in a week prior to the course start date. Both are great, so don’t stress! Full payment for accommodation is due 8 weeks prior to the course start date.
HOW DO I BOOK?
- If you’d like to book, please click ‘Book Now’. Once you have completed the online form we will be in touch
- Once paid you’ll be sent an email confirmation and an enrolment form to complete
- Payment plans are available
Due to the ever-changing restrictions around COVID-19, we are constantly monitoring the latest news and making sure our practices are always up to date with Government guidelines.
All of our practical lessons and assessments will safely take place outside observing the 2-metre social distancing guidelines. To help keep our course as safe as possible, all of our theory work will be delivered online allowing you to study safely and remotely. We have developed our learning techniques to make sure restrictions and lockdowns will not affect your ability to complete the course.
We ask all of our students to be transparent and honest if they, or any member of their family, develop any COVID-19 related symptoms. If you think you may have contracted the virus, we ask you to self-isolate for the appropriate amount of time (generally two weeks) before joining or returning to the course.
It’s important for us to stress that you will not miss out on the course if you fall ill. We are able to offer online learning to make sure of this. We have delivered this successfully on numerous occasions and we are regularly updating our Covid policy in respect of this course. This can be supplied to you upon request. All pupils receive the policy as part of their pre-arrival information pack.
Please see our ‘FAQs’ tab for more information.
MORE INFO
AREA
We might be slightly biased, but we think the landscapes around Cornwall (or ‘Kernow’ to the locals) are some of the most interesting, varied and adventurous landscapes in the whole of the U.K. We have golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, historic fishing towns and rugged coastlines; and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
Head inland and you will find even more raw beauty with rolling green hills, cavernous mines, ancient stone structures, vast moorlands and granite-topped mountains. And while the landscape holds a picture-perfect gaze in the eye, the undulating lands are also a symbol of the history surrounding Cornwall itself. From gin-smuggling pirates on the coast, to the tin-mining villages in the hills, to the legend of King Arthur in Tintagel; there’s so much to explore and learn.
NEWQUAY
Newquay is our home and we couldn’t be more proud to welcome course students to this relaxed and friendly surf town. It’s a place filled with independent retailers, artisan coffee shops, high-end eateries and epic beaches. There are surf shops to stock supplies and welcoming pubs for well-earned rests; you might end up staying a little longer than you expected!
Grab a coffee and watch surfers wander down towards the waves, or wake up early to catch an epic sunrise over Fistral Beach. While you’re in town, be sure to make the most of your 15% discount at Newquay’s Rip Curl store on Bank Street.
WAVES
There’s a reason that Newquay is known as the surf capital of the UK. In part due to the relaxed and easy-going lifestyle, but mostly because of the epic beaches and the consistent Atlantic swell that Newquay benefits from year-round.
Most of our beaches work best with different conditions. This means that no matter the tide, wind or swell direction, you’re always likely to find something worth heading out for. All of our instructors have excellent local knowledge so you needn’t worry about missing out. We’ll visit the best-known breaks, our secret surf spots and also explore a little further off the beaten track.
TOWAN BEACH
This sheltered, sandy bay is the perfect spot when the west-facing beaches are big and blown out. It’s the most friendly break for beginners, and you’ll almost always find a fun, clean wave here.
FISTRAL
Backed by rugged cliffs and sand dunes, Fistral Beach is the jewel in the crown of Cornwall’s surf scene. It delivers waves on every stage of the tide and serves up dreamy conditions on an offshore southeasterly wind. You can almost always find a suitable peak for your ability.
GREAT WESTERN BEACH
Wedged between Towan and Tolcarne, this is one of Newquay’s central beaches. It offers consistent and clean conditions in a southwesterly wind. There are plenty of lefts and rights for everyone.
THE GANNEL ESTUARY
The Gannel is Newquay’s relaxed river alternative to the buzz of the beaches. Turquoise waters sashay their way past golden sand banks, local wildlife and vibrant green hills. Once a prominent passage for schooners and barges, the estuary holds a whole host of historic tales and secrets just waiting to be explored.
