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Work in the great outdoors

OUTDOOR INSTRUCTOR COURSE 2024

8 WEEKS OF ADVENTURE IN PEMBROKESHIRE, WALES

OUTDOOR INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE

Have you always dreamt of living a healthy outdoor lifestyle, and getting paid for it? We would like to offer you the opportunity to become qualified in instructing a whole host of outdoor activities so you can do just that! 

Throughout the 8 week duration of our course you’ll have the opportunity to gain qualifications in ISA surf and SUP instructing, kayaking, lifesaving, first aid and much more. So, whether you choose to stay here in Pembrokeshire or spread your wings and travel around the world & work with some of our partners in destinations all over Europe, Morocco, Indonesia, this course has you covered!

OUR AIM 

Throughout the 8 weeks is to supply you with all the skills necessary to become a successful outdoor instructor. You will assist and lead activities and also get involved in the less glamorous side of the job such as kit management and risk assessments. These small parts all build the bigger picture of a successful, internationally employable instructor. Your office for the next 2 months will be beautiful beaches and your colleagues will be other like-minded outdoor lovers.

COURSE CONTENT

Duration: 8 weeks (4 days a week, 9am - 5pm)

Cost: £4200

ACTIVITIES AND SKILLS

  • Surfing
  • Coasteering
  • Beach Lifeguarding
  • Stand-Up Paddle boarding (SUP)
  • Kayaking/Canoeing 
  • Team Building
  • Planning
  • Risk Assessments and hazard awareness
  • First Aid
  • Safeguarding
  • RIDDOR awareness
  • Risk Assessing (including COVID 19 RA)
  • Health & Safety in the Workplace
  • Manual Handling
  • Longevity in the industry & personal development
  • Interview & CV writing skills
  • Coaching barriers and adaptations
  • Team Building and icebreakers
  • Housekeeping, (invoicing, time management, professionalism)
  • And much more… 

PREREQUISITES

  • Minimum 18 years old
  • A good level of fitness both in the water and on land 
  • Be able to swim 200 metres in a pool within 5 minutes
  • Achieving a swim time of 400m in under 8 minutes by the end of the course
  • Be able to run 200m in under 1 min
  • Excellent teamwork, leadership and communication skills.

You don’t need any previous qualifications to enrol on this programme. You also don’t need to be proficient in the course activities. We can assist you in gaining experience and confidence in all aspects of the course.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES 

  • ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor
  • ISA Level 2 Surf Instructor 
  • ISA Level 1 Flat Water SUP Instructor
  • SLSGB Surf Lifeguard Qualification
  • SLSGB Surf Coach Rescue and Safety Competency Qualification  
  • Level 1 Emergency First Aider
  • Level 2 Intermediate First Aider
  • In House Kayak Guide Training
  • In House Coasteering Guide Training
  • In House Jumbo SUP Leader Training
  • In House Wildlife Awareness Training (Pembrokeshire Marine Code)
  • In House Incident Management, Safety and Rescue Training

All these qualifications will be dependent on individual competencies, interests and conditions

OPPORTUNITY FOR PAID WORK 

There may be opportunities available during the course for paid work. If this is something you may be interested in please let us know. From retail experience in one of our surf shops, to helping run our community surf programs, an extra pair of hands is always welcomed!

8 WEEKS OF TRAINING | A PERSONAL WATER SPORTS EQUIPMENT PACKAGE | SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION | USE OF AN ARRAY OF WATER SPORTS EQUIPMENT

£4200

WORTH £550! YOURS FOR FREE

ESSENTIAL OUT DOOR EQUIPMENT PACKAGE

Your package will always include

  • 1 x Wetsuit
  • 1 x Dry Robe 
  • 1 x Dry Bag

Other items to the total value of £550 will be dependent on what you need and the time of year.

2024 INSTRUCTOR COURSES WALES

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE OUT DOOR INSTRUCTOR COURSES

  • 8 weeks of intensive 'on the job' experience
  • 8 weeks self catering shared accommodation 
  • Small group (Max 10 trainees)
  • Personal equipment package 
  • 8 highly qualified ISA instructors SLSGB trainer assessors teaching & developing your small group
  • Surfing, kayaking, coasteering, life saving, first aid, flat water open ocean paddle boarding, canoeing, location specific wildlife and marine information
  • Completion of your intern hours
  • Experience coaching all ages and abilities are our centres across South Pembrokeshire
  • All course fees
  • Enhanced DBS check certificate
  • SLSGB Membership fee (worth £35)
  • Opportunity for paid work on completion of course
  • Use of top of the range equipment for the duration of the course

WHAT WILL YOUR DAYS LOOK LIKE?

