Instructor training

Training to be an instructor in an adventure sport like skiing, snowboarding or surfing has long been popular with gap year students. Now, more and more career breakers are deciding to train to be an instructor as it gives you a skill you can use to work around the world. And no, you're not too old - one of our surfing friends was taught by a chap in his seventies!

What kind of instructor training can I do?
Where can I do instructor training?
When should I train to be an instructor?
Top instructor training tips
Further information on instructor training

What kind of instructor training can I do?

Most instructor training courses focus on adventure sports. Snowsports are particularly popular, as are water sports.

Sports include:

• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Surfing
• Windsurfing
• Kitesurfing
• Sailing
• Scuba diving
• Climbing
• Kayaking
• Canoeing

It is possible to start as a beginner and progress to instructor training, or if you are experienced in a sport, you can go straight into the instructor course. In some sports, there are different levels of instructor, and you can sometimes opt to do additional courses (eg mountain rescue).

Where can I do instructor training?

For snowsports, the most popular instructor training places are in Europe (France and Switzerland mainly), and in Canada. The USA, Scotland, South America and New Zealand also have ski and snowboard instructor courses.

For any kind of surfing, the USA, Australia and the Caribbean are places to go.

If you want to be a scuba diving instructor, anywhere tropical should be able to offer you training. Popular spots include Fiji, Australia, Thailand and Florida. You can learn to dive in the UK too but be aware that wetsuit diving is not the same as drysuit (which is what you need in a colder climate).

Anything that doesn't rely on warm weather or snow can be done in the UK. Sailing, climbing, kayaking etc can be learnt here and instructor courses are offered too. For watersports, being near water is obviously fairly essential - both lakeside and coastal schools offer instructor training.

When should I do instructor training?

Snowsports are obviously the most seasonal of the instructor training options. Courses in the northern hemisphere generally run from about November, although many start in January (depending on where you go).

Most courses based in the tropics (eg surfing and scuba diving) take place year-round.

Courses based in the UK also run year-round, although your instructor training course will have specific start and end dates.

Top instructor training tips

• Make sure your insurance covers you for whatever sport you will be doing - you sometimes have to pay an extra premium for adventure sports.
• Courses can be expensive, but as with many other things, you get what you pay for. Don't be afraid to ask about the qualifications and experience of your instructors, or ask to speak to people who have done the courses.
• Before you start your instructor training course, talk to the organisation (and other people) about job opportunities in that field.
• Make sure the qualification you receive is one that is internationally recognised, if you're planning to teach abroad.
• If your course is abroad and lasts several months, ensure you have the correct visa. Your training organisation should be able to help you with this.

Further information on instructor training

Search our list of career break companies for instructor training organisations.

Need to know something else? Email us.
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