INSTRUCTOR COURSES
RYA YOUTH & ADULT SAILING
MULTI ACTIVITY DAYS
CAMPING HOLIDAYS
1 2 3 4 5
We are one of the premier training providers of watersports in the UK
We are a familyrun businesswe care Your safety is our priority Our coaches are some of the most experienced in the country Our passion for providing high quality tuition
They say that ‘time flies’ (or in our case sails!) when you are having fun and as we fast approach our 50th year, it’s humbling that you, our wonderful customers, continue to enjoy the opportunities we offer. We love what we do and remain enthusiastic about providing you with the best possible experiences.
2023 has been a wonderful year - the feedback we have received, the smiles and the stories continue to remind us why we do what we do. Highlights include the completion of further developments at Buddens Activity Centre. The new toilet and shower block has really enhanced the centre as we continue to strive to improve and ensure that we only offer incredible residential experiences for schools and groups.
The tail end of the season also saw us offering family camping holidays at Buddens. Described as a ‘hidden gem’ by one family, we look forward to offering more of this in 2024.
Our education programme continues to flourish. With a comprehensive 2-year course, equivalent to 3 A-Levels and a successful apprenticeship programme, we are able to achieve outstanding outcomes for our students and develop a pool of hugely talented individuals - many of whom continue to work with us after they graduate.
While our RYA Instructor and Youth sailing courses remain as popular as ever, an exciting trend of adult sailors taking to the water to learn to sail or rekindle a passion has emerged over the past few years – something we truly hope continues.
As Rockley continues its adventures into 2024, I would like to take this opportunity to offer mine and the team’s sincere thanks for your ongoing custom and cannot wait to welcome you to Rockley next year.
Where it all started in 1976 and remains our flagship centre. It is the perfect place for you to learn to sail, windsurf and powerboat and for us to teach you! Poole Harbour offers safe and idyllic conditions on the water as well as the challenges of tidal waters for children and adults, beginners and experienced sailors alike. It is also a secure, happy setting for your children to experience a trip away from home.
Based on the UK’s largest inland saltwater lake. With quick access to sheltered, shallow water, this centre is ideal for young children, beginners and for anyone wanting to get on the water and enjoy a range of activities in a safe environment. It is the location for our RYA Junior Beginner courses as well as our multiactvitity holiday camps, weekend clubs, parties, hire and more!
Situated in the heart of the historic and beautiful Isle of Purbeck and Jurassic Coast, boasting 96 acres of natural countryside, heathland, woodland and plantations. It is the perfect adventure playground - the perfect location for school and group activity trips, outdoor instructor qualifications camping holidays and multi activity holiday camps.
Synonymous for sailing, we offer a range of RYA sailing courses from complete beginner to advanced for both youngsters and adults. Private tuition is also available for those wanting something more bespoke. See pages 8-9 for further details and to select your course.
For those wanting to further pursue their passions, we offer a full range of water and land-based Instructor courses as well as the relevant affiliated courses which will qualify you to teach what you love. See pages 10-14.
Available at weekends from Easter and every day during the holidays, we have a range of watersports equipment for you to hire. Great family fun!
Instructed at Rockley Point and Poole Park Lake, this fantastic course gives young people all the essentials to start their windsurfing journey. For complete beginners, it covers everything you need to know to get afloat and progress.
We offer the full range of RYA Multihull courses which will get you out on a trapeze in no time. The catamaran conversion day is perfect for those who are wanting to transfer their monohull sailing skills to a multihull.
If you’re not sure if watersports is for you, then have a go at our 2-hour taster sessions in sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Your special person needs a special party that will entertain and excite them and their friends! Two hours of great activities, fun and a day to remember!
Two-hour sailing and multi-activity clubs for those who want to practice their sailing skills in a safe environment or just want to have fun on the water. Clubs runs every Saturday from April to October.
• MULTI ACTIVITY CLUB (10-16) - Saturdays 10am-12pm
• NIPPERS CLUB (6-9)- Saturdays 10am-12pm
• SAILING CLUB (8-16)- Saturdays 1pm-3pm
Fabulous camping holidays at Buddens Activity Centre for tents and campervans in our non-electric field as well as our bell tents, equipped with four beds and mattresses. Fantastic facilities and the option to book a range of adventurous activities onsite. See pages 16-17.
Prepare for fun on our multi activity holiday days! With activities including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand up paddle-boarding, climbing and archery - they will have a challenging, active, fun and memorable experience.
• Activities will differ slightly depending on centre with Buddens Activity Centre also offering both land based and water activities. Days run from 10:00 - 16:00
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• Early drop off (09:00) and late pick up (17:00) also available for a small additional fee.
