Coaches

Coaches are responsible for helping participants to develop their skills whilst ensuring sessions are safe and fun.

Whether you are working with a beginner aiming to get up and out the water for the first time, a young wakeboard looking to nail their first trick or an experience tournament skier preparing for their next competition you will need to be a great communicator and have strong motivational skills.

Ski Boat Driver

Getting Qualified

For many, the first steps into coaching will come as a driver, cable operator or observer gaining experience through assisting other coaches at the club or venue and helping with group sessions.

The next step is to gain a coaching qualification. Working in partnership with British Water Ski and Wakeboard (BWSW), we offer a programme of qualifications and training designed to support coaches as they learn and develop.

The BWSW Level 1 Coaching Award is a perfect introduction to the coaching pathway, particularly for volunteers who would like to help at their club. It is predominantly a beginner’s level aimed at those who are new to coaching and would like to develop their skills. On successful completion of the qualification, candidates will be able to work with beginner skiers/riders only.

The next step on the pathway is the BWSW Level 2 Coaching Certificate. This is recommended for volunteers that coach regularly at their club and anyone who will be working as a paid coach e.g. for a ski school or holiday company (such as Neilson Active Holidays).

The qualification meets the minimum standard for coaching unaccompanied at any level within the sport and is therefore recommended to coaches working with all levels of participant from beginner to advanced. There are two versions of the Level 2 Coaching Certificate: Waterskiing and Wakeboarding (Boat) and Cable Wakeboarding.

Develop Your Skills

Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland are committed to creating innovative programmes and resources which provide coaches with opportunities for progression growth and enjoyment. The opportunities include shadowing opportunities to support coaches to learn from one another, online coaching seminars and coaches’ gatherings.

Ski Coaching

Level 1 - Coaching Award

Who's it for?

The BWSW Level 1 Coaching Award is a perfect introduction to the coaching pathway, particularly for volunteers who would like to help at their club. It is predominantly a beginner’s level aimed at those who are new to coaching and would like to develop their skills. On successful completion of the qualification, candidates will be able to work with beginner skiers/riders only.

What is involved?

The Level 1 Coaching Award consists of 2 consecutive days of learning. All candidates have a portfolio of tasks to complete and are assessed at the end of Day 2. The Level 1 Coaching Award covers the ‘Cutting Edge’ bronze programme and has elements including coaching theory, codes, safeguarding, risk assessment and land lessons.

What do I need?

Prior to attending the first day of the course, all candidates must:

  • Be a WWS/BWSW member
  • Be aged 16 years or over
  • Hold the Ski Boat Driver Level 2 qualification
  • Have a strong working knowledge of the skills in the ‘Cutting Edge Bronze‘ programme for water skiing and wakeboarding

Prior to receiving the qualification, all new coaches must become a British Water Ski and Wakeboard Licensed Coach. This means that candidates must:

  • Hold a basic First Aid certificate
  • Hold the relevant disclosure check (PVG in Scotland)
  • Hold a Safeguarding and Protecting Children or Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport course certificate

How much does it cost?

Course fees:

  • £250.00 for candidates from Affiliated/Accredited clubs
  • £295.00 for candidates not from Affiliated/Accredited Clubs

Note: Course fees may vary depending on the availability of funding.

What can I do next?

Once qualified, Coaches may wish to develop their skills further by undertaking the following:

  • BWSW Level 2 Coaching Certificate
  • Attend WWS Coach Development Opportunities

Where can I do my Level 1 Coaching Award?

Coaching Courses are normally offered once per year by Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland at Town Loch the National Training Site.

For more information and course details please visit the Town Loch website.

Ski Coaching

Level 2 - Coaching Certificate

Who’s it for?

The BWSW Level 2 Coaching Certificate. This is recommended for volunteers that coach regularly at their club and anyone who will be working as a paid coach e.g. for a ski school or holiday company (such as Neilson Active Holidays). The qualification meets the minimum standard for coaching unaccompanied at any level within the sport and is therefore recommended to coaches working with all levels of participant from beginner to advanced. There are two versions of the Level 2 Coaching Certificate: Waterskiing and Wakeboarding (Boat) and Cable Wakeboarding.

What is involved?

The Level 2 Coaching Certificate is a 5-day coaching course and covers many areas relevant to being a SAFE, FUN and EFFECTIVE coach including safety practices, delivery skills, customer service, risk assessment, advanced boat driving etc. You will ski/wakeboard, drive, and coach each other on the course up to the standard of doing such tricks as Ollie, Backside 180’s, Wake Jumps, surface 360’s, and crossing the wakes and performing deep water starts on 1-ski. All candidates must complete the Level 1 Coaching Award beforehand but both courses can be completed together over a 7-day course.

What do I need?

Prior to attending the course, all candidates must have the following:

  • Be a WWS/BWSW member
  • Hold the Level 1 Coaching Award (Note: Candidates can book both courses at the same time in a 7-day course).
  • Hold the Ski Boat Driver Level 2 AND have at least 10 hours of experience driving for water skiers/wakeboarders
  • Be aged 16 years or over (Note: To be a licensed coach you must be 17)
  • Be able to get up on 1-ski and cross the wakes and be able to perform a 180, Wake Jump and an Ollie on a Wakeboard (Note: Those who are unable to perform these will need to demonstrate experience in delivering these skills)

Prior to receiving the qualification, all new coaches must become a British Water Ski and Wakeboard Licensed Coach. This means that candidates must:

  • Hold a basic First Aid certificate
  • Hold the relevant disclosure check (PVG in Scotland)
  • Hold a Safeguarding and Protecting Children or Child Wellbeing and Protection in Sport course certificate

How much does it cost?

Course fees vary depending on the circumstances, funding available and make-up of the course. Typical course fees:

  • Combined Level 1 and Level 2: £700-800
  • Level 2 Coaching Certificate Only: £500-600

What can I do next?

Once qualified, Coaches may wish to develop their skills further by undertaking the following:

  • BWSW Level 3 Coaching Certificate (Delivered by BWSW)
  • Attend WWS Coach Development Opportunities

Where can I do my Level 2 Coaching Certificate?

Coaching Courses are normally offered once per year by Waterski and Wakeboard Scotland at Town Loch the National Training Site.

For more information and course details please visit the Town Loch website.