Coasteer Guide
Training Course

Due to this course being in high demand, we have very limited availability. However, we can hold your space for 24 hours without payment.

To hold the place for more than 24 hours we require a none returnable holding fee. This can be as little as £100 and will be deducted from your final payment for the course

Yes definitely! We pride ourselves on being super welcoming and friendly. Most of our guests arrive solo and leave with friends for life.

To work with the majority of coasteer companies, you need to gain an SLSGB Surf Coach Safety and Rescue Award (or similar). In order to complete this award, you need to be able to swim 200 metres in under 5 minutes. This is quite achievable for most standards of swimmers.

We advise you to train in the swimming pool prior to the course. To participate in the coasteer training we recommend that you have a reasonable level of swimming. You could then train to prepare for the SLSGB qualification if you chose to take it.

You can still join the course. We will supply you with pre course training recommendations that will help you to achieve the standard. No doubt, it is harder to pass if you have never experienced coasteering before, but you can learn everything you need throughout the training.

The activity industry has grown massively in the last 10 years. As a lifestyle business or lifestyle employment it takes a lot of beating. Organised instructors pick up work year-round by travelling to different parts of the world where they are in demand. Or gain year-round positions at centres. Many instructors choose to set up their own operation, as once you have the experience, you just need the equipment and a place to operate lessons and you are good to go.

As you can imagine, the fitter you are, the easier it is. But, that said, it isn’t a triathlon! Our coaching sessions are usually two hours long and you can participate at your own steam. If you need to rest, you can. Our pre course training programme will help you prepare for the course. When you have passed qualification, you will need a lifesaving qualification, this will mean that you need to gain a minimum standard of swimming 200 metres in under 5 minutes. This is achievable for most individuals and sometimes requires some swim training to achieve the standard.

We have an excellent range of wetsuits, wetsuit boots, gloves and hats. We also have a huge range of helmets and buoyancy aids. Just let us know at time of booking and we will reserve your equipment, this is included in the price of the course.

 There are loads of accommodation options in Newquay and the surrounding area. Check out AirBnB listings, Surf Lodges, Short-term lets and Spare rooms. 

Most pupils stay in one of the following;

An Air BnB (there is a huge range of options in Newquay)

Surf Lodge Accommodation (we work closely with Smarties, Escape and Ocean Surf Lodge)

Hotel or Guesthouse (Check Booking.com for the options or drop us a line for recommendations)

Their van (either wild camping or staying on one of the many local touring parks/campsites)

Speak to our staff if you’d like advice or recommendations. 

The relevant lifesaving qualifications are available at Newquay Activity Centre. It works out cheaper to book both of your courses with us. Please contact us for details via our online chat.

 Freelance surf instructors generally get paid between £35 and £60 for a two-hour coaching session (which means, with prep and lesson close down you will work for approx. 3 hours). A professional instructor will deliver three lessons per day. If you take a full-time job or build your own roster of clients, the pay can range dramatically. Some instructors demand huge sums by offering an awesome service and getting excellent results. Like any job, the more that you put into it, the more that you get out of it.

You’ll need :

• Patience and the ability to work well with others
• Enthusiasm to learn and train
• Sensitivity and understanding
• Leadership skills
• To be thorough and pay attention to detail
• The ability to work on your own
• Knowledge of the English language
• To be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
• The ability to retain important information
• The ability to remain calm when faced with new situations

Cover for public liability will be in place whilst you partake in activities with Newquay Activity Centre, this is to a limit of £5 million. Personal accident cover is available, similar to travel insurance (injuries due to accidents etc), this is something participants can acquire themselves by looking online if they wish to purchase. Insurance is a topic covered during the course Q and A sessions so that everyone is clear of how this works in the outdoor industry.

• Food
• Accommodation
• Travel costs – fuel, parking.  (We may occasionally travel further afield to seek out the best conditions. However, our centre is within walking distances to most sites so this will be kept to a minimum).
• Retake fees incurred should they be necessary if you do not pass the initial assessment; you will be given training and support to prepare for each activity’s initial assessment whilst on the course, so please do not be concerned.
• First Aid qualification

There will generally be ratios of 1:8 (instructor to pupil) for all activity training. However, theory classes may have larger ratios. You’ll often be broken down into smaller groups and all learning will observe the correct social distancing guidelines.

You must be over 18 to join the course. If you are 65 or over, or under 18 we’d love to chat to you about the course before you book. Please email us to arrange a time and we’ll contact you. Or you can call us on 01637 877722

If you can’t join the course, please let us know as soon as possible via email. Your cancellation notice will start from the date we receive it.

Cancellation charges for the Outdoor Activity Instructor Academy, courses and modules are payable as follows:

• Over 12 weeks – 33% of total course cost
• 36 days to 12 weeks – 50% of total course cost
• 21-35 days – 75% of total course cost
• Under 20 days – 100% of total course cost

Cancellation may fall under the terms and conditions of your holiday insurance policy and you may be able to claim.

Find out more under our terms and conditions.

We understand that plans change. If you are looking to change courses please speak to one of our team. Depending on how close the course start day is this may incur an admin fee