Whether you are looking for RYA training courses or fun-filled weeks on the water for your youngsters, then our hugely popular residential option is ideal. This can be added on to any course booked and includes full board bunk room accommodation. During the school holidays, after dinner activities are included for our youth residents - involving anything from beach games to a beach BBQ.
Our fully supervised, purpose-built accommodation is only a short walk from the sailing centre. Each ensuite bunkroom sleeps between four and six people with females and males accommodated separately and those of a similar age sharing a room. Please inform us if friends are holidaying together and would like to stay together. Our own catering team provide three healthy, balanced meals a day.
CHILDCARE VOUCHERS CAN BE USED FOR ALL OUR RESIDENTIAL OR NON-RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS.
With over 47 years of experience in training, we have an enviable reputation for our high safety standards, which are rigorously applied at all our centres.
Rockley ensure the highest level of qualified staff and with five RYA Dinghy Trainers and 12 Senior Instructors amongst our permanent staff, you can relax and be confident in the safety of all activities. All our instructors are RYA qualified - the majority in more than one discipline.
Our Rockley Point and Poole Park centres are fully recognised by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) – the National Governing Body for the sports of sailing, windsurfing and powerboating. The RYA inspects recognised training centres annually.
In addition, our UK centres hold an Adventurous Activity Licensing Authority (AALA) licence.
Rockley is synonymous with sailing expertise and training. All our courses follow the RYA schemes allowing you to gain the much recognised RYA qualifications and develop your sailing skills. For those new to the sport, sailing is fun, exciting, challenging and exhilarating at the same time.
We offer the whole spectrum of RYA courses for youngsters aged 8+ years taking you from the beginner through to the advanced sailing modules with our youth courses running weekly throughout the school holidays. Choose your course on the page opposite.
We also offer 2 day sailing courses for enthusiastic six to eight year olds who are keen to get on the water and give it a go. Based at our Poole Park Lake Centre, it offers a safe environment for young people to learn. While still following the RYA scheme, youngsters will also grow in confidence and hopefully develop a love for the sport which will see them sailing for years to come.
STAGE 1: 2 days Mon -Tue (Age 6 - 7 years)
STAGE 2: 2 days Wed - Thu
(Age 7 - 8 years)
OFFERED DURING MAY HALF TERM & THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS WE ACCEPT CHILDCARE VOUCHERS
GET INTO SAILING - Sailing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. And the beauty of it, is that you don’t have to be particularly fit, able-bodied or even a good swimmer as you’ll always be wearing a buoyancy aid - you just need to have the desire to ‘give it a go’!
GET BACK INTO SAILING - If you are someone who used to love sailing but work commitments, illness or having children has meant that you have been unable to pursue your passion, then these sessions are for you! Designed to encourage you to come back to sailing and brush up on those forgotten skills, whilst also having fun and enjoying time with like-minded adults!
Available for all levels of sailing on an ad-hoc basis. Allows you to focus on specific areas of sailing. Please call for prices.
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the National Governing Body for sailing, windsurfing and powerboating and is generally considered to provide the benchmark for watersports training standards globally. RYA recognised clubs and centres are inspected and approved by an independent assessor as working to the highest standards for safety, learning and enjoyment for the students of all of their programmes, giving give peace of mind when entrusting loved ones to a new activity and environment.
ADULT SCHEME (17+)
RYA Level 1 - advanced modules
RYA STAGE 1 / RYA LEVEL 1
YOUTH SCHEME (8 - 16)
RYA Stage 1 - advanced modules
RYA STAGE 2 / RYA LEVEL 2
During your course you are likely to sail a variety of dinghies. Below are examples of the type of dinghy you
This 2 day beginner course is the perfect introduction to sailing. You’ll be taught launching and recovery, steering, parts of the boat and basic sailing. No previous sailing knowledge is required.
Youth: Mon-Tue & Sat-Sun Adult: Mon-Tue & Sat-Sun
As well as consolidating what you have already learnt, you’ll also work on sailing theory. After the course you should be able to launch and sail a dinghy around a triangle course in moderate conditions.
Youth: Mon-Tue Adult: Mon-Tue & Sat-Sun
During the course you will learn how to handle a boat in all circumstances and solve problems afloat. This will include recovering a man overboard, stopping, reducing sail and anchoring.
Youth: Mon-Tue Adult: Mon-Tue & Sat-Sun
RYA SAILING WITH SPINNAKERS
You will learn how to rig a boat, gybe and recover one type of spinnaker, either conventional or asymetric. You’ll know how to sail the best course possible downwind.
