Typical Watersports Job Opportunities
UK Sailing Schools & Holiday Companies
Generally the UK season is short when compared to overseas but Easter through to October can provide full time work. You may be teaching anything from 2 hour taster sessions in any of the three key sports, to 5 day RYA courses to adults and children.
Basic Instructor
(Dinghy, Windsurf L1, Kayak etc)
Wages will range from minimum wage (you may be asked to contribute towards food and accommodation if applicable) to £10 per hour.
Senior Instructor
(Dinghy SI, Windsurf L3 of above, Powerboat Instructor etc)
You may command a higher rate of pay and salaries of £12-15000pa are now common place.
Overseas Instruction
(Most include accommodation and some or all food)
Working in the Mediterranean or Caribbean for a holiday company can be a great way to learn your trade. The weather and opportunities for personal sailing are extremely valuable in terms of learning. The work can be very hard in demanding temperatures and often long hours.
First season Instructors will earn between £75 and £150 per week depending on the company and the location while returning and increasingly qualified staff can double that amount.
Overseas Resort Managers / Waterfront Managers
Taking responsibility for a waterfront or complete resort is a real challenge. Your duties will include everything from the entertainments and sailing programme to the rooming and airport transfers. A well run resort and team of people can make a real difference to someone's holiday and good managers are hard to find. Pay is very varied depending once again on the size of resort, the company and the location but you can expect between £10,000 and £25,000pa.
Chief Instructor / Principal
Taking control of seasonal staffing, programming, logistics, fleet etc for a sailing club or school is a serious responsibility. You will have to be flexible in your work and often have to make last minute changes to your programme in response to weather and staffing issues. Salary is very dependant on the size of centre but you can expect between £15 and £30K.
Private Clubs and Resorts
There are a number of private resorts that cater for wealthy owners and their guests. Work can be very varied and is likely to include all the toys! The usual wind powered craft plus jet skis, water skiing, Diving etc. Salary. Dependant very much on the owner but likely to be £100 - £250 per week with all food and accommodation.