Information about the 2021 volunteer scheme will be advertised on this page from the end of February / beginning of March 2021.

Terms and conditions

About the scheme

Our volunteer scheme is a fun way to develop your skills both on and off the water, meet new friends, and learn about working in a busy watersports centre.

Through on the job experience, as well as specific training sessions, you will develop your watersports skills – these are likely to include sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and canoeing. You may also get the opportunity to work off site to broaden your experience.

Over the course of the program you will learn how to work as a team to plan and deliver activity sessions to a group of children – culminating in the chance to try out your new skills under the supervision of a senior instructor in your final week.

You will be given weekly feedback reviews, designed to give you clear indications of your performance, and achievable goals to strive for. The personal development and confidence gained from the scheme will stand you in great stead to begin your journey to becoming an instructor, as well as other walks of life.

Those who successfully complete all four full weeks will be invited to a complementary practical training course which usually runs the following year during the February or April school holidays.

The scheme involves preparation/storage of equipment, paddling/sailing and most of all participation on sessions. All of which can be very physically demanding, but extremely rewarding.

Having previous watersports experience is a bonus, but don't worry if you haven't done much before – hard work and enthusiasm is far more important.

Volunteers must commit to the watersports centre for a minimum of four full weeks within the same year, April - October (Monday-Friday, unless it is a bank holiday week) during the school half terms and summer break.

Some testimonials from some of our past volunteers can be found in this information booklet.

Prerequisites

• Must be 15 years old by start date
• Provide us with a minimum 4 full weeks of volunteering within the same year, April - October (Monday-Friday, excluding bank holidays) this is non-negotiable.
  
  The dates we are running our courses are usually:
• two/three weeks in Easter
• one week in Whitsun
• eight weeks in Summer
• two weeks in October
  
  We would advise wherever possible attending the summer dates, as these are our busiest, therefore most potential for experience. It is also helpful for continuity to complete weeks at least in pairs, if not all four in a row.
• pay a one-off online administration fee which is non–refundable (regardless whether you attend or not).

What to bring

• Packed lunch
• Weather-appropriate clothing and footwear
• Plenty of changes of clothes - this is a watersports centre so it is highly likely you will get wet
• Enthusiasm and a willingness to work with children, and to adapt to different situations. This is not an easy course, but you will learn a lot and have fun doing so.

Related courses

• British Canoeing paddling courses – including personal paddling skills, rescues and instructor qualifications

• Royal Yachting Association sailing courses – including personal sailing skills, Powerboat and Instructor qualifications

•  Teen Supreme (ages 13 – 16) – spend the week exclusively with other teenagers devising your own activity schedule

• RYA coaching qualifications – 16 or older? interested in becoming a qualified sailing instructor?

Contact us

Wimbledon Park Watersports Centre
Home Park Road
SW19 7HX

Telephone: 020 8947 4894
Email: wimbledonpark@merton.gov.uk