Age 13+: Mon-Tue
You’ll learn about rigging, launching, sailing in all directions, ropework, capsize and recovery and essential safety knowledge. You should be able to sail and make decisions in good weather.
Youth: Wed-Thu & Sat-Sun Adult: Wed-Thu & Sat-Sun
RYA STAGE 4
You’ll focus on rigging, launching and recovery, sailing techniques, manoeuvres in crewed boats and recovering a man overboard. Expect to sail a crewed dinghy around a triangle in moderate conditions.
Youth: Wed-Thu
The course will focus on the basics of racing including race starts, course etiquette, mark rounding and theory of getting around a course quickly.
Youth: Wed-Thu
On this course, you will learn how to improve your boat handling and confidence in performance dinghies. You will sail primarily in two person boats with spinnakers.
Age 13+: Wed-Thu
will be sailing during your time on the water with us.
BEGINNERS
Youth Pico, Fusion
Adult Wayfarer, Fusion
IMPROVERS
Youth Hartley 12 , Fusion
Adult Wayfarer, Hartley 15, Fusion
INTERMEDIATE
Youth Hartley 12.2 , Fusion Adult Hartley 15, Fusion
ADVANCED
Youth Laser 2000
Adult Hartley 15
DATES AND PRICES ARE AT THE BACK OF THE BROCHURE AND ON OUR WEBSITEWWW.ROCKLEY.ORG
RYA Instructor qualifications are recognised worldwide, opening up opportunities for you to work around the world. With our experienced team of five full time RYA Dinghy Trainers, we offer unrivalled experience and expertise with more training, courses and qualifications on the water than anyone else. Based at our flagship watersports centre, Rockley Point in Poole Harbour, you can learn and train in a spectacular setting and achieve remarkable results.
Our very popular 5-day RYA Dinghy Instructor course teaches you the RYA method, the structure of the RYA and how to teach sailing. An RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification is highly valued and is recognised as the industry standard for employment at watersports centres and holiday organisations both here in the UK and overseas.
This course runs throughout the year and every week of the school holidays. It is our most popular RYA Instructor course so ensure you book in plenty of time to guarantee a space. If you would like any advice regarding this course and the pre-requisites required, call the office on 01202 677272.
PLEASE NOTE THAT BEFORE ATTENDING THE RYA DINGHY INSTRUCTOR COURSE YOU ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING; RYA PRE-ENTRY ASSESSMENT, RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 2, FIRST AID, RYA SAFE & FUN SAFEGUARDING
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An RYA pre-requisite for the RYA Dinghy Instructor course is that all candidates have to pass RYA Pre-Entry Sailing Assessment, conducted by an RYA Dinghy Trainer. Sailing skills such as man overboard, sailing tight circles, sailing a triangular course and sailing a follow-my-leader course will be assessed to advanced sailing standard. We offer an optional practice day prior to the assessment.
Aimed at those who would benefit from more practice and preparation prior to taking the RYA Pre-Entry Assessment. With 4 days on the water working through the assessment syllabus really getting to grips with the manoeuvres in our local conditions, you will have the best possible preparation before taking the RYA Pre-Entry Assessment on the Friday.
This ever-popular 2-day course includes basic seamanship skills such as handling the boat safely under power in a variety of conditions. You will practice manoeuvres such as coming alongside and man overboard. Some speed work will also be undertaken outside the harbour.
This one day course covers the principles of first aid with the emphasis on working in a water-based environment. The qualification is valid for 3 years and recognised for all RYA Instructor qualifications.
This course is suitable for anyone working with children and vulnerable adults in an RYA environment. This includes those volunteering or working at recognised training centres and affiliated clubs. It provides a basic level of knowledge and awareness, put in the context of realistic scenarios that anyone could encounter at their club or centre and is also a pre-requisite for instructor training.
This 4-day course covers preparation and delivery of sessions, course and centre management, powerboat handling in a teaching environment, RYA Sailing Schemes and the role of a Senior Instructor. Students will be assessed on a continual basis over the 4 days when running water-based sessions.
This 2-day course trains competent powerboat drivers in fleet rescue and the techniques required when rescuing small craft. It is useful for those wishing to assist with rescue cover at their local sailing club and is also a pre-requisite for the RYA Senior Instructor Course.
This 5-day course is for competent windsurfers who are looking to teach the RYA Start Windsurfing course and the RYA Youth Windsurfing Scheme.
