Waterski - Wakeboard Instructor - Summer 2027

Job Introduction

WATERSKI - WAKEBOARD INSTRUCTOR

Location: Various Neilson Beach Clubs overseas
Season: April – November
Qualifications Required: British Water Ski & Wakeboard UKCC Level 2 Instructor + Ski Boat Driver Award (SBD2), or recognised equivalents
Eligibility: UK & EU passport holders
Salary: £700 PCM gross + end-of-contract commission, shared accommodation, meals, flights, and an excellent overall package.

As a UK-based business operating overseas, we’re able to arrange the required visas and work permits for UK and EU passport holders to work legally in our resorts.

In a Nutshell

Spend your summer on the water, coaching Waterskiing and Wakeboarding in some incredible Beach Club destinations.

You’ll help complete beginners experience the buzz of getting up for the first time, coach more experienced skiers and riders to develop their technique, and rotate between coaching, boat driving, spotting and the day-to-day operation of the Waterski Centre.

You don’t need years of professional coaching experience behind you. If you’ve got the required qualifications, strong practical foundations, a great attitude and the maturity to operate safely, we want to hear from you.

About Us

For almost 50 years, Neilson Active Holidays has been creating holidays where people can relax, get active, try something new and have a seriously good time doing it.

Our award-winning Beach Clubs combine fantastic locations with an incredible choice of activities, delivered by people who genuinely love what they do.

Waterskiing and Wakeboarding are a huge part of the Neilson experience, giving guests the opportunity to try something completely new or take their existing skills to the next level with the support of a qualified coaching team.

About You

You love Waterskiing and Wakeboarding and get a genuine buzz from helping other people enjoy the sport.

You might be a newly qualified instructor looking for your first opportunity to build substantial professional coaching experience, or you may already have a few seasons under your belt.

Either way, you’ll bring more than technical ability.

You’re energetic, encouraging and approachable, with the confidence to coach different ages and abilities. You’ll work hard, support your teammates and be happy getting stuck into every part of the Waterski Centre operation.

You also understand when the fun needs to stop and the serious bit starts. Safety comes first, and you’ll have the maturity, judgement and confidence to make good decisions when conditions demand it.

Role Overview

As a Waterski & Wakeboard Instructor, you’ll deliver safe, engaging and progressive coaching to guests across a wide range of ages, abilities and confidence levels.

You’ll rotate between coaching, ski boat driving, spotting and operational responsibilities, working closely with the rest of the team to keep sessions safe, organised, energetic and fun.

From helping someone nail their first deep-water start to developing the technique of a more experienced skier or rider, you’ll create the kind of experiences guests remember long after their holiday is over.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Deliver safe, engaging and progressive Waterski and Wakeboard coaching in line with BWSW standards and the Neilson programme.
• Coach guests across a range of ages, abilities and experience levels.
• Help complete beginners build confidence and experience getting up on the water for the first time.
• Support more experienced skiers and riders to improve their technique and work towards individual goals.
• Adapt your coaching style to suit different guests, abilities and learning styles.
• Rotate between coaching, ski boat driving, spotting and operational responsibilities.
• Operate ski boats professionally and deliver safe, enjoyable towing experiences.
• Welcome guests to the Waterski Centre and create a friendly, inclusive and energetic atmosphere.
• Support bookings and the organisation of daily sessions.
• Help guests select and prepare appropriate equipment and deliver clear safety information.
• Conduct on-water rescues and follow emergency procedures when required.
• Maintain excellent health and safety standards at all times.
• Help maintain boats, equipment, pontoons and operational areas to a high standard.
• Report defects, maintenance requirements and equipment issues promptly.
• Promote the Waterski & Wakeboard programme and encourage guest participation.
• Support guest briefings, demonstrations, competitions and social activities.
• Be open to coaching, feedback and opportunities to develop your own skills.
• Support resort set-up and close-down at the beginning and end of the season.
• Be flexible and support the wider resort team when required.
• Assist with airport transfers when required, helping create a professional and welcoming first impression of Neilson.

Skills & Experience

You’ll be great at this if you…

• Have strong practical Waterskiing and/or Wakeboarding coaching foundations appropriate to your qualification.

