Watersports Courses

You will need to be qualified to be at least Trainee Level 2 Coach to teach canoeing at most British run centres and the equivalent for all other sports. The bigger companies who need a lot of staff run training programmes providing the opportunity for you to enter and progress through the relevant coaching structure. The alternative is to get qualified first then get an assistants job in order to gain more experience (which in practical terms is at least as important as the qualification).

Watersports Instructor qualifications

Sailing jobs: RYA Yachtmaster / dinghy instructor / safety boat driver
Sub aqua jobs: PADI qualifications - at least Open Water
RYA, AYF, BKSA, IKO, SLSA qualifications are normally recognised for boardsports

If you go to work a season at a large centre there may be opportunities for you to gain BCU and RYA certification. You will need to practice and be passionate about the sport you choose. To help you though, being surrounded by experienced instructors and coaches, there is no better environment for you to learn in.

The AALA (Adventure Activities Licensing Authority) - If you are going to work in a centre in the UK see if they are registered properly with this organisation.
The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority is an independent, cross-departmental public authority, funded by the Department of Education and Skills, and operating under the written guidance of the Health and Safety Commission. In effect it is an independent watchdog on the delivery of outdoor adventure activities for young people. The aim of the Licensing Scheme is to provide assurances to the public about the safety of those activity providers who have been granted a Licence. In this way it is hoped that young people can continue to enjoy exciting and stimulating activities outdoors without being exposed to avoidable risks of death or disabling injury.