DATES AND PRICES ARE AT THE BACK OF THE BROCHURE AND ON OUR WEBSITEWWW.ROCKLEY.ORG
This 3-day course trains you in the various techniques and teaching methods required to instruct the RYA Level 1 and 2 syllabus and is run by an RYA Powerboat Trainer. All students will run a number of sessions to develop personal skills and teaching ability.
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE 1-DAY RYA POWERBOAT INSTRUCTOR PRE-SKILLS ASSESSMENT BEFORE ATTENDING THE COURSE.
This is a pre-requisite for the RYA Powerboat Instructor Course. It is a 1-day assessment and candidates must demonstrate a high level of powerboat driving competence.
This is a compulsory assessment day to allow entry onto the RYA Powerboat Instructor course. During the day the students will cover a series of manoeuvres and demonstrate competence of powerboat driving to Instructor standards.
BOOK ALL THE REQUIRED PRE-REQUISITES ALONG WITH YOUR RYA DINGHY INSTRUCTOR COURSE (RYA PRE-ENTRY ASSESSMENT, RYA POWERBOAT LEVEL 2, RYA FIRST AID) AND YOU WILL GET 10% OFF THE COURSES.
The RYA Advanced Instructor qualification enables experienced RYA Dinghy Instructors to coach advanced boat handling skills and the RYA Performance Sailing module.
The RYA Racing Instructor qualification enables experienced RYA Dinghy Instructors, with a passion for racing, to develop skills and techniques required to teach the RYA Start Racing module.
The course will involve the coaching of multihull skills through the running of sessions ashore and afloat. In order to run such sessions successfully a good practical knowledge of multihull sailing techniques and manoeuvres is expected.
The Archery GB Instructor Award is an entry-level archery instructor course which teaches you to deliver fun and safe introductory archery sessions for beginners. This 2 day course helps to prepare candidates for their first archery instructing role, ensuring they are ‘primed and ready’ to deliver taster sessions for people new to target sport.
The ground instructor course is designed for anybody who operates or manages traditional high ropes courses, but does not require instructors to learn accessing techniques. Typically these courses run on an assisted belay system and might include elements such as Jacob’s Ladder, the Leap of Faith and the High All Aboard etc. Despite its name this training course follows the syllabus for the traditional high ropes but excludes the addition of accessing techniques. The training course follows the ERCA syllabus for Traditional Ground Instructors and is delivered through a combination of practical and theory sessions.
The Paddle Sport Safety and Rescue Course is invaluable for all paddlers, and is a pre-requisite for those going on to become a paddle sport Instructor. The course aims to provide you with the key safety and rescue skills required to operate safely in a sheltered water environment. The course takes place on flat water and you will have the opportunity to try out, and practice rescuing, a wide range of paddling crafts. This course is invaluable for all paddlers, and is a pre-requisite for those going on to become a Paddle Sport Instructor.
Designed for people whose main focus is to deliver paddle sport taster/starter sessions and short journeys in very sheltered water environments. Whether you canoe, kayak, sit on top kayak or stand up paddleboard, this course allows you to develop your existing skills and passion for paddlesports. The course covers how to effectively prepare a group for an activity (e.g. kitting up and getting afloat) as well as demonstrating a range of motivating activities to engage a group and support learning.
The 16 hour Outdoor First Aid course provides the knowledge and skills for first aiders in outdoor environments where help is up to two hours away. It is ideal for anyone spending time in the outdoors or wilderness environments through recreational, voluntary or work related activities. The course is taught by trainers who are at home in the outdoors and understand the issues, dilemmas and judgments required when dealing with incidents in potentially hostile, remote environments. The qualification is valid for three years.
DATES AND PRICES ARE AT THE BACK OF THE BROCHURE AND ON OUR WEBSITEWWW.ROCKLEY.ORG
INCLUDED IN THE COST OF YOUR COURSE
• Wetsuit 3mm
• Wetboots 3mm
• Buoyancy Aid
Based at Buddens Activity Centre in the heart of Dorset, the 8-week Professional Outdoor Instructor Course offers each candidate expert training and qualifications to start a career in the outdoor industry. The diverse set of qualifications will enhance your skill sets to enable you to gain employment in a variety of outdoor industry settings and the opportunity to work at Rockley upon completion of the course. START DATE: 5 FEB
• Level 1 Safeguarding Certificate
• 16hr Outdoor First Aid
• RYA Level 1 (or suitable equivalent)
• RYA Powerboat Level 2
• British Canoe Paddle Sport Safety and Rescue Course
• BC Paddlesports Instructor
• BC Core Coach Award
• ERCA Traditional Ropes Course Instructor
• Introduction CWI techniques
• Climbing Harness
• Climbing Belay Device
• Firelighting Kit
• Archery Training (Possibly upgrade to Archery GB depending on uptake)
• Firelighting
SCHOLARSHIP AND SUBSIDIES ARE AVAILABLEPLEASE ENQUIRE
Camping is one of the best family holidays you can take! It’s about being close to nature, enjoying valuable family time and keeping things simple! Guests at Buddens Camping and Activity Centre, in the Purbecks, Dorset have acres of countryside and woodlands in which to indulge their passion for outdoor activities. As a family camping experience, Buddens is unique in the range of activities all your family members can experience during your stay - you get to enjoy all sorts of land- and waterbased adventures or, if you just simply want to relax, then the choice is yours!
