Windsurfing instructors

Information about teaching RYA Windsurfing courses and instructor qualifications

COVID-19: If local restrictions allow, all RYA Windsurfing Scheme Instructor training can return to usual delivery including all endorsements.

Assistant Instructor

Required certificates	RYA Windsurfing Scheme intermediate non-planing certificate including beach starting and non-planing gybe clinics Health declaration form or medical questionnaire
Experience	Competent windsurfer
Pre-entry assessment	Candidates must have the recommendation of their centre's Principal
Training course	Courses are conducted by the Principal or Chief Instructor of the training centre. The course may be approximately 20 hours covering RYA teaching for beginners. Candidates will be assessed on their teaching ability with beginners. The AI's training is limited to assisting qualified instructors and does not include first aid or powerboat handling.
Qualified to teach	On completion of this course you will be able to: assist instructors in teaching windsurfing up to the standard of youth Stage 1 and adult Start Windsurfing courses. Work under the supervision of an RYA senior instructor (SI) AIs must never be allowed to work without direct supervision.
Validity	This is a centre-specific certificate, awarded by the training centre and valid for five years.

Start Windsurfing Instructor

Minimum age	16
Required certificates	Intermediate non-planing certificate with beach starting and non-planing gybe clinics First aid certificate RYA Powerboat Level 2 RYA Safe and Fun certificate and pre-course work Health declaration form or medical questionnaire
Experience	Competent windsurfer
Pre-entry assessment
Training course	Five day course The final day will be moderated by an external trainer who will assess candidates. 2021 course dates TBC
Qualified to teach	Able to teach: Start Windsurfing course Youth Windsurfing Scheme Stages 1 and 2
Validity	Five years from the date of issue, provided that a valid first aid certificate is maintained.
RYA membership	Required

Health declaration

You will be asked to sign a health declaration stating that you are not suffering from any physical or mental impairment which has an adverse effect on your ability to properly discharge your duty of care as an instructor. If you are unable to sign the standard declaration, you will be required to complete a medical questionnaire.

Progressing through the coaching scheme

Teaching within the RYA Windsurfing Scheme is progressive - you can develop your skills and qualifications by taking further courses, working towards Senior Instructor level or, ultimately, becoming a Trainer. See the Qualifications section of our Training Support Site for further details.