THE ‘GAZZLE’
Gazzle is the Cornish word for armpit. Affectionately used to refer to a 2 km-stretch of Atlantic coastline, this area of protected coves, cliffs and caves is a fantastic place for kayaking, coasteering and paddleboarding. The Gazzle has proved to be a firm favourite for customers and instructors alike.
Other great spots nearby include Crantock, Perranporth and Watergate Bay. There are plenty more that offer uncrowded perfection on their day – you just need to know where to look. That’s where we come in.
CLIMATE
Cornwall’s climate is fairly unique and independent from the rest of the UK’s weather patterns. Thanks to the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic ocean and the jet stream in the atmosphere, we enjoy the warmest sea and air temperatures in the country with a relatively mild climate year-round.
Each bay, beach and pocket of adventure seems to have its own microclimate in Cornwall. It’s best to be prepared by always keeping sun cream packed in your bag just in case those rays start to filter through the cloud.
The benefit of this means we are able to deliver our course year-round; spring, summer, autumn or winter. We have many sheltered spots along our stretch of coastline along with all the correct technical equipment for the relevant season. We are well-equipped to deliver practical lessons in all weathers and conditions.
For the duration of the course, we have all of the necessary equipment stocked in our centre for our students to use for free. However, we have put together this recommended kit list for you to consider buying whilst on our Outdoor Activity Instructor Training Course. You may already own some of the kit yourself which is great, please bring this along with you for the course. Having your own equipment ensures that you are wearing kit that fits you correctly, means you’re comfortable and makes you look professional.
If you don’t currently own any equipment or you need to increase your existing box of adventure goodies, we can create a kit package for you to purchase at a discounted rate. This will be available to buy on the high street or online – please let us know what you are interested in. We will make sure you are provided with all of the kit you need for the duration of the course if you are arriving empty-handed.
If you do have the budget and are excited to start purchasing your outdoor instructor kit, this is what we recommend you focus on first:
Water Wear
- A full-length wetsuit (winter or summer, hooded or non hooded – time of year dependant)
- Wetsuit Boots (time of year dependant)
- Wetsuit Gloves (time of year dependant)
- Wetsuit Hood or skull cap (if you have a non hooded wetsuit – time of year dependant)
- Wetsuit socks (time of year dependant)
- Buoyancy Aid
- Helmet
- Tow Line
- Throw Line
The following are non-essential items that we do not stock for use during the course. You may already have these items which is a great way to save money whilst bulking out your instructor kit.
Miscellaneous items
- Changing Robe/Towel
- Kayak/Coasteering Shoes – Note : Any old grippy lace-up trainers are fine
- Waterproof Phone Case
- Whistle (Look for Fox 40)
- Safety Knife
- Water Bottle
- Flask
- Gloves (time of year dependant)
- Swim fins
- 80L dry bag
- 10L dry bag
- Warm + waterproof jacket
- Fleece Jacket
- Beanie
- Water bottle
- Soft racks for carrying surfboard on vehicle
- Car seat cover to keep seat dry incase you’re driving in a wetsuit
- Lock box or storage device to store car key whilst surfing
Remember, we will allocate you use of our equipment during your spare time throughout the course. This will need to be reserved in advance. If you want to improve your surfing, kayaking, bodyboarding, SUPing etc during the evenings or weekends, please feel free to speak to one of our staff who will be happy to assist.
This is an unusual privilege on a training course like this but we feel it will offer you an excellent opportunity to up-skill throughout the course. This will need to be booked in with the centre for the times that you need it.
Each day of your course will be broken up with a midday lunch break. This could be at home, in town, in the centre or on the move – we like to keep the adventure alive! Please bring your own lunch and snacks to refuel your body between sessions. The course is physically demanding so energy-rich foods and healthy snacks are recommended. Please also bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. We highly advocate the use of reusable bottles to limit plastic waste and to reduce our carbon footprint as a company.
Newquay town has a vast selection of excellent shops and cafes so if you forget to bring some lunch, you won’t go hungry! As a member of our course, you will also benefit from discounts at local cafes and coffee shops – we will supply you with a discount card on arrival.
