Free Package When You Book

ESSENTIAL OUT DOOR EQUIPMENT PACKAGE

Your package will always include

2 x Wetsuit
1 x Dry Robe
1 x Dry Bag

Other items to the total value of £750 will be dependent on what you need and the time of year.

Outdoor Instructor Training Course | 8 Weeks | Outer Reef

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?

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2026 OUTDOOR INSTRUCTOR TRAINING PROGRAM

WHERE & WHEN

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

SKILLS & TRAINING

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…

DAY TO DAY SCHEDULE

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.

PRE-REQUISITES

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.

PAID WORK

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.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

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

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

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

DBS update service (£13 annually)

QUALIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES

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)

ADDITIONAL TRAINING

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)

8 WEEKS OF INTENSIVE 'ON THE JOB' EXPERIENCE

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Outdoor Instructor Training Course | 8 Weeks | Outer Reef

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

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GET 8 INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS IN 8 WEEKS

ISA LEVEL 1 SURF INSTRUCTOR COURSE

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.

ISA LEVEL 2 SURF INSTRUCTOR COURSE

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

ISA FLAT WATER SUP INSTRUCTOR COURSE

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.

SLSGB SURF LIFEGUARD COURSE

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.

ISA / ILS SURF & SUP COACH SAFETY & RECUSE 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.

COASTEERING LIFESAVER AWARD

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

KAYAK LEADER ASSESSMENT

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

FIRST AID COURSES

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

SEA KAYAK LEADER TRAINING

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

WHY CHOOSE OUTER REEF?

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.

ARE YOU INSURED?

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

ADDITIONAL FEES?

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)

VALIDITY

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

WHERE ARE THE COURSES HELD?

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

IS ACCOMMODATION INCLUDED?

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

IS FOOD INCLUDED?

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.

DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO SURF?

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

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

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,

HOW FAR DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO SWIM?

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.

HOW LONG IS THE COURSE?

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

HOW MANY HOURS OF SUPERVISED INSTRUCTION DO I NEED TO COMPLETE BEFORE MY QUALIFICATION IS VALID?

ISA Level 1 - 20 Hours

ISA Level 2 - 10 Hours

ISA Level 1 FW SUP - 10 Hours

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MY CERTIFICATE?

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

DO I NEED A LIFESAVING QUALIFICATION TOO?

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.

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