Transform Your Passion into a Profession on the Water
Instructor training in watersports opens doors to exciting careers and personal development. Becoming an instructor is more than just earning a qualification. It is a pathway to inspiring others, developing your leadership, and enjoying a dynamic and rewarding future. At Oxford Sail Training Trust (OSTT), we offer comprehensive training that equips you with the skills and confidence to coach in sailing, windsurfing, winging, paddle sports, and powerboating.
Whether you are starting with assistant instructor modules or working towards senior instructor status, OSTT provides professional guidance in a supportive and scenic setting. With a proven track record of turning beginners into confident leaders, our instructor programmes are ideal for anyone looking to shape their future on the water.
Why Choose Instructor Training at OSTT?
At OSTT, our RYA-accredited courses are delivered by experienced senior instructors who understand the challenges and rewards of teaching watersports. We cater to a range of pathways, offering targeted training across five core disciplines:
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Dinghy Sailing
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Windsurfing
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Wingfoiling
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Paddle Sports
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Powerboating
With small instructor-to-trainee ratios and hands-on experience at every level, you gain practical insights and real coaching confidence. Our location at Farmoor Reservoir provides a safe and versatile training environment, ideal for both new learners and returning professionals. It is the same trusted environment that supports our Adult Courses and Junior Weekend Programmes, where instructor interaction is key to participant success.
Watersports Instructor Pathways
Our training covers a full progression route from initial entry-level courses through to advanced and senior roles. Let us take a closer look at each pathway.
Dinghy Instructor Courses
The dinghy instructor path is one of the most popular starting points. It includes:
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Assistant Instructor Course – Ideal for young volunteers aged 14+, this introductory training builds communication and leadership basics.
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Pre-Entry Assessment – A prerequisite to the full Dinghy Instructor course, assessing your sailing competence.
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Dinghy Instructor Course – A five-day programme focused on effective teaching techniques and session management.
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Dinghy Race and Spinnaker Instructor – For those looking to specialise in race coaching and spinnaker handling.
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Multi-Hull Instructor – A specialist qualification for those teaching on twin-hull boats.
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Senior Instructor – For experienced instructors ready to lead teams and run courses.
Our sailing instructor programmes integrate directly with our Adult Sailing Courses and Junior Weekend Sailing Courses, giving you immediate context and practical relevance.
Wing Instructor Courses
With wing sports growing in popularity, qualified instructors are in high demand. OSTT offers:
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Wingsurf Instructor Course – Covers core technique, safety management, and lesson delivery.
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Wingfoil Instructor Course – Adds complexity with board control and foiling instruction.
Wing training is available to those with existing RYA and instructor experience, making it ideal for diversifying your qualifications. These courses align closely with our Adult Wing Courses and Junior Wing Courses.
Windsurf Instructor Courses
We offer a full Adult Windsurfing Course progression, and instructors can train through:
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Start Windsurf Instructor Course – Entry-level instructor training.
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Intermediate Instructor Clinics – Upskill and gain new techniques to support riders at higher levels.
Our windsurf training facilities are fully equipped for beginners through to advanced levels, allowing you to observe and practise across real teaching scenarios.
Paddle Instructor Courses
For those passionate about kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing, OSTT delivers British Canoeing certified instructor modules:
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Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (FSRT) – Focuses on rescuing and managing safety for paddlers.
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Paddlesport Instructor Course – Prepares you to lead groups in safe, structured environments.
Our paddlesport instructors frequently support our Family Paddling Sessions, Junior Holiday Multi-Activity Courses, and Private Tuition Sessions, making this pathway a great fit for those working with younger or mixed-ability groups.
Powerboat Instructor Courses
Powerboating is essential for safety cover and training support. Our RYA-certified courses include:
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Powerboat Instructor Course – Focuses on delivering Level 1 and Level 2 sessions.
This role supports everything from Safety Boat Courses to instructor-led practice days, providing the critical backbone of watersports safety.
Additional Instructor Support
RYA Safe and Fun
Before completing any instructor course, candidates must complete the RYA Safe and Fun safeguarding module. This is available as an online module and ensures that all instructors understand best practice in working with children and vulnerable people. You will find full details and how to access this module in our Supporting Courses section.
First Aid and VHF Radio
Every RYA instructor must also hold a valid First Aid certificate and VHF Radio Licence. OSTT provides both through:
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RYA First Aid Course
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VHF Radio Classroom Course and Exam
These essential additions ensure instructors meet national safety and communication standards. Both qualifications are regularly included in instructor development plans, especially for those pursuing senior instructor positions.
Who Can Train as an Instructor?
Most instructor pathways begin at age 16, though assistant instructor roles start from age 14. Sailing and windsurfing instructors must already hold suitable personal skills, usually at Stage 4 or equivalent. Each discipline has slightly different prerequisites, and our team is happy to guide you through the most suitable entry point.
Whether you are a returning adult, an experienced young sailor, or part of a school or youth group, OSTT will help you build the right foundation. Visit our Youth Courses, explore Holiday Activities, or speak to us directly via the Contact Page to discuss the best route forward.
Instructor Roles Beyond OSTT
Instructor qualifications from OSTT do not just stay local. They are recognised across the UK and beyond, allowing you to work at clubs, schools, centres, and even abroad. Many of our graduates go on to become seasonal instructors across Europe or pursue full-time careers in marine education and outdoor leadership.
A strong foundation at OSTT helps you move forward confidently, whether you are instructing weekend courses for children or coordinating full watersports programmes. Our alumni often return to contribute as mentors, reinforcing the supportive community we are proud to foster.
Start Your Coaching Journey
Instructor training in watersports does not just teach technical skills. It creates mentors. OSTT’s focus on mentorship, professionalism, and real-world teaching scenarios ensures that every candidate leaves confident, capable, and ready to inspire others.
Take the next step in your watersports journey. Join an instructor course, gain your certification, and share your passion on the water. The adventure starts here.