If you are booking accommodation through us and staying in either of our apartments, you will have full access to a modern working kitchen. This will give you the opportunity to self-cater and help keep your costs down throughout the course. When COVID restrictions allow, we take great pride in organising tasty and fun social group meals; perfect for making new friends if you’re joining the course alone.
Newquay is a 15-minute drive from the A30, which links to the M5.
Our main centre is based on Fore Street, near Towan Beach. We’ll send you detailed information before your arrival, including parking instructions and maps.
Both our accommodation options are within walking distance to both Fistral Beach and Newquay Bay, the town centre and many local supermarkets.
BY TRAIN
The railway station is in the town centre. If you’re travelling by train, we may be able to pick you up from the station (time dependent). Get in touch for more details.
BY AIR
We’re a 20-minute drive from the airport. You can fly into Newquay from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Dublin, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Flights are also available from key European cities.
HOW DO I BOOK AND PAY?
- If you’d like to book please click our ‘Book Now’ complete the online form and we will be in touch.
- Once paid you’ll be sent an email confirmation and an enrolment form to complete.
- Payment plans are available.
- pay in full at the time of booking
- split the payment into two instalments
- split the payment into three instalments
We’ll agree on the instalment dates with you at the time of booking. Generally, we take instalments on the 1st of each month.
We can’t reserve your place until we receive payment (in full or an instalment). You’ll then be sent a trip confirmation and enrolment form.
Can I reserve a spot to think about it for a few days?
Due to this course being in high demand, we have very limited availability. However, we can hold your space for 24 hours without payment.
Can I attend on my own?
Yes definitely! We pride ourselves on being super welcoming and friendly. Most of our guests arrive solo and leave with friends for life.
DO I NEED TO BE A GOOD SURFER?
As you can imagine you will be learning lots of technical skills from our team. Some are harder than others and we think surfing may be the most difficult to learn from scratch. However, we have proved this to be achievable for first-time surfers during the course.
If you think you may benefit from a few extra sessions before or during the course, please check out our surf lessons and get in touch, we will discuss how this works. Please bear this in mind for any other technical skill that you think could need improvement.
DO I NEED TO BE A STRONG SWIMMER?
To work at Women + Waves as a surf instructor, you need to gain an SLSGB Surf Coach Safety and Rescue Award. In order to complete this award, you need to be able to swim 200 metres in under 5 minutes. This is quite achievable for most standards of swimmers. Please note: at many activity centres you do not need this qualification in order to deliver kayaking, coasteering or stand up paddleboarding sessions.
To help you achieve the right swimming standard, there will be both sea and pool sessions built into the course. We also strongly advise you to train in the swimming pool prior to the course.
I’M INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING A CAREER AS A LIFEGUARD, WHAT SWIMMING STANDARD WOULD I NEED FOR THIS?
If you are looking for a career in lifeguarding, you will need to pass the RLSS National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification. To do this you will need to complete 400 metres in an indoor pool in under 8 minutes. Although the NVBLQ is an excellent qualification to achieve, this is only necessary if you are interested in becoming a beach lifeguard. This assessment can be quite tough and will require most people to undertake prior swimming training to achieve the targeted time.
Both assessments are towards the end of the course so you will have a decent amount of time to train in the lead up. If you are currently wildly out on those swim times, you may need additional sessions in your own time and/or consider getting some coaching or joining the swim fit sessions at our local swimming pool.
ARE YOU COVID SECURE?
Due to the ever-changing restrictions around COVID-19, we are constantly monitoring the latest news and making sure our practices are always up to date with government guidelines. We have developed our course to be COVID safe with all teachings following the correct safety guidelines. All theory work will be completed online during lockdown allowing you to work remotely from the safety of your home or hotel. Our practical activities will be taking place outside and will follow all social distancing guidelines.
We ask all of our students to be transparent and honest if they, or any member of their family, develop any COVID-19 related symptoms. If you think you may have contracted the virus, we will ask you to self-isolate for the appropriate amount of time (generally two weeks) before joining or returning to the course.
It’s important for us to stress that you will not miss out on the course as we are able to offer online learning while you are self-isolating. We have made sure that your ability to complete the course will not be affected by future restrictions or lockdown rules.
WILL THE QUALIFICATIONS I GAIN BE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED?
The National Governing Bodies (NGBs): British Canoeing (BC), Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS), Surf Life Saving Great Britain (SLSGB) and International Surfing Association (ISA) are all recognised worldwide.
Because of the UK’s internationally recognised standard of quality, many countries including Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Middle-East, Canada and most European countries all look favourably at qualifications gained by award-winning British providers like ourselves. Trainees also use their NGBs to get employment with UK companies operating abroad.
WHEN DOES THE COURSE START AND FINISH?
Start time: 09:00 – Finish time: 16:00. Please note that these times are approximate and will be subject to change. For example, we may need to start earlier to catch a tide or we may finish later due to sessions overrunning. We will inform you about this when possible so you can plan ahead. Please let us know on a week by week basis if you won’t be available outside the hours of 09:00- 16:00.
We try our utmost to make our instructor courses enjoyable and informative. We hope that our students want to gain as much knowledge as possible during this time of learning and that hopefully flexibility will come from the passion to learn. You will get out of this course whatever you put into it and we appreciate your enthusiasm for making the most of the available resources.
WHAT ARE MY CAREER PROSPECTS AFTER THE COURSE?
The outdoor activity industry is a sector that is growing both here in the UK and in many countries around the world. Having the correct qualifications and experience could potentially see you outdoor instructing in all four corners of the world! This is your chance to change your life for the better and bag yourself a healthy, active and fulfilling career on the coast.
After the successful completion of the Outdoor Activity Instructor Training Course, you will be offered an interview for the chance to become part of the team at Women + Waves, Newquay Activity Centre or Bodyboard Holidays. This will be a paid role and you will form part of our instructor team.
Women + Waves have access to an instructor exchange programme with an incredible surfing company in New Zealand. This makes it entirely possible to live the endless summer, moving from one side of the world to the other. There are also other international surf schools and centres that we share staff with so we can help you to build a career of international work if that’s the path you wish to explore.
If you’ve set your sights elsewhere, there are many other options including contract and freelance careers. The beauty of this course is that it gives you the tools to make ‘work’ work for you! We suggest spending as much time experiencing as many different activities as you can; this is a great way of finding out where your passion lies.
Is there one particular area that you wish to explore more? Do you want to work abroad and travel the world? Are you happy just being outside as much as possible? Do you want to head down the management route? Maybe you want to open your own centre? Our course is designed to help you explore the options and guide you into making the right decision.
It is for you to answer the question: What do you want to do?
DO I NEED MY OWN EQUIPMENT?
Due to the nature of the job we can appreciate there’s some pretty specialist equipment that not everybody will own. If you already have some of your own equipment (such as a wetsuit, buoyancy aid, helmet etc) we recommend bringing it with you to use on the course. However, don’t worry if this is all totally new to you; we’ll help you to order the best equipment at the best price.
We can also appreciate that costs add up and that you may need to delay investing in your equipment until a little later on. If this is the case, our helpful instructors will be able to sign over Women + Waves equipment for you to borrow during the course. This is to be kept safe and taken care of until the time comes to return it. Any loss or damage to the kit will be charged accordingly.
Leading up to the end of the course and beyond, we do advise that students begin building their own selection of good quality outdoor gear appropriate for professional use. If you are well equipped to start work straight away you will feel more comfortable and confident in your ability. In addition, we have close links with some of the top outdoor equipment brands with pro equipment deals available to trainees.
HOW WILL WE TRAVEL TO THE SURF?
Our HQ is situated within walking distance to many of the sites we will be using throughout the course. We are located in Newquay town centre with lots of paid and unpaid parking options close to us. We are also just a short walk to both Towan and Fistral beaches, with many surf shops and cafés nearby.
On some days it will be necessary to venture further afield to make use of the conditions and the environment. On these days we encourage our students to car share as much as possible (please note our Covid guidelines). This helps to lower our carbon footprint and to split the cost of fuel. If you are happy to take fellow students in your vehicle then please let our instructors know. Travelling won’t be necessary every day but widening our activity net on the odd day will help to expose you to new surroundings and landscapes.
We have a van which will be fully loaded to supply these trips with the equipment they need. However, if you are struggling for space in your vehicle please let us know and it may be possible to arrange something in advance.
WHAT PERSONAL SKILLS DO I NEED?
You’ll need :
- Patience and the ability to work well with others
- Enthusiasm to learn and train
- Sensitivity and understanding
- Leadership skills
- To be thorough and pay attention to detail
- The ability to work on your own
- Knowledge of the English language
- To be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
- The ability to retain important information
- The ability to remain calm when faced with new situations
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
Cover for public liability will be in place whilst you partake in activities with Women + Waves, this is to a limit of £5 million. Personal accident cover is available, similar to travel insurance (injuries due to accidents etc), this is something participants can acquire themselves by looking online if they wish to purchase. Insurance is a topic covered during the course Q and A sessions so that everyone is clear of how this works in the outdoor industry.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE COURSE FEE?
- Food
- Accommodation
- Travel costs (We may occasionally travel further afield to seek out the best conditions. However, our centre is within walking distances to most sites so this will be kept to a minimum.)
- Personal equipment
CAN I SEE MORE OF THE ACCOMMODATION?
Yes, for more information and pictures of check out the accommodation via our friends at Newquay Activity Centre.
WHO WILL I BE SHARING MY ROOM WITH IF I BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION?
We will do our best to place you with people of similar ages, backgrounds and interests. This will vary depending on course participants. You will be sharing a same-sex twin room.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ON THE COURSE?
There will generally be ratios of 1:8 (instructor to pupil) for all activity training. However, theory classes may have larger ratios. You’ll often be broken down into smaller groups and all learning will observe the correct social distancing guidelines.
ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS?
You need to be over 18 to join the course. If you are 65 or over we’d love to chat to you about the course before you book. Please email us to arrange a time and we’ll contact you. Or you can call us on 01637 226017.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO CANCEL MY BOOKING?
If you can’t join the course, please let us know as soon as possible via email. Your cancellation notice will start from the date we receive it.
Cancellation charges are payable as follows:
- Over 12 weeks – deposit only (one third of the total weekend price)
- 36 days to 12 weeks – 50% of total cost
- 21-35 days – 75% of total cost
- Under 20 days – 100% of total cost
Cancellation may fall under the terms and conditions of your holiday insurance policy and you may be able to claim.
Find out more under our terms and conditions.
CAN I LEARN FROM HOME IF I CONTRACT COVID-19?
We have the ability to deliver all of our classroom-based learning via online platforms. So far this has proved to be an effective alternative and many of our students prefer this style of learning due to the current climate. If you miss any practical sessions during your isolation you will be given the chance to practice these later on in the course during your free time where possible.
We have discovered that online learning is the best way to complete theory work during your course. We are lucky to spend so much time completing our practical lessons on the beautiful beaches of Newquay. Heading back to the comfort of your home or hotel to complete your theory work is the best way to relax and consolidate your learning.
SHOULD I TRAVEL TO NEWQUAY THE DAY BEFORE THE COURSE?
We have many students from all over the world enrolling on our Outdoor Activity Instructor Training Course. If you are travelling from outside of Cornwall, or even the UK, we recommend arriving the day before your course starts. This will give you a chance to familiarise yourself with Newquay and settle into your new home-from-home. There are many hotels and B&Bs in Newquay and the surrounding area, please check out Newquay Activity Centre’s nearby accommodation page for info.
Please note: if you are booking accommodation through us, your tenure begins the day before the course. Please arrive from 3pm onwards, unfortunately we are not able to offer an earlier move in date due to cleaning and servicing of the apartments.
WHAT WILL WE DO DURING THE EVENINGS?
Newquay is an excellent town to explore in your free time. There are independent retailers, artisan coffee shops, surf shops, restaurants, bars and beaches all waiting to be explored. During your free time you will be able to book out (for free) Women + Waves equipment such as surfboards, bodyboards, kayaks etc to practice your skills or consolidate your learning.
We can almost guarantee you will make new friends for life during the course too. Getting to know your course mates is a great way of solidifying the academy and turning a potentially daunting three months into the best time of your life!
To help boost your knowledge and to give you as much insight as possible, your instructor may send you useful links or YouTube videos on some evenings for prior learning. These learning resources are not essential but they are definitely helpful.
