Work in Watersports Worldwide

Train in Sydney. Get qualified fast. Work around the world.

Become a qualified RYA Dinghy or Windsurf Instructor with Flying Fish.

Train in Sydney, then work a season in Australia or overseas — including Greece, Croatia, France, or the Caribbean.

Perfect for a gap year or career break — learn fast, get qualified, and start working worldwide.

Approved RYA Sailing School Sydney
Aus sailing logo

Your pathway to becoming a watersports instructor

Train in Sydney

Learn practical sailing/windsurfing, coaching, and safety skills

Gain RYA qualifications

Globally recognised instructor certifications

Work overseas

Seasonal jobs in resorts, beach clubs, and sailing centres

  • Try Yachting

    3 hours
    Try sailing on Sydney Harbour in just 3 hours. Learn the basics, get hands-on at the helm, and experience the magic of sailing — all in a relaxed, beginner-friendly session. No experience needed. Just come aboard and give it a go.
    A$199.00
  • Discover Yachting

    1 day
    Spend a fabulous day sailing on Sydney Harbour aboard one of our comfortable yachts. This is an excellent way to gently learn the ropes, meet new friends, and have a whole lot of fun in the great outdoors. Please choose one of our scheduled dates or enquire below to book it as a private event for your group.
    A$295.00
Find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.

Mark Twain

What qualifications do you need?

To work as an instructor, most employers look for:

  • RYA Dinghy or Windsurf Instructor
  • Powerboat Level 2
  • First Aid certificate
  • Strong sailing or windsurfing ability
  • Good communication and presentation skills
  • Customer-facing or teaching experience (desirable)
  • Try Yachting

    3 hours
    Try sailing on Sydney Harbour in just 3 hours. Learn the basics, get hands-on at the helm, and experience the magic of sailing — all in a relaxed, beginner-friendly session. No experience needed. Just come aboard and give it a go.
    A$199.00
  • Discover Yachting

    1 day
    Spend a fabulous day sailing on Sydney Harbour aboard one of our comfortable yachts. This is an excellent way to gently learn the ropes, meet new friends, and have a whole lot of fun in the great outdoors. Please choose one of our scheduled dates or enquire below to book it as a private event for your group.
    A$295.00

Watersports Instructor Jobs FAQ

Yes — instructors are recruited each year by resorts, sailing clubs, and beach centres worldwide.

Popular locations include Greece, Croatia, France, Spain, the Caribbean, and Australia.

Typical entry-level roles include:

  • Resort watersports instructor
  • Dinghy sailing instructor
  • Windsurf instructor
  • Kids club instructor
  • Beach operations crew
  • Safety boat driver

With experience, you can progress into senior roles such as Chief Instructor, Beach Manager, or Resort Operations Manager.

Most employers look for:

  • RYA Dinghy or Windsurf Instructor
  • Powerboat Level 2
  • First Aid certificate
  • Strong communication and customer skills

Additional languages and teaching experience are an advantage.

It’s active, social, and outdoors-focused.

You’ll typically:

  • Work by the sea
  • Meet like-minded people
  • Improve your sailing or windsurfing
  • Travel between destinations

It’s rewarding — but expect busy days, physical work, and lots of customer interaction.

Entry-level seasonal jobs often combine:

  • Salary or monthly wage
  • Accommodation
  • Meals
  • Flights (some employers)
  • Equipment use
  • Social benefits

Many people choose these roles for the experience, travel, and career value, not just salary.

Yes — it’s one of the most popular ways to spend a gap year.

You gain qualifications, paid work experience, and international travel — all in one.


Yes. Watersports instruction experience is attractive to many yacht employers because it demonstrates:

  • Guest interaction skills
  • Watersports leadership
  • Seamanship
  • Safety awareness
  • Responsibility under pressure

If you’re interested in a future career on yachts or superyachts, the ideal pathway may be the

Yachtmaster + Dinghy Sailing Instructor Fast Track
course with Flying Fish.

Yes.

Many students train with Flying Fish in Sydney, gain their qualifications, then head into the Mediterranean summer season afterwards.