Welcome to the Outdoor Training Academy

Summary

Welcome to the Outdoor Training Academy, Ballyhass Mallow

Course Length 16 Weeks
Suitable Ages 18 yrs +
Days 4 per week
Accommodation Available
Location Ballyhass Mallow

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Welcome to the Outdoor Training Academy

Ready to turn your passion for the outdoors into a profession? At the Outdoor Training Academy, we provide the certifications and expertise you need to lead with confidence. Our courses aren't just about passing a test; they're about building real-world skills in a supportive environment.

Our academy is the evolution of over 15 years of adventure at Ballyhass. What began as a single marine leisure facility in Kinsale has grown into two expansive centers in Mallow and Coachford, Co. Cork. We have a rich history of developing our own team of experts, and the Outdoor Training Academy was founded to share that same commitment to safety and excellence with you.

We're proud to be affiliated with respected governing bodies like PaddleUK, ERCA, RLSS, and PHECC. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to your success, whether you're learning to become an Open Water Lifeguard, a Paddle Instructor, or a certified First Aid Responder.

Our popular courses include:

Paddle Instructor Course: Learn the skills to effectively and safely introduce others to paddling, turning you into a certified instructor.

Paddle Safety and Rescue: Master essential techniques for preventing and managing emergencies on the water, ensuring safety for yourself and others.

SUP Safer: A course focused on the fundamental safety skills and knowledge required to make confident decisions and stay safe while stand-up paddleboarding.

SUP Instructor: Become a certified instructor, equipped with the skills to teach stand-up paddleboarding to beginners in a safe and engaging way.

PHECC First Aid Responder: Gain the essential skills and certification to provide life-saving first aid in a pre-hospital environment.

PHECC CFR (Cardiac First Responder): Learn how to respond to a cardiac arrest with confidence, including chest compressions and the use of an AED.

ERCA Instructor: Qualify to professionally manage and supervise participants on high ropes courses, zip lines, and climbing elements.

RLSS Open Water Lifeguard: Receive the certification to perform rescues and manage incidents in open water environments, from lakes to coastal areas.

Come train with us and get certified to do what you love, safely and professionally.

Course Quick Information

Here's a quick overview of the key skills and focus of each course we offer:

Paddling Courses (certified by PaddleUK)

Paddle Instructor Course: This course is a foundational qualification for those who want to introduce others to paddlesports. You'll learn how to plan and deliver engaging taster sessions and short journeys, focusing on teaching the basics of different craft like kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.

Paddle Safety and Rescue: An essential course for all paddlers. You will learn simple but effective strategies and skills to prevent and manage common paddling issues, including self-rescues, assisted rescues, and incