Turning Passion into a Career: RYA Instructor Pathways at The Official Test Centre

Team OTC
2 minutes ago
3 min read

As the season approaches, there’s a buzz of opportunity in the air at The Official Test Centre (OTC). With a full lineup of RYA instructor courses on offer—from entry-level windsurfing to advanced wing and foil qualifications—it’s the perfect moment for aspiring instructors to take their first step, or their next one.

I caught up with The OTC Operations Manager Maurin Rottenwalter to talk about what makes The OTC such a unique place to train—and why becoming an RYA instructor might just be the lifestyle change you didn’t know you needed.

By Emma Maguire.

A Perfect Environment to Learn

“For RYA instructor training, the environment is everything,” Maurin explains. “At The OTC, we’re incredibly lucky.”

Based at the renowned Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, the centre offers access to world-class facilities, including fully equipped classrooms and top-tier kit. But it’s what’s on the water that really sets it apart.

“We’ve got flat water, shallow areas where you can stand, easy launch access from the slipway—it just makes everything more accessible. You’re not battling waves or worrying about difficult conditions. It allows candidates to really focus on learning how to teach.”

That consistency means courses can run smoothly in a wide range of conditions, giving trainees the best possible platform to build confidence and develop their skills.

Start windsurf — Start your RYA journey with us at The OTC

From Beginner to Career Instructor

This spring’s RYA course lineup reflects the full journey into the industry:

Wing Surf & Foil (20th–24th April)
Intermediate Windsurf Instructor (28th April–1st May)
Start Windsurf Instructor (4th–8th May)
Wind & Wing Senior Instructor (11th–14th May)

Each course opens different doors.

“The Start Windsurf Instructor course is where it all begins,” Maurin says. “It’s perfect for someone finishing school, taking a gap year, or just wanting a complete change of direction.”

From there, the pathway expands.

“You can work in the UK or travel—places like Greece, Spain, Italy. A lot of people use it to earn money over the summer while they’re at university. But if you want to build a career, you can progress to intermediate and senior levels, making yourself more valuable to centres.”

Winging follows a similar structure, with opportunities to specialise further in foiling as skills develop.

On course to success with an RYA course at The OTC

More Than Just a Qualification

For Maurin, the appeal of instructing goes far beyond certifications.

“I started because I loved windsurfing. But what keeps you in it is seeing other people fall in love with it too.”

It’s a sentiment anyone who’s spent time on the water will recognise—that moment when frustration turns into exhilaration.

“Windsurfing can be challenging. But when someone comes off the water smiling, buzzing from their first session—or finally landing a new move—it’s incredible. You’ve helped create that.”

And it’s not just about the sport.

“In today’s fast-paced world, being outside, on the water, helping people learn—it slows things down in a really positive way. It’s a completely different pace of life.”

A Lifestyle, Not Just a Job

What stands out most is how naturally a hobby can evolve into a career.

“You’re taking something you’re passionate about and turning it into your everyday life,” Maurin says. “That’s quite special.”

Whether it’s a summer job, a gap year adventure, or the start of a long-term career in the watersports industry, RYA instructor training at The OTC offers a gateway into something bigger.