  • Planning and preparing activities
  • Participating, explaining, advising on and demonstrating activities
  • Shadowing lessons with experienced coaches and instructing in specialist areas e.g surfing or SUP 
  • Completing minimum requirement of assisting hours for various qualifications
  • Making sure all equipment and facilities are safe, clean and ready for use
  • Explaining safety procedures and carrying out risk assessments
  • Completing log/work books and theory
  • Centre cleaning and kit management
  • Pre-class swims and post-work surf sessions go without saying – expect some real camaraderie on the course. 
  • Time spent with the team exploring the most amazing beaches, coves, estuaries and gullies Pembrokeshire has to offer

OUTDOOR INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSES

LOCATION & DATES

As part of your course, you will be trained in multiple locations around South Pembrokeshire, both on land, on the beach and in the water. We have activity bases in Pembroke, Freshwater West, Saundersfoot, Tenby and Stackpole Quay

  • 5th February 2024 - 31st March 2024
  • 8th April 2024 - 2nd June 2024
  • 20th May 2024 - 14th July 2024
  • 24th June 2024 - 18th August 2024

WORKING IN THE OUTDOORS IS A TRULY AMAZING JOB.

The qualifications have been selected because they make you very employable worldwide. You'll work with at least 8 professional outdoor instructors, coaches and teachers - each bringing their own style & experience so you will gain the best qualities from each instructor to help you develop into the best coach you can be…

THERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO FIND OUT IF THIS IS A CAREER PATH FOR YOU. THIS COULD BE LIFE-CHANGING!

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

2024 OUTDOOR INSTRUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAM

  • Outer Reef Water Sports Centre was established in 1999 and has been running instructor training courses ever since. 
  • Our team of instructors are all fully qualified and specialise in coaching and development worldwide. They will run you through all stages of learning how to develop and progress as a multi activity instructor. 
  • We have £10 million public liability insurance and all instructors and staff are fully qualified & members of the NGB
  • Outer Reef has activity bases in Pembroke, Fresh Water West, Saundersfoot, Tenby & Stackpole
  • Duration: Two months (4 days a week, 9am - 5pm)
  • A mixture of time spent in the classroom and out on the water 

You’ll develop your skills and get trained in:

  • Surfing
  • Coasteering
  • Beach Lifeguarding
  • Stand-Up Paddle boarding (SUP)
  • Kayaking 
  • Team Building
  • First Aid
  • And more… 

  • Planning and preparing activities
  • Participating, explaining, advising on and demonstrating activities
  • Shadowing lessons with experienced coaches and instructing in specialist areas e.g surfing or SUP 
  • Completing minimum requirement of assisting hours for various qualifications
  • Making sure all equipment and facilities are safe, clean and ready for use
  • Explaining safety procedures and carrying out risk assessments
  • Completing log/work books and theory
  • Centre cleaning and kit management
  • Pre-class swims and post-work surf sessions go without saying – expect some real camaraderie on the course. 
  • Time spent with the team exploring the most amazing beaches, coves, estuaries and gullies Pembrokeshire has to offer

 

Our aim throughout the 8 weeks is to supply you with all the skills necessary to become a successful outdoor instructor. You will assist and lead activities and also get involved in the less glamorous side of the job such as kit management and risk assessments. These small parts all build the bigger picture of a successful, internationally employable instructor. 
Your office for the next 2 months will be beautiful beaches and your colleagues will be other like-minded outdoor lovers.

You don’t need any previous qualifications to enrol on this programme. You also don’t need to be proficient in the course activities.  For example you do not need to be able to surf, we will teach you all the skills you need to become an instructor.
However, this course does requires competent swimming skills and a good level of fitness. You’ll also need excellent teamwork, leadership and communication skills. 

