What's it all about?

The panel program is a training program of both physical skills and soft. Panel members get instructor lead training in a range of different watersports (kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and SUPing). This training is ran over a number of Sundays in Autumn and also Spring along with 4 days training over Easter holidays. We encourage our panel members to get a taste for all of the different watersports that are on offer. However it normally becomes evident that one sport is the best fit for them and in second year they then go on to hone in on their skills in either sailing or windsurfing. Through all of this, we’re reflecting and promoting the distinctive culture and ethos of Oysterhaven, which is to take a fun and friendly approach, but with a commitment to professionalism, and delivering training to the highest possible standards.

Work experience / Employment Oppurtunities

During our busy summer months each panel member is encouraged to complete 3 weeks (some do more!) of work experience where they will help and assist a qualified instructor on our summer camp groups ranging from age 4 to 17. This is great exposure for our panel members as they can learn while observing the instructor on session.  

The training and work experience of panel then often leads to an Irish Sailing Instructor Qualifications. Which once you are fully qualified brings employment oppurtunities in Oysterhaven and in other centres at home and abroad. For some, it may even be the start of a career in sports or the outdoors. 

What do you gain?

The best aspect of panel is while you are having all this fun out on the water, you don't realise how much you are learning! Through training and work-experience, panel members gain self-confidence, public-speaking skills, they learn responsibility, time-management skills, adaptability and lots more! Skills like these will stand to our panel members as they go on to progress through education and also into their future careers.

Kit Hire

While you are down on work experience over the summer, you have free access to rental of the kit (kayaks, dinghies, windsurfers, SUPs), this is a great way for you to practice and keep your skill level up over the summer. If you are not down on work-experience you still have access to kit-hire at a super reduced price of €5!