Heath, Harrison, Rudi and Zak’s Journey with Newquay Activity Centre
At Newquay Activity Centre, our commitment goes far beyond providing unforgettable surf lessons, coasteering adventures, and paddleboarding sessions. We’re also deeply invested in our local community, actively nurturing Cornwall’s young talent and guiding local students from classroom novices to highly skilled adventure instructors. Today, we are incredibly proud to share an inspiring story of growth and dedication featuring four exceptional young men: Zak, Rudi, Harrison, and Heath.
“I'm so grateful that I chose work experience in this field during my time at Tretherras School. It's really opened the door for a super fun career opportunity for me”
Humble Beginnings: Learning the Ropes
Every year during June and July, our outdoor activity centre welcomes eager students from local Newquay schools, Treviglas and Tretherras to our busy activity centre for essential work experience. For Zak, Rudi, Harrison, and Heath, this initially meant rolling up their sleeves and embracing the less glamorous -but vital – work behind the scenes.
They started by cleaning wetsuits, sorting out surfboards, paddleboards and kit, and organising equipment logistics. It was hands-on, sometimes messy, but essential. As Zak reflects, “I had no idea how much went into prepping equipment properly. Doing that first made me appreciate how important attention to detail is.”
This initial stage wasn’t merely about hard graft; it taught our future leaders responsibility, reliability, and the vital team dynamic that’s crucial to our success.
Stepping Into Customer Care & Operations
Following on from their school work experience, It didn’t take long before these four enthusiastic students became integral to our frontline operations with jobs during the school holidays. They quickly learned to welcome guests, provide detailed safety briefings, and support instructors to deliver sessions seamlessly. Harrison notes how this responsibility boosted his confidence: “Meeting guests and helping them feel welcome made me realise the importance of clear communication and friendliness.”
Soon after, the team took on further duties, assisting with telephone bookings, sales support, and even contributing to our vibrant social media channels. Heath remembers the excitement of his first social media post, saying, “Seeing our guests engage with content I’d helped create was hugely motivating and taught me valuable digital communication skills.“
Professional Training and Qualifications
Recognising their passion and potential, Newquay Activity Centre invested significantly in formalising the group’s qualifications and skills, ensuring these four pupils had every tool they needed to succeed. Over the course of their development with us, each of them gained:
- NVBLQ Lifeguard Certification – gaining essential lifesaving, rescue, and first aid skills to safely manage coastal activities.
- Paddle Sports Leader Qualification – empowering them to professionally guide kayaking sessions.
- In-House Specialised Instructor Training – mastering bodyboarding instruction, our unique Super SUP activities, beach safety, and our iconic events like the Cornish Challenge and Cornwall Castaway.
In addition, each pupil received comprehensive training in dynamic risk assessment, health and safety culture, and operational planning. They quickly progressed from attending these training sessions to actively assisting and eventually helping to lead them.
Professional Versatility and Leadership
Qualified, confident, and knowledgeable, Zak, Rudi, Harrison, and Heath soon found themselves regularly leading a diverse range of groups. Their experience spanned instructing school trips, managing military coasteering sessions, guiding families in their first surf lessons, and organising high-energy group activities.
Harrison particularly highlights the leadership skills he developed: “Working with military groups demanded professionalism, quick thinking, and adaptability – skills I never imagined I’d learn so rapidly.”
The group’s versatility expanded to crucial front-of-house roles, managing guest services, handling complex operational logistics, and even supporting sales and bookings. What began as an educational placement had blossomed into full-time professional roles for these young men.
Looking Ahead: Gap Years, Global Adventures, and Lifelong Careers
Today, Zak, Rudi, Harrison and Heath have become cornerstone members of our Newquay Activity Centre family. They’ve grown beyond seasonal staff; they’re respected professional instructors who help lead our activities and mentor new recruits joining the team. Their journey hasn’t just been about qualifications – it’s also shaped their personal aspirations and future career goals.
Rudi and Heath are saving earnings from their roles at the activity centre to fund gap-year travels around the globe during winter 2025–2026, fully intending to return next summer enriched with new experiences and insights. Zak aims to use the confidence and communication skills he’s acquired to pursue higher education in computing and technology, while Harrison is planning to further develop his outdoor leadership career alongside advanced educational goals.
This organic model of professional growth not only supports our ongoing operations but also significantly contributes to these young men’s lifelong personal development and professional confidence.
Why Does Their Journey Matter to You?
When you choose to book activities with Newquay Activity Centre, you’re directly supporting this powerful cycle of local education, professional training, and community development. Your surf lesson, coasteering trip, or paddleboarding session isn’t just an incredible adventure – it’s a meaningful contribution to local opportunities and community prosperity.
Here’s what this means for you:
- Local Expertise: Our instructors have grown up on these beaches, intimately knowing every wave, cove, and coastal secret.
- Consistent Quality: Through years of shared experiences, training, and growth, our team provides outstanding and reliable sessions every time.
- Community Impact: Your bookings directly fund the development of future local talent, giving back to the Cornish community. We are the chosen delivery partner for local schools Tretherras, Treviglas, Newquay Junior, St Columb Minor, and well as Newquay AFC and the Bluetits (cold water swimmers), who we support with up to 50% discount on all activities for their pupils and followers.
Ready to Join Our Adventure?
Come meet Zak, Rudi, Harrison, Heath, and the rest of our passionate team at Newquay Activity Centre. Book your surf lessons, coasteering adventures, or paddleboarding experiences today and play your part in supporting Cornwall’s next generation of professional instructors.
- Book Surf Lessons: Learn to Surf
- Explore Coasteering Adventures: Coasteering in Newquay
- Enjoy Paddleboarding Sessions: SUP Lessons & Tours
Your adventure is waiting – and you’re invited to become part of this truly inspiring local journey.
Would you like to become a surf instructor? We offer intensive surf training courses twice a year.