Opportunity for Paid Work during the course:

There may be opportunities available during the course for paid work during the course. If this is something you may be interested in please let us know. We hold relationships with local companies that offer flexible working hours so that you can receive paid work during the time that you are following the course. This ranges from working in the local surf shop to assisting with our local community water sports clubs.

  • Self catering accommodation at various locations in Pembrokeshire close to our activity bases
  • Personal equipment package
  • Training & assessment in multiple courses 
  • Minimum required shadowing hours 
  • Enhanced DBS check 
  • Use of all water sports centre equipment 

Personal membership costs to certain National Governing Bodies, such as British Canoeing (average cost £75)
DBS update service (£13 annually)

  • ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor
  • ISA Flat Water SUP Instructor
  • SLSGB National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ)
  • SLSGB Surf Coach Safety and Rescue Award
  • BC Paddlesport Leader Award Kayak
  • In House Coasteering Guide Award
  • In House Super SUP leader
  • In House wildlife awareness
  • REC Incident management, safety and rescue
  • ISA Bodyboard Coach
  • Outdoor First Aid Award (Level 1 & 2)

  • Safeguarding
  • RIDDOR awareness
  • Risk Assessing (including COVID 19 RA)
  • Health & Safety in the Workplace
  • Manual Handling
  • Longevity in the industry & personal development
  • Interview & CV writing skills
  • Coaching barriers and adaptations
  • Team Building and icebreakers
  • Housekeeping, (invoicing, time management, professionalism)

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. Any classroom work will follow all relevant social distancing guidelines and will be explained in full on your first day. Outdoor sessions are delivered in suitable ratio, at distance. We will ask those travelling from high Tiers to present negative Covid tests.
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 COVID 19, we ask you to self-isolate for the appropriate amount of time before joining the course or returning to the course.
It’s important for us to stress that you will not miss out on anything as we are able to offer online learning through platforms such as Zoom while you are self-isolating. We have delivered this successfully on numerous occasions. We are regularly updating our Covid policy in respect of this course and can supply it to you upon request. All pupils receive the policy as part of their pre arrival information.

8 WEEKS OF INTENSIVE 'ON THE JOB' EXPERIENCE

OUTDOOR INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSES

THIS PACKAGE IS WORTH THE EFFORT & TIME

WORKING IN THE OUTDOORS IS A TRULY AMAZING JOB

The qualifications have been selected because they make you very employable worldwide. You'll work with at least 8 professional outdoor instructors, coaches and teachers - each bringing their own style & experience so you will gain the best qualities from each instructor to help you develop into the best coach you can be...

GET 8 INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS IN 8 WEEKS

COURSE CONTENT

  • The role of the surf coach
  • Identifying duty of care regulations that apply when
  • conducting surfing lessons.
  • Risk management & safety
  • Identifying surfing lesson hazards at specific locations
  • Emergency Action Processes
  • Lesson plans for surfers of different abilities
  • Surfboards courses, equipment
  • Communication skills for the surf course environment
  • Surf instruction course coaching methods
  • Assessing students performance
  • Evaluating surf course outcomes
  • Minimising environmental impacts

Not only do you get to spend every day on the beach, but you can also manage it so you work during summers and escape the winters traveling. You can also get jobs abroad, or in surf camps right across the globe. On top of all that you get the rewards of seeing the faces of super stoked pupils who you have helped get to their feet. It’s the perfect job for students at college, university or during their gap year.

This award is aimed at coaches who are currently working with novice to intermediate surfers who wish to develop their skills in order to coach more advanced classes. It’s widely recognised as the most desirable qualification by ISA regulated surf schools worldwide for appointing lead coaches. You’ll be able to work with junior squads, advanced and competitive surfers as well as being the minimum award required if you wish to start your own surf school.

Although the exact schedule of this award may vary, the primary course content includes:

  • Performance analysis through video
  • Learning the benefits and execution of performance analysis
  • Principles of fitness, diet and nutrition
  • Skill drills for surfers
  • Group workshops
  • Surf programme planning
  • Practical coaching sessions
  • Fault recognition and correction
  • Practical surf sessions and evaluations
  • Healthy, safety and the law
  • Method and risk assessments
  • Safe and effective coaching
  • Presentations

The aim of the SUP instructor course is to accredit SUP Coaches with the competencies to effectively teach the beginner skills required for Stand Up Paddle boarding. This SUP skills manual sets out content and key teaching information for the beginner SUP rider on enclosed flat water and in waves no bigger than 0.5m. After completing the requirements set out in this module your accreditation will be endorsed for either enclosed flat water SUP or SUP Surf by The ISA.

