Young Leaders Course
This course gives students aged 13 - 17 years old the chance to become a HOAC Young Leader.
Are you keen on watersports & outdoor activities?
Are you interested in gaining leadership skills?
Do you aspire to teach sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding?
Then our Young Leader Programme is perfect for you ......
Whilst training to be a Young Leader at HOAC you will work alongside our fully qualified instructors during the summer gaining valuable experience and skills to start you on your way to becoming an Instructor.
The course is designed to help young people work towards the national qualifications necessary to teach and lead others in watersports and outdoor activities. We will teach you how to assist our team of instructors competently, increase your sailing and paddling skills , as well as introducing you to safety awareness, teaching techniques and group management skills whilst developing self-confidence, leadership and communication skills that will benefit you whatever your future career.
To apply for the course you need to be aged between 14 and 17 years old and ideally hold at least one watersport qualification to a high level, although this isn’t essential. Personal commitment, determination and the right attitude are just as important. If you are 13 years old, we still encourage you to apply. While priority for places will be given to older students, your application will absolutely still be considered.
The course is subsidised by HOAC and in return those selected will be required to commit some personal time to assist at the centre upon successful completion of the course.
Course dates are: 30th March - 2nd April, 7th - 10th April, 27th - 28th June, Evening of 6th July 2026
Venue: Rickmansworth Sailing Club for Easter. June Venue TBC.
Complete the application form here. Or to find out more click here
To add your name to the mailing list please email sally@hoac.net with your full name, postal address, date of birth and any experience in outdoor activities.
Applications for the 2026 course will remain open until the last 2 places are filled.
This years course price will be £450
Young leaders who show the right attitude and enthusiasm will be invited to progress onto our exciting young leader graduate programme.
For more information click here
Experiencing problems? If you are unable to send your application through, please screenshot your application and send to sally@hoac.net
