The idea of turning your favourite hobby into a career is a dream come true for many people – what could beat spending every day out on the water? However, before quitting your day job to become a paddleboard instructor, you should consider the realities of the role and the qualifications you will need to obtain in order to teach.
What qualifications do you need to be a paddleboard instructor?
Although widely considered one of the safer watersports, there are of course some risks associated with paddleboarding. This means that to be a paddleboarding instructor, you must hold a relevant qualification in order to ensure the safety of your students.
In the UK, there are four primary bodies offering legitimate and credible paddleboarding instructor qualifications, with almost all paddleboarding instructor roles requiring a certificate from one of these four. They are:
- - British Stand Up Paddleboard Association (BSUPA)
- - Academy of Surf Instructors (ASI)
- - British Canoeing (BC)
- - Water Skills Academy (WSA)
Whilst a qualification from any of the above organisations will allow you to confidently and legally teach paddleboarding, BSUPA is generally considered to be the leading body of paddleboarding in the UK. Although the other bodies are very well established, none of them are solely dedicated to paddleboarding.
All paddleboarding instructor courses will naturally require extensive personal paddleboarding experience, but many (including BSUPA) will also require a recognised first aid qualification.
Can I be a paddleboard instructor with another watersports qualification?
People often wonder whether they can transfer an existing watersports instructor qualification, such as surfing instructor, to teach paddleboarding.
However, whilst such a certificate will stand you in excellent stead for carrying out a paddleboarding instructor course, you will need to complete a conversion in order to be qualified. Most bodies will offer an extension course for individuals who already hold a relevant qualification.
Paddleboard instructor jobs
Once you’re qualified, you will undoubtedly be on the hunt for a paddleboarding instructor career – so what’s available?
- Teaching at an established SUP school. At most coastal locations, as well as many lakes and rivers, there will be a watersports company/centre offering classes in activities such as surfing, kayaking or paddleboarding. Such companies will often have job opportunities for paddleboard instructors or activity leaders, with increased opportunity during peak periods.
- Self-employed paddleboard teacher. Once you are qualified, you may choose to go solo and embark on a career as a self-employed instructor. Whilst this gives you far more freedom, you should note that this does include the complete running of your own business, which does not suit everyone.
Why should you become a paddleboarding instructor?
Aside from the technical aspects of becoming a paddleboard instructor, it’s also important to focus on the huge benefits that will be reaped from this exciting career!
Turning your hobby into a career
For most people, the chief benefit of becoming a SUP instructor is being able to turn a love of paddleboarding into a substantial career.
Office-free lifestyle
For many, the idea of a 9-5 office job is less than desirable. Working as a paddleboarding instructor, you will spend the best part of your working day out on the water, enjoying the great outdoors. For the most part, your job will be office free!
Sharing your love of paddleboarding
Despite an increase in popularity in recent years, paddleboarding does remain more under the radar than other watersports such as surfing. Through a career as a paddleboarding instructor, you will be able to help ensure that the sport spreads far and wide.
Part-time opportunities
As the outdoor watersports industry does tend to be seasonal and usually weather dependant, many instructors choose to run paddleboarding classes and excursions in addition to their day job. This will allow you to make some extra money from a hobby that you love, as well as maintain the security of your day job.
Increased freedom
If you opt to start your own paddleboarding company, you will enjoy the luxury of being your own boss. Whilst this will involve a lot of hard work, it will also allow you to determine your own working hours, giving you far more freedom.
Travelling opportunities
With endless beautiful paddleboarding spots across the globe, you’ll find that as a trained paddleboarding instructor, you can find a similar role in many other countries, creating ample opportunity to travel. However, do note that your existing qualification may not be valid in every location – check your destination country’s legislation.
Ready to embark on a new career as a paddleboarding instructor? At Two Bare Feet, we work with several paddleboarding schools and centres, providing high quality SUPs, SUP accessories and wetsuits at excellent rates. For more information on our products and how we work with the paddleboarding community, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