This Beach Lifeguard Award establishes a standard that allows candidates to become full SLSGB NARS Beach Lifeguards, which is Internationally Recognised.

Aim

  • To provide a National award for the Beach Lifeguard Course covering; fitness, practical lifeguarding skills and knowledge, rescues, life support and first aid.

Pre-requisite

  • Be a minimum of 16 years of age on the date of examination
  • Certain level of swimming fitness

Validity of lifeguard Courses & Award

  • 24 months from the date of the examination

The course is held over 40 hours, which includes training plus a 1 day examination by our SLSGB examiners. The course includes a fitness test involving a timed swim of 400m, that must be completed in 7min 30sec. Candidates must be able to achieve this before attending the course.

This award is applicable to those undertaking surf coaching and instruction activity and for surfboard hiring organisations.

It aims to establish a minimum vocational standard that demonstrates a level of competence for the safety of participants under instruction during a coached surf activity session. These sessions would be undertaken primarily in wading depth water and aim to establish the necessary skills and knowledge to provide basic rescue response and life support.

Holders of this award should take careful account of local conditions where they are coaching, the scope of the activity and the guidance provided by local risk assessments and a location specific NOP.

Aim
This award is establishes a standard which creates a level of competence in life saving as a basic award to prepare candidates for incidents involving coasteering

Pre-requisit

  • Be a minimum of 18 years of age on the date of Assessment
  • Be able to swim 100 metres in a swimming pool
  • Be medically and physically fit
  • Minimum guided learning hours - 16 hours prior to assessment. 

Validity of Award

  • 24 months from the date of the assessment with the option of taking a proficiency test prior to the expiry date and every 12 months thereafter

  • A 2-day assessment course leading clients.
  • One day spent training on open water and one day spent training on on moving water.
  • Become a member of The WSA and have registered for the course online at least two days before your assessment date
  • You'll need to have completed a Kayaking Leader Training Course within the last three years and have relevant rescue and first aid training

Courses Available

EMERGENCY FIRST AID AT WORK - ONE DAY COURSE 
This one day course covers a range of CPR and first aid skills, providing you with the skills to ensure a safe working environment

OUTDOOR FIRST AID - TWO DAY COURSE
This two day course provides very practical, hands on first aid skills involving activities and environmental factors that you are likely to encounter in the outdoors

ACTIVITY FIRST AID - TWO DAY COURSE
This two day course has been designed to equip people with the first aid skills which are best suited when dealing with activity based situation such as sports, or outdoor sports.

PAEDIATRIC EMERGENCY FIRST AID - ONE DAY COURSE
The Paediatric First Aid Course is recommended for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and meets Childcare Registration requirements

This course delivers the personal skill level and leadership ability required to lead a group of paddlers, on short, single or multi-day journeys around the coastline in a moderate tidal water environment with winds not exceeding Beaufort Force 4.

On this great course you'll learn all about rescue techniques, towing and how to look after a group of paddlers while paddling around The Pembrokeshire coastline. 

You'll spend two days on this course to meet the minimum training requirements for the award and you'll cover personal paddling and leadership skills that will prepare you for the Sea Kayak Leader assessment.

 Before starting, it is expected that you are paddling to a 3 star standard, or have equivalent experience and that you passed the British Canoeing Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning course. 

All the equipment you need will be provided by us at no extra cost.

READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?

GET IN TOUCH TODAY & DON'T MISS OUT ON HAVING YOUR DREAM JOB...

2024 DATES ARE AVAILABLE TO BOOK NOW!

OUTDOOR INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSES

FAQS

Here at Outer Reef, we have been running surf lessons and professional development courses for over 25 years both in our home county of Pembrokeshire and worldwide. 

We still love teaching the next generation of surfers, paddle boarders and beach lifeguards, whether it’s on a windswept beach in Wales, or on the beaches of France or Bali. 

