Wing foil instructor: the RYA route

• What it is: RYA awards for teaching wingsurfing (non-foiling) and wingfoiling.
• What you need first: RYA Improve Your Wingsurfing, first aid, Powerboat Level 2, Safe and Fun, and RYA membership. Minimum age 16.
• What you'll learn: Teaching the RYA Wing Scheme, from beginners up.
• How long it takes: Two days for Wingsurfing Instructor. Two to four days for Wingfoiling Instructor.
• What's next: Wingfoiling Instructor, then Wingsurfing Trainer.

Want to teach people to fly? Wing foiling is the new kid on the beach, and the RYA has a clear instructor route. BKSA also runs its own wing instructor course (Easyriders, Poole, 29 March to 2 April 2027), but its site doesn't list separate wing prerequisites.

Assistant Instructor

• A competent wingsurfer or wingfoiler, recommended by your centre's Principal.
• An RYA Improve Your Wingsurfing certificate or above.
• About 20 hours of training at the centre. It doesn't include first aid or powerboat handling.
• You assist up to Improve Your Wingsurfing, always under direct supervision.
• The certificate is for that centre and lasts five years.

Wingsurfing Instructor (minimum age 16)

• RYA Wingsurfing Scheme, Improve Your Wingsurfing or above.
• First aid certificate.
• RYA Powerboat Level 2.
• RYA Safe and Fun certificate and pre-course work.
• RYA membership.

You can teach Learn to Wingsurf and Improve Your Wingsurfing. It's valid for five years if you keep your first aid in date.

Wingfoiling Instructor (minimum age 16)

• RYA Wingsurfing Instructor, or the four-day course covering both.
• Personal level to RYA Wingsurfing Sustained Flights, with foiling experience to RYA Wingfoiling Sustained Flights.
• First aid, Powerboat Level 2, Safe and Fun, and RYA membership.

You're assessed throughout, and you can teach First Flights or higher, depending on your own foiling. It's valid for five years if you keep your first aid in date.

Wingsurfing Trainer (minimum age 18)

• Nominated and appointed by RYA Training, every year.
• Needs Wingfoiling Instructor, first aid, Powerboat Level 2, the RYA Safety Boat certificate, Safe and Fun and RYA membership.
• A practical revalidation is due after five years.

Source: Wingsurfing Instructors, RYA; Instructor Training – Water, British Kitesports; How to call for help, RNLI, checked October 2026.

Governing body: British Kitesports Association (BKSA). It sets the UK safety standards and training awards for kiteboarding, so it's the official place to find out more. Many schools also use IKO courses.

Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.

The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.