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Cobnor Activity Centre Outdoor Instructor Academy

Train. Coach. Lead. Inspire.

Build the skills, confidence and nationally recognised qualifications to launch your career in outdoor education at Cobnor Activities Centre.

Whether you’re finishing school, taking a gap year, changing careers or simply looking for a life outdoors, the Cobnor Outdoor Instructor Academy is designed to give you the qualifications, confidence and real-world experience to launch a career in the outdoor industry.

Based on the stunning Chichester Harbour, you’ll spend six months developing your personal skills, working alongside experienced instructors and gaining nationally recognised qualifications across sailing, paddlesports and land-based activities.

More than just a collection of courses, this is an immersive development programme that prepares you for life as a professional outdoor instructor.

Why Choose the Cobnor Instructor Academy?

At CACT, we believe great instructors aren’t created by qualifications alone.

Throughout the programme you’ll become part of our instructor community, learning from experienced professionals and gaining first-hand insight into how an outdoor education centre operates.

You’ll have opportunities to:

  • Shadow experienced instructors delivering real sessions
  • Team teach alongside qualified staff in a supportive environment
  • Build confidence through practical, hands-on experience
  • Receive regular mentoring and personalised feedback
  • Develop leadership, communication and coaching skills
  • Gain nationally recognised instructor qualifications
  • Experience a wide range of outdoor activities

By the end of the programme you’ll have the skills, knowledge and confidence to begin your career in outdoor education.

What You'll Learn

Sailing

RYA Level 1-3, Advanced Modules, RYA Dinghy and Keelboat Instructor

Paddlesports

PaddleUK Explore, Paddlesport Safety and Rescue and Paddlesport Leader

Land Activities

Lowland Leader Training, ERCA High Ropes, Archery GB Instructor, Orienteering, Bushcraft and more

Professional Development

Outdoor First Aid, Safeguarding, Risk and Equipment Management, Environmental Awareness and Customer Care

Your Journey

Month 1

Build your confidence outdoors, learn the fundamentals of sailing and paddlesports, complete essential safety qualifications such as First Aid and Safeguarding and become familiar with life at Cobnor.

Develop your technical skills across all activities while shadowing experienced instructors and building confidence through practical experience. Complete personnel sailing and paddlesport qualifications, and gain your first instructor qualification, ERCA High Ropes

Complete instructor qualifications, continue learning alongside experienced staff and refine your coaching, leadership and communication skills. Aiming to complete RYA Dinghy, Keelboat and Paddlesport Qualifications.

Complete remaining courses now you have a good understanding of instructing principles, including Archery GB, as well as heavily focused on getting the chance to shadow and team teach with experienced staff team.

Life at Cobnor

Set on the shores of Chichester Harbour, Cobnor Activities Centre offers one of the UK’s most unique learning environments.

You’ll train on sheltered waters, work alongside experienced instructors and become part of a welcoming outdoor community. Every day is different, with opportunities to develop your skills across sailing, paddlesports, climbing, archery and more.

Away from formal training, you’ll enjoy personal paddling trips, sailing adventures, social events and the chance to explore one of the country’s most beautiful National Landscapes.

You will be accommodated in our Jubilee building, with its own self contained social areas, kitchen and bathrooms. Jubilee building

Ready to start your next adventure?

Ready to Start Your Adventure?

If you’re ready to turn your passion for the outdoors into a career, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications for the next Instructor Academy are now open.

Duration: 6 Months Starting in November 2026
 Location: Cobnor Activities Centre, Chichester Harbour.
Suitable for: 18+
Outcome: Nationally recognised qualifications, practical experience and a pathway into employment in the outdoor industry.

What’s Included:

  • All Training and Instructional time
  • A basic equipment package (buoyancy aid, wetsuit, boots, knife etc). Personnel outdoor clothing (jackets, walking boots) are not included
  • Accommodation in our self contained Jubilee block
  • Course fees

What’s not included

  • NGB memberships
  • Additional food/drinks above £50 per week budget
  • Personnel outdoor clothing (jackets, walking boots) are not included

For more information and to register your interest, please contact sail@cobnor.com

Cost

The full training package inc accommodation and food allowance is £4950. This covers all costs except membership fees to NGBs and personnel clothing.

Please get in touch to discuss pricing and payment options.