Our fearless leader, Dean, is a true waterman and has represented the GB in competitive surfing. He is a surf ambassador for UK/Europe, Indonesia and Sri Lanka, helping national governing bodies create a clear pathway for the sports development. With 25 years of experience in Surf, Sup and Lifesaving development to all ages and abilities, Dean is also very proud to work together with Disability Sport Wales, local community organisations, junior and secondary schools, National Trust and Pembrokeshire County Council, as well as global governing bodies.

We often employ people, especially locals, who have completed courses with us, so be sure to ask if you are looking for employment and we can let you know if we have any availability.

Yes we are. We have £10 million public liability insurance and all instructors & surf crew are fully qualified & members of the NGB.

There are no hidden costs you will have to keep up-to-date with your membership to the ISA, which is the international governing body.

Personal membership costs to certain National Governing Bodies, such as British Canoeing (average cost £75) 

DBS update service (if required - £13 annually)

Most qualifications need to be renewed 12 - 24 months from assessment date. Please ask if you want more clarification on a specific award. 

Our Pembrokeshire courses will be held at our Activity Centre on Gupton Farm, Castlemartin, SA71 5HW.

Accommodation is included. Will be a team house for everyone on the course.

It is not included but facilities within the accommodation will cater towards cooking etc, and the venues that we operate from have nearby Cafes along with some small facilities i.e. kettles and microwaves in our office base venues and you can always bring a packed lunch.

Yes! You must be able to show and understand the rules of priority, be able to negotiate the line up and show confidence in turning left and right

  • Wetsuit and surfboard (if you have them, if not both can be provided free of charge),
  • Towel/dryrobe (there are no changing facilities available at our beaches),
  • Paper and a pen, sunscreen (if required), refillable water bottle, lunch,

This is specific to each of the different courses we offer, and more details can be found on each of our individual course pages. We do require you to be swim fit and a confident and competent swimmer.

This is specific to each of the different courses we offer, and more details can be found on each of our individual course pages.

ISA Level 1 - 20 Hours

ISA Level 2 - 10 Hours

ISA Level 1 FW SUP - 10 Hours

Once you have completed your assisting hours all information will be sent to the relevant governing body who will then process your certification

Yes, all ISA courses require an up to date lifesaving qualification too which can be completed before or after your course. If you are interested in doing your lifesaving course with us please let us know upon booking.

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT PACKAGE

OUTDOOR INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSES

It's really important to stay safe, warm and comfortable during your courses & training. So we put together a great wet & Dry instructor package worth over £500 full consisting of 2x high quality wetsuits, wetsuit boots, dryrobe, a dry bag & other outdoor gear.

BOOK TODAY

INSTRUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAM

SURF INSTRUCTOR COURSES

The ISA (International Surf Association) Surf Instructor and SUP Instructor courses are the most widely recognized and internationally approved surfing instructor courses, meaning you can teach at surf schools both here in the UK & abroad. 

Here at Outer Reef Surf Centre, you can be assured of an entirely comprehensive, successful and safe surf course, allowing you to either add to your existing qualifications or kick start a new career - We love to have fun and enjoy the surf but take our training seriously at the same time!

MORE INFORMATION 

ISA SURF INSTRUCTOR COURSES & SLSGB BEACH LIFEGUARD COURSES

Here at Outer Reef, we also train surf and paddle boarding coaches worldwide, so you can be assured of an entirely comprehensive, successful and safe surf paddle board & beach lifeguard course, allowing you to either add to your existing qualifications or kick start a new career - We love to have fun and enjoy the surf & take our training seriously at the same time! Recognized Internationally we can arrange work for candidates on completion of the courses.

More information - ISA Surf Instructor

DON'T DELAY BOOK TODAY

We’ve got a highly trained team here who can train you up to become international instructors too. Whether you want to for fill your destiny as a beach lifeguard on Australia’s golden coast or teach thrill seekers how to catch a wave or two, we’ve got a range of different level courses, all accredited by international bodies ILS & ISA the Surf Life Saving Society and international Surf Association, as well as a range of different NGB'S so you can take a step in the right direction towards making your hobby your dream career!

JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSE

THERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO FIND OUT IF THIS IS A CAREER PATH FOR YOU. THIS COULD BE LIFE-CHANGING!

Outer Reef Surf Instructor Academy
Wales, Bali, Sri Lanka & Morocco

BOOK ONLINE

"Good Vibes Only"

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