Surf Instructor Stand-Up Paddleboard Instructor & Beach Lifeguard - Traineeship
The aim of this Surf Instructor & Beach Lifeguard Traineeship is to train candidates to become Surf Instructors and provide the competency to deliver surfing and adventure activities in a range of settings with recognised qualifications.
| Award Name | Level 5 Component Award (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Minor |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Component Award (Level 5 NFQ) | Minor | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
30 weeks.
This is a full-time training course, 31 hours weekly, Monday to Friday.
Entry Requirements
Education: Junior Certificate Level or equivilant with a Pass in English
Aptitude: Reading, Writing. Junior Cert standard of literacy and Mathematics. Basic Computer Literacy (Word, Email, Internet Proficiency) preferred. Strong Swimming Ability. Good level of personal fitness Applicants must be able to cope with heights for the Climbing element of the Adventure programme. Swimming test prior to interview for programme: 400m in under 9 minutes Garda vetting is a requirement for participation on this programme and is a requirement of the Irish Surf Association. .
Previous Experience: Preferred any experience of team-based outdoor pursuits- Scouting, Guides, Gaisce Award, Preferred- experience of surfing, swimming, membership of sports clubs, teams, Preferred experience working with youth groups: NYP, Foroige, Summer Camps,
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY:
This is a full-time course delivered entirely in the English language. Applicants must have a sufficient level of proficiency to use the English language to make and communicate meaning in spoken and written contexts while completing their program of study.
If English is not your first language, you may be asked to complete a language assessment to determine your language proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The proficiency required will depend on the level of award associated with your course of study.
Note: all applicants will be required to complete a swim test and interview as part of the application process for this traineeship.
Applicants MUST HAVE PERMISSION to study and live in Ireland and have good verbal, comprehension, and written command of the English language.
Applicants must demonstrate an ability to acquire the knowledge, skills and competencies set out by the course and a clear desire to work in chosen subject area.
Further information
Start Date: 19/10/2026
End Date: 14/05/2027
COST / FUNDING SUPPORTS:
The course is free of charge, if you are in receipt of a social welfare payment when the course starts, you may be entitled to a training allowance for the duration. Other available supports include meals, travel and/or accommodation allowances.
The aim of this Surf Instructor & Beach Lifeguard Traineeship is to train candidates to become Surf Instructors and provide the competency to deliver surfing and adventure activities in a range of settings with recognised qualifications in:
*Surf Instruction
*Stand-Up Paddle Boarding
*Beach Life-Guarding
*Aquatic First Aid
The course will prepare you for work in coastal areas with a focus on seashore ecology, tide and swell prediction and environmental awareness for marine ecology.
The traineeship will also focus on enhancing personal effectiveness and job seeking skills to enable graduates to obtain employment in the Outdoor Activities sector.
It's a great choice for people interested in a career in the outdoor/ environmental education sector and would like to teach in the outdoor classroom while developing their own skills in surfing, SUP, swimming, water safety and ecology.
Qualification
Basic Surf Instructor1
Title Award Awarding Body
Surfing Skills Basic Surf Instructor1 (SURFInst1) Irish Surfing Association
Outdoor Surf And Lifeguard Instructor Integrated Workplace Training
Surfing Skills Instructor Level 1 Basic Surf Instructor1 (SURFInst1) Irish Surfing Association
Life-Guarding Skills
Aquatic First Aid & Emergency Response Aquatic First Aid (AFA) Emergency Care
Aquatic First Aid & Emergency Response Cardiac First Response (CFR) PHECC
Work Experience- Surf Instructor And Beach Lifeguard
Adventure Activities
Induction
Career Planning And Job Seeking Skills
National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification National Beach Lifeguard (IWS-NBL) IRISH WATER SAFETY
Work Practice (5N1433) QQI
Teamworking (5N1367) QQI
For more information about the course contact Achill Outdoor Activity Centre on tel:+353 98 47253 / info@achilloutdoor.com
Recruitment Section
Phone: 096 24017
Email: trainingcentreballina@msletb.ie