• Own tent camping
• Campervans
• Bell tents
• Large friendly site
• Activities lake
• Non-electric grass pitches
• Choose your own pitch
• No extra charges for gazebos
• Large washing up area
• Barbecues allowed
• New toilet & shower facilities
• Organised activities available to book on-site
• Any day arrivals
• Tuck shop
• 10 mins from Wareham
• 20 mins from the Jurassic Coast
• Arrival 3pm, Depart 11am
New for this year is our all-inclusive family camping option. Enjoy a hassle-free camping experience where we eliminate all the stress out of preparing for this kind of holiday and all you need to do is turn up and enjoy!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Monday - Friday
• Bell tent accommodation
• Accommodates 5+ people
• Real beds & mattresses
• All activities
• All meals
DATES
5th August 19th August
PRICE £325pp
“It’s a gem. We had our kids back, stories around the roaring off ground fire pit and ball games.” Chris
Our unique outdoor adventure programme offers students a truly vocational learning experience which embeds work experience and extra qualifications. Learners at our Rockley Point campus develop the knowledge, behaviours and skills to succeed both at sixth form and beyond, with direct skills and qualifications for employment and also the entry requirements to progress on to university. Choose from:
• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity (Outdoors)
• Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor Apprenticeship
www.rockley.org/college/open-events
Should you require it, we can offer a varied range of evening activities to keep your students entertained. After dinner activities can include anything from beach games, a beach BBQ and quiz nights as well as an excursion to a local water flume park.
“Take every opportunity. The additional courses they offer are not normally free so take as many as you can. Try your hardest and pursue your own pathcoming to Rockley College has been the best thing I have ever done.”
Harry Peters - Clayesmore School
Rockley Adventure offers a safe, secure and exciting setting for young people to enjoy a residential trip away from home. Our exciting multi-activity and ski trips offer diverse learning experiences which empower young people to take on new challenges and succeed outside the classroom. Such experiences as part of their education enhances their progress in learning and provides a powerful opportunity for personal growth and development. Here is what we offer:
• Residential Trips
• Day Trips
• Enrichment Days
• Water, Land & Ski Adventurous Activities
• Group Bookings including Scouts
Book your 5-day or 3-day 2024 residential trip to Buddens Activity Centre or Rockley Point.
“You are a well oiled machine! The customer service is second to none and the teacher welcome packs were a lovely touch!” Maiden Erlegh School
Julia’s House give practical and emotional support for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition and their families, providing frequent and regular support in their own homes, in the community or at their hospices based in Dorset and Wiltshire.
Our long-term support for this amazing charity is now such an essential part of Rockley life - we consider it a privilege to have such an association with them! In 2022, Managing Director, Pip Woods was part of Team 13, who, along with 12 other Dorset-based business leaders, ran the Run Bournemouth half marathon and raised a staggering £70,000.
The charity also offers opportunities for the brothers and sisters of the children under their care. We work closely with the team at Julia’s House, offering residential trips for their siblings.
“Wow what a fabulous weekend that Rockley has just created. The friendships, memories, confidence and smiles that have developed over this weekend is incredible. It was simply heart-warming even in the colder moments and a pleasure to be a part of. The instructors were fantastic at sharing their skills and keeping us together, the Lodge was a great place to hang out and the lunches were perfectly warming. Please pass on a massive thank you to all the team.”
Karen Kenny, Sibling WorkerAt Rockley we are very passionate about doing our bit to protect our environment and we are dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint. Over the past few years we have taken small and big steps to change how we operate across all our centres. These have included:
• No single use plastics
• Electric company cars
• Regular beach cleans
• Changing the way we run our sessions in order to reduce the use of our powerboats and therefore fuel
• Educating both our staff and the young people who come and trips with us as to the importance of protecting our oceans and marine life
“We love the waters we use and we have a responsibility to protect them, and encourage others to do the same.”
Pip Woods, MD
