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RYA Dinghy Instructor (16+ years)
Achieving the level of RYA Dinghy Instructors (DI) takes commitment and hard work. This qualification allows successful candidates to work at any RYA Training Centre under the supervision of a Senior Instructor.
Before enrolling on a DI course, candidates will need to firstly perform a pre-assessment day with a RYA Coach Assessor.
Candidates should be experienced sailors with the ability to handle strong winds safely. To fully complete the certificate, candidates should be a member of the RYA, already hold the Powerboat L2 licence along with other qualifications that I list below in the prerequisites.
Once complete, DI’s can teach up the Adult Level 3 and Youth Sailing Scheme Stage 4 courses.
Pre-assessment day
Cost: £110
This day is aimed at showing the coach assessor that you have the required sailing ability to become an RYA DI. You should be confidently able to sail to a high standard on all the skills on the Seamanship Skills course, including sailing in adverse circumstances.
On successful completion of this assessment day your logbook will be signed off and you will need to progress onto an RYA Dinghy Instructors course within 12 months.
Logbooks (G14) can be purchased from the RYA.
RYA Dinghy Instructor course
Cost: £400
Price per person, minimum 4, maximum 6
The 5 day course covers material that develops knowledge and skills to a stage where that information can be successfully passed on.
Content includes: teaching techniques (ashore and afloat), the structure of the National Sailing Scheme (NSS) and Youth Sailing Scheme (YSS), and techniques for teaching adults, children, and those with special needs. Preparation and presentation of lessons along with the use of visual aids is also covered.
Candidates will then be able to assess students’ abilities and dynamically plan lessons according to ability, conditions and desired learning outcomes.
Confirmation is required regarding the use of powered craft in a teaching environment, making sure it is safe and effective.
During the course candidates will be told how to give a presentation, then expected to deliver one on a topic chosen by the coach. This could be on any topic covered in the NSS or YSS.
The course is moderated by another RYA Coach Assessor. During the moderation candidates will teach a group of students, and be assessed on the safe and effective running of the session. Candidates may also be required to deliver a short presentation. More details of the moderation can be found in the RYA Instructor Handbook (G14).
Prerequisites
- Age: 16+
- RYA member
- First Aid course (1 day course approved by the RYA)
- RYA safe and fun (3 hour online safeguarding course)
- RYA Powerboat Level 2 (2 day course)
- RYA sailing pre-entry (1 day assessment, sometimes offered with 1 additional day training)
What to bring
- G14 (purchase in advance from RYA)
What to bring and further information
- Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before your scheduled session time, registration will take place outside of the centre.
- Please check the weather before booking and attending
- At least two changes of clothes (including underwear and shoes) suitable for the weather conditions (no jeans), include a waterproof jacket and hat
- Old trainers needed for the water (something secure, not crocs, flip flops or wellington boots)
- Towel and sun protection
- All participants need to arrive ready changed in suitable clothes for the weather conditions, having already visited the toilet and washed their hands. The toilets in the Watersports Centre building will only be available for participants at the end of their sessions.
- If you are attending for a full day, bring a packed lunch and plenty of drinks and snacks (under 18s are not allowed offsite during the course to buy lunch).
- Separate male and female changing rooms are available for all participants at the end of the session
- We do not provide wetsuits, feel free to wear your own (most activities do not involve being in the water, so it is not mandatory unless you're doing windsurfing).
- Only the participant (and guardian(s) for those under 18) can enter the Watersports Centre operational area, all spectators are welcome to watch from the public benches.
- The centre reserves the right to alter the activity based on weather or safety concerns on the day.
- It is the participants responsibility if they have suspected symptoms of Covid-19 to follow the current guidance by the government.
- In light of the COVID 19 pandemic we are following current government guidance and will adjust our working practices in line with this at the time of your booking.
Related courses
- Royal Yachting Association sailing courses – including personal sailing skills, Powerboat and Instructor qualifications
Where to go
Wimbledon Park Watersports Centre
Home Park Road
Wimbledon
SW19 7HX
We recommend using public transport to get here.
Driving
Sat nav post code SW18 5NW takes you to McCluskey's newsagents, on the corner of Revelstoke Road and Elsenham Street, just outside the park.
There is a small pay-and-display car park by Revelstoke Road, but it is often full.
Free car parking is also available at the Wimbledon Park Road entrance (sat nav SW19 6PE). It is a slightly longer walk across the grass to the Watersports Centre.
For more details email watersports.wimbledonpark@merton.gov.uk
During the Wimbledon Tennis Championships there is no vehicle access to Wimbledon Park for dropping off and collecting. These parking restrictions may be enforced before the start and after the end date of the championships. Please check the All England Lawn Tennis website for specific traffic restrictions.