CAN I TRAVEL HOME AT THE WEEKENDS?
Our Outdoor Activity Instructor Training Course is far from a boot camp and you are free to leave Newquay as and when you please. However, we do try to encourage our students to make the most of their free time by brushing up on ocean skills, shadowing existing instructors, joining our weekend retreats and even finding local work.
We understand that everyone has different commitments and varying lifestyles so please feel free to express this to our course instructors.
DO YOU OFFER PART-PAYMENTS FOR THE COURSE OR DOES IT NEED TO BE PAID IN FULL?
We have a variety of different ways to pay for your outdoor instructor course. You may pay the balance in full at time of booking, or you may split the cost of the course over two or three part-payments. We will agree payment plans in advance with you, payments are generally taken on the 1st of each month.
Your place on the course will only be reserved when we receive a part or full payment. You will then be sent a trip confirmation and enrolment form.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I ALREADY HAVE MY SURF COACH SAFETY & RESCUE OR BEACH LIFEGUARD AWARD?
This is not an issue and we can activate a discount if you do not need to retake the assessment with us. We would, however, highly recommend you still follow the training across all disciplines throughout the course. These essential skills are transferable across the majority of our activities and refreshing your skills will only serve to bolster your capabilities as an outdoor instructor.
If you need to requalify, we can deliver this within the course.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T WANT TO/CAN’T PASS THE SURF COACH SAFETY & RESCUE OR BEACH LIFEGUARD AWARD?
Again, this is not an issue. The training you participate in will stand you in good stead as an instructor and it will help expand your knowledge and skills. Your First Aid Qualification coupled with your specific instructor qualifications will still allow you to deliver activities such as coasteering, paddleboarding, bodyboarding and sit-on-top kayaking. There is still plenty of work across these activities and you will still be a valuable instructor for most activity centres.
If you do not meet the required standard throughout the duration of the course, you will have the opportunity to come back for assessment for up to 12 months after the course.
WHAT KIND OF WORK CAN I EXPECT TO FIND WITH YOUR LOCAL PARTNERS DURING THE COURSE?
Women + Waves works closely with local surf retailers, bars, restaurants and companies within the adult support & care sector. There are plenty of opportunities for flexible working hours during the course to supplement your income.
I’M REALLY INTERESTED IN WORKING WITH YOUR INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS IN NEW ZEALAND AND BEYOND AFTER THE COURSE. HOW WILL THIS WORK?
Those that want to live the endless summer will have the opportunity to work abroad on our recommendation. For instance, at the end of each course we have the option to send our best instructors to work with our partners in New Zealand.
If you fancy hemisphere hopping between seasons, we will set you up with an online interview to see if you are suitable for the role. If successful, you will have the opportunity to work in New Zealand during their summer before returning to catch the UK summer sunshine all over again.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I INJURE MYSELF FOR PART OF THE COURSE AND HAVE TO MISS PRACTICAL SESSIONS?
Our high standards of safety ensure that all of our course participants are in good hands throughout the course. However, if you find yourself with an injury that limits your ability to partake in the practical sessions, we will endeavour to provide time later in the course to revisit these modules.
WHERE CAN I STORE MY SURFBOARD WHILST ON THE COURSE?
If you are bringing your own surfboard with you, we will allocate you a space in our centre’s kit store for the duration of the course. This will need to be stored in its own board bag. You will still have access to this out of office hours.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS PREVENT ME FROM JOINING A COURSE I’VE ALREADY PAID FOR?
If you can’t enter the UK due to Covid restrictions, we need you to send a screen shot of your governments or the UK Governments website that states this.
This means that we will deliver your training online and your practical sessions will be delivered when it is safe for you to fly to the UK. If this is within the course dates, you should fly over as soon as you are allowed to do so.
Your accommodation will remain reserved for the duration of the course as it is hoped that you will be able to join the course and use it as planned. If travel restrictions remain in place for the entirety of your booked course, you may join a later course depending on availability when restrictions are lifted.
We will activate a credit in order for you to achieve this. This credit will cover your accommodation and will allow you to undertake the practical aspects of your course.