The Neilson Network

Trained watersports instructors are in high demand worldwide and we have teamed up with leading maritime trainer, UKSA, to provide an exciting instructor training programme leading to guaranteed jobs at our beautiful beachclubs in Greece, Italy, or Croatia.

UKSA’s Watersports Instructor Training is a customised training package that gives trainees all the skills they need to start their career in the watersports industry.

We sat down for a chat with a recent UKSA graduate, who has since been working with us in Greece.

Meet Holly Doran Before training with UKSA, Holly Doran worked as an artist and gardener. “In 2019 I graduated from Falmouth University with Honours in Fine Art. While studying I worked with gardens, art galleries and charities, helping groups of people connect with nature and outside spaces.

I heard about the UKSA/Neilson watersports instructor training … when in 2018 I went to a Neilson Active Holiday Resort in Greece. I realised that the staff on the beach and around the resort were having a great time and were a similar age to me. However, they were being paid to spend the summer there. I decided I wanted to be in their shoes the next time I visited Greece; then someone told me about the watersports instructor training course at UKSA where she’d done her training. She couldn’t recommend it highly enough.

Guaranteed employment after training was vital because … … it would have been too much of a risk to pay the course fees with no job security. I already had a big loan from university and not enough savings to pay for individual courses.

As well as technical qualifications, on this course I have gained … … social confidence, people skills and the ability to lead a group. It’s been nice to learn that I do have something to say that’s worth listening to. I have gained the confidence to admit what I enjoy rather than pretending to enjoy what everyone else does. I have also learned how valuable good teamwork is. Support makes such a difference when someone’s having a bad day and teamwork can make a job much less mentally daunting.

“The Watersports Instructor Training course is the means to a great lifestyle where you have fun and bring enjoyment to others.”

Now I’ve finished the course … … I’m going to work for Neilson! I’m really excited about teaching and meeting the guests and in my spare time I want to try hydrofoiling on a windsurf and kitesurf. Also, I can’t wait to explore and soak up the history and local culture on my days off.

I’m going to push myself over the summer … … to get as skilled as I can be. I’d like to be able to sail catamarans and instruct windsurfing and dinghy sailing at the highest level – to me, it gets more interesting when it gets more technical. I’d like to become a senior instructor but I’ll see what a couple of seasons teach me first.”

Here at Neilson, we’re lucky to consider ourselves friends of Mark Petchey, the ex-GB tennis pro. Formerly the coach of both Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu, Mark has more tennis knowledge than most, which he shared throughout the recent Australian Open.

Mark was out in Australia for the tournament, and kindly produced some exclusive content for us. Providing insights, opinions and predictions, Mark discussed the grand slam from the heart of the action, and even took to Instagram to take part in Q&As with fans, where he gave some coaching tips alongside his views on the ongoing tournament. We’re looking forward to linking up with Mark again for future Grand Slam Tournaments - such as the French Open, US Open and of course Wimbledon.

But that’s not all Mark has to offer - this summer he’s also agreed to come back to our beachclubs, giving guests the chance to learn from him first-hand. Mark will be at Alana Beachclub in Croatia between 12-18 June, Levante Beach Beachclub in Rhodes between 17-23 July and Messini Beachclub between 12-19 September.

Enjoy a coaching session led by the man himself, and learn the tips and tricks needed to ace your game. And even if you miss Mark, he personally trains our tennis coaches, so you’re guaranteed to benefit from this partnership whenever you travel.

Speaking of tennis, you may have spotted us throughout the Australian Open, as we're sponsoring Eurosport’s coverage of the tournament and we will also be sponsoring the coverage of the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros in May. Keep your eyes peeled, we will be watching, will you?