Windsurfing senior instructor training 

The Senior Instructor (SI) is an experienced instructor who has been assessed as competent to organise and manage courses within the RYA's Windsurfing Scheme. They are qualified to organise and control group windsurfing tuition and to supervise and assist instructors.

SIs must be confident, competent managers, capable of organising groups of all ages and directing the work of their instructors.

An RYA recognised windsurfing training centre must have a current SI as its Principal or chief windsurfing instructor. 

Qualities of an SI

• A safe teacher; working within a known environment; a good leader; capable of working to a high level within any teaching establishment almost seeing problems before they occur.
• SIs must also have the objectivity required for conducting assessments and the interpersonal skills needed to debrief unsuccessful students effectively and tactfully in a good manner.

Eligibility
Candidates must first be an RYA start windsurfing instructor and must fulfil the following criteria prior to the SI course:

• Minimum age 18;
• Evidence of two seasons full-time instructing as an RYA Windsurfing Start Instructor.
• Recommendation by a Principal of a Recognised Training Centre. 
• A valid first aid qualification *  (Service training is considered adequate).
• RYA Safety boat certificate

Publications
Certain publications are essential for this course; all candidates are expected to have the following books with them when they arrive: 

• G47 National Scheme Syllabus & Log book
• W1 Youth Windsurfing Logbook
• G49 Start Windsurfing Handbook
• G51 Intermediate Windsurfing Handbook
• W33 Windsurfing Instructor Manual

The following material is downloadable from the RYA website:

• SI Workbook, to be completed prior to course
• W4a Start Windsurfing Method
• Intermediate Coaching notes
• Advanced Coaching notes

Self Assessment Questionnaire
Please see the link above.

Training
Courses are run on a regional basis with approximately six students. Courses are organised through the Regional Coach and staffed by one or more RYA Windsurfing Trainers. The course takes place over four days and includes some material covered prior to the course. 

During the course candidates will be asked to demonstrate that they have sailing ability to at least the standard of an RYA Intermediate non-planing instructor.

Assessment
The assessment will be continuous during the course.

* All candidates are required to hold a first aid certificate.  Acceptable certificates include the RYA’s First Aid Certificate, First Aid at Work, First Aid at Sea, or any other certificate issued on completion of a course which is a minimum of one day’s duration, recognised by the Health and Safety Executive and includes the treatment of hypothermia, cold shock and drowning.