Seven New Senior Windsurf Instructors Qualify at The Official Test Centre Following Four Days of Fantastic November Winds!

Seven successful candidates, four days of strong winds, challenging November temperatures and plenty of time on the water! The Official Test Centre (OTC) has celebrated another successful RYA Senior Windsurf Instructor course at Portland Harbour, with seven newly qualified instructors ready to take the next step in their watersports careers.

With north-easterly and easterly winds delivering predominantly 16 knots or more throughout the four-day course, conditions provided the perfect opportunity for candidates to develop their leadership, communication and practical teaching skills.

Despite the chilly November weather, the group embraced every challenge, combining classroom-based learning with practical sessions on the water and even finding time for some windsurfing fun!

We caught up with Maurin Rottenwalter, Operations Manager at The Official Test Centre, and The OTC Team Rider James Hardy, who delivered the training, to find out what made the course such a success, what impressed them about the seven candidates and why Portland Harbour continues to be such a fantastic location for developing the next generation of watersports professionals.

By Emma Maguire

Lucky number seven!

For both Maurin and James, the latest Senior Windsurf Instructor course was a hugely positive experience, with all seven candidates bringing enthusiasm, experience and determination to the training.

“Last week went really well,” Maurin explained.

“It was a course where all the candidates already had quite a bit of experience. They clearly all had good experience and really strong knowledge.”

The group arrived with a solid understanding of the RYA training scheme and what was expected of them as instructors.

This allowed the training to focus on developing their existing skills, particularly in leadership, communication and managing sessions effectively.

“They had a good knowledge of the scheme and a good knowledge of what good looks like,” Maurin added.

“And it really came out over those couple of days.”

James was equally enthusiastic about the week and the commitment shown by everyone involved.

“Last week was great, was a really great week of conditions for the course to run in. Everyone was game for the four days and the conditions which was awesome.”

For James, the candidates’ willingness to embrace the weather and make the most of every opportunity was a real highlight.

The positive atmosphere within the group also played an important role.

“They were actually a really good group and complemented each other really well. It was a good mix between boys and girls,” Maurin said.

With everyone bringing different experiences and strengths to the course, the candidates were able to support one another and develop their confidence throughout the four days.

And with seven successful candidates at the end of the week, there was certainly plenty to celebrate!

Four Days of Strong Winds and Challenging November Conditions

Portland Harbour certainly delivered when it came to wind!

The four-day course experienced consistent north-easterly and easterly conditions, providing excellent opportunities for practical training and allowing the candidates to experience the challenges of teaching and leading sessions in stronger winds.

James explained just how good the conditions were.

“We had a full four days of North Easterlies/Easterlies and predominantly nothing less than 16 knots the whole week.”

While the wind was ideal for training, the November temperatures provided an additional challenge.

“The third day was pretty chilly but we hung in there and got what we needed to do done with smiles on our faces,” James added.

Maurin agreed that the conditions were excellent for the course.

“The conditions were good. It was windy every day, so we managed to get a lot of sessions done, especially out on the water.”

However, he admitted that the cold was something everyone had to contend with!

“It was a lot colder than what all of them were used to. It doesn’t matter if they were already in the UK or came from overseas. The overseas ones were definitely feeling the cold a bit more!”

Fortunately, the course provided a good balance between practical training and classroom-based learning.

“Even though it was cold, it was very windy, and because it was a good mix between doing the land-based theory stuff and actually going out on the water, it worked really well,” Maurin explained.

For aspiring Senior Instructors, learning to adapt to changing weather conditions is an essential part of their professional development.

And what better place to experience the realities of British watersports instruction than Portland Harbour in November?

What Does It Take to Become a Senior Windsurf Instructor?

Becoming an RYA Senior Windsurf Instructor is an important milestone for anyone looking to progress their career in the watersports industry.

While technical knowledge and windsurfing experience are essential, the qualification also focuses on developing the leadership and management skills needed to support other instructors and deliver successful training programmes.

For Maurin, a strong understanding of windsurfing is the starting point.

“You just need to have a really good knowledge of windsurfing and motivation to lead a team,” he explained.

“Good communication and a bit of leadership skills” are also key qualities.

James believes that being approachable and having a genuine desire to help others are equally important.

“Experience, keen to help instructors and being approachable are the first things that come to mind. There are plenty more but they spring to mind initially.”

The Senior Instructor qualification is about much more than being a skilled windsurfer.

It requires candidates to demonstrate that they can guide and support other instructors, communicate effectively and take on greater responsibility within a watersports environment.

And for those hoping to develop a long-term career in the industry, the opportunities can be significant.

“You’re way more employable,” Maurin explained.

“You can run centres and manage a team.”

James agreed that the qualification can help instructors progress professionally.

“Opportunities wise it definitely allows people to step up the ladder within their centres, clubs or wherever they are working, or even where they hope to work.”

Whether that means progressing into a leadership role, helping manage a watersports centre or pursuing opportunities overseas, becoming a Senior Instructor can open the door to the next stage of a career on the water.

A Fantastic Group and Time for Some Windsurfing Fun!

One of the most memorable aspects of the course for James was the enthusiasm shown by all seven candidates.

Despite the cold temperatures and demanding training schedule, everyone was eager to get out on the water.

And while the focus was firmly on developing professional instructor skills, there was still time to enjoy the fantastic conditions!

James explained:

“Their keenness to get out on the water. We managed to squeeze in several playtime sessions where we all went out for some fun in the conditions, which was great and pretty memorable from the week.”

Those opportunities to enjoy windsurfing together added another dimension to the course, helping the group bond while making the most of the excellent conditions.

For Maurin, the candidates’ experience and willingness to learn from one another were equally impressive.

With a strong mix of personalities, skills and backgrounds, the group worked well together throughout the training.

The combination of teamwork, enthusiasm and plenty of wind helped make the four days both productive and enjoyable.

After all, even when you’re training to become a Senior Instructor, there’s always time to remember why you fell in love with windsurfing in the first place!

Why Portland Harbour Is Such a Fantastic Training Location

With its outstanding watersports facilities, experienced instructors and reliable wind conditions, The Official Test Centre offers an excellent environment for professional instructor development.

Located at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, the OTC benefits from access to Portland Harbour and the facilities needed to deliver both practical and theory-based training.

For Maurin, it is the combination of location, equipment and facilities that makes the centre such a strong choice.

“It’s just the whole setup with the Sailing Academy, having all the facilities there, the classrooms,” he explained.

And when the temperatures drop, those facilities become particularly welcome!

“Even when it’s cold, you’ve got warm showers, warm classrooms, so you can warm up after a good time on the water.”

The ability to move easily between classroom learning and practical sessions is another important advantage.

“The OTC has all the kit you need. Doesn’t matter if it’s for windsurfing or winging,” Maurin added.

James also highlighted how the centre’s setup makes it particularly well suited to Senior Instructor training.

“I mean it’s just easy, it’s easy to stop and start, which we do a fair amount of through the week. Kit is good and there is plenty of variety.”

Having the right equipment readily available, together with easy access to the water, allows instructors to make the most of their training time.

And then, of course, there is Portland Harbour itself!

Maurin explained:

“The overall conditions which are presented, it works in every wind direction, in every wind strength, so it’s very easy to adapt to changing conditions, especially here in the UK.”

James agreed that the conditions are a major advantage.

“You are almost always guaranteed some decent conditions through the week. We were just lucky to get four out of four days of it.”

With four consecutive days of excellent wind, the latest course certainly demonstrated why Portland Harbour is such a popular destination for instructor training.

James Hardy’s Advice: Take the Next Step!

For instructors considering progressing to Senior Instructor level, James has a clear message.

If you already have experience, enjoy helping others and want to develop a professional career in watersports, it could be time to take the next step.

“If you are thinking about it and you have a couple of years of solid experience under your belt and you are wanting to make watersports your career then get yourself booked onto one.”

It is advice that reflects the opportunities available to those looking to develop their qualifications and take on greater responsibility.

With the right experience, motivation and willingness to learn, the Senior Instructor pathway can help turn a passion for windsurfing into a rewarding career.

And with experienced trainers such as James and Maurin, together with the facilities and conditions at the OTC, candidates have an excellent environment in which to develop their skills.

Looking Ahead to the 2027 Instructor Training Season

With another successful Senior Windsurf Instructor course completed, attention is already turning towards the OTC’s instructor training programme for 2027.

And there is plenty for aspiring watersports instructors to look forward to!

Maurin confirmed that further courses are planned for the spring, with training expected to resume in March and continue through April and May.

“We will run more courses again from March, going into April and May, of Windsurf Start and Intermediate Instructor courses, as well as Wingsurf and Foil Instructor courses.”

He also revealed that another Senior Instructor course is likely to feature in the programme.

“We will most likely put another Senior Instructor course in there as well.”

Whether you’re looking to gain your first instructor qualification, develop your existing teaching skills or take the next step towards managing a watersports team, the OTC’s training programme offers a range of opportunities.

With experienced instructors, fantastic facilities and Portland Harbour providing an outstanding training environment, there is plenty to look forward to in 2027.

Congratulations to Our Seven Newly Qualified Senior Windsurf Instructors!

A huge congratulations to all seven candidates who successfully completed the latest RYA Senior Windsurf Instructor course at The Official Test Centre!

Four days of strong winds, chilly November temperatures, practical challenges, teamwork and plenty of smiles made for a fantastic week of training.

A big thank you also goes to James Hardy from James Hardy Windsurfing & Watersports and OTC Operations Manager Maurin Rottenwalter for sharing their experiences and insights into the course.

Their enthusiasm for instructor development and commitment to helping others progress within the watersports industry are a huge part of what makes training at the OTC such a rewarding experience.

And with another seven qualified Senior Instructors ready to take the next step in their careers, the future is looking bright for the next generation of watersports professionals.

As Maurin says, watch this space!

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Watersports Career?

Whether you’re an aspiring instructor or an experienced watersports professional looking to progress your qualifications, The Official Test Centre at Portland Harbour offers specialist training, expert guidance and excellent facilities to help you achieve your goals.

Keep an eye on our website for updates about the 2027 instructor training programme and upcoming course dates.

Find out more, click here.

The Official Test Centre – Developing skills, inspiring instructors and creating opportunities on the water.