• Are a confident ski boat driver with practical towing experience appropriate to your qualification.
• Understand Waterski and Wakeboard equipment, coaching practices and safety procedures.
• Can confidently engage, encourage and support guests learning new skills.
• Bring plenty of personality, energy and enthusiasm to the role.
• Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Have a strong work ethic and are happy getting stuck into every part of the operation.
• Are organised, reliable and able to manage your time effectively.
• Are adaptable and resilient enough to thrive in a busy seasonal environment.
• Have the maturity and judgement to take responsibility for guest safety.
• Are considerate and supportive towards your teammates and guests.
• Are keen to learn, develop and respond positively to coaching and feedback.
• Can work independently while being a brilliant team player.
• Can confidently communicate and instruct in English.
• Genuinely love Waterskiing, Wakeboarding and helping other people progress.

Experience matters, but potential does too.

If you’ve recently gained your instructor qualifications and are looking for your first opportunity to build substantial professional coaching experience, don’t rule yourself out.

If you have the required qualifications, strong practical foundations, a great attitude and the maturity to operate safely, we’d love to hear from you.

You’ll work alongside experienced colleagues in a supportive environment, with ongoing guidance, feedback and plenty of opportunities to develop your coaching, boat-driving, guest service and professional skills throughout the season.

It’d be a bonus if you also have…

• Experience coaching both Waterskiing and Wakeboarding.
• Experience coaching intermediate or advanced Waterski and Wakeboard skills.
• Additional watersports or boat-driving qualifications.
• Experience within a commercial Waterski, Wakeboard, cable, boat or wider watersports environment.
• Knowledge of current Waterski and Wakeboard coaching practices and developments.
• Previous coaching experience with children or young people.
• Previous overseas or seasonal experience.
• Experience within hospitality, leisure, active holidays or resort environments.

Qualifications

You must hold:

• British Water Ski & Wakeboard UKCC Level 2 Instructor qualification, or recognised equivalent.
• British Water Ski & Wakeboard Ski Boat Driver Award (SBD2), or recognised equivalent.
• Current BWSW membership, or equivalent national governing body membership where applicable.

Recognised Irish, European and international Waterski and Wakeboard qualifications are welcomed.

You do not need to have completed every required qualification before submitting your application.

If you’re currently working towards, booked onto or planning to complete one of the required qualifications before your start date, please go ahead and apply and provide details of the qualification and your expected completion date within your application.

For full details covering Neilson qualification requirements and recognised equivalents, please click here: List of Accepted Qualifications

First Aid Requirements

A valid First Aid certificate is required and must remain valid for the duration of your contract.

As a minimum, this must be a full-day, practical, in-person First Aid course. Online-only First Aid qualifications are not accepted.

Your First Aid certification must also meet any requirements associated with your relevant British Water Ski & Wakeboard qualification.

For full details covering Neilson First Aid requirements, please click here: First Aid Guidance

Commission

Alongside your monthly salary, you’ll have the opportunity to earn end-of-contract commission based on overall team income from selected extras.

What’s in it for you?

Joining Neilson is more than just a summer job. It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself, develop new skills, build confidence, experience incredible destinations, and become part of a close-knit team creating unforgettable holidays every day.

The experience, resilience, and people skills you’ll develop along the way will stay with you long after the season ends – wherever life takes you next.

Alongside the experience, you’ll get:

• A paid seasonal role in an incredible overseas destination.
• Shared staff accommodation, so you’re right at the heart of resort life and part of the team from day one.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner while on duty, so your meals are taken care of.
• Travel to and from resort, subject to staff travel policy.
• Use of selected resort facilities in your spare time, so you can enjoy the destination too.
• Friends and family holiday discounts, giving the people at home the chance to experience Neilson for themselves.
• Comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you settle in, develop your skills and make the most of your season.
• Opportunities to gain additional qualifications through the Neilson Academy.
• Career development opportunities through our Jump Up and Jump Higher programmes.
• Visa and work permit support where applicable.
• Role-specific uniform provided.
• One day off each week, plus accrued holiday.
• Emergency medical and dental insurance.
• 24/7 independent mental health support.

It’s a season that gives you more than a payslip – you’ll come home with new skills, new friends, incredible memories and an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left resort.

Please note: All Neilson Active employees are required to complete a DBS check as part of our safer recruitment process.