Improvement and confidence are two of the biggest drivers to getting trained, but amongst the by-products of the process include the possible opening of career options you might never considered within the watersports industry, including instruction and coaching, involving travelling and working in some stunning places.
RYA certificates enable you to keep a track of, and show your achievements, while instructor qualifications can be a great thing to have on a CV too. Universities and employers like interesting people and your windsurfing can be a great talking point!
Meanwhile with the RYA now a Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Operating Authority, young people aged 14- 24 can use all RYA courses to count towards elements of their DofE Bronze, Silver or Gold awards, providing even more inspiration, motivation and opportunity for such young people to get involved in some formal training.
Once someone has completed a basic entry-level RYA qualification, like Start Windsurfing or Stage 1, it is also rare that they stick to just that discipline. Many people want to give back to the sport that they love, and getting trained enables them to do that as skilled volunteers or professionals.
Amanda continues: “Getting trained gives people the opportunity to develop a lifelong relationship with the sport. Windsurfing is a sport you can learn in very little time but which can give you years of enjoyment.
“There are still new things I learn all the time and you can never beat that feeling of conquering a new skill or challenge, which then makes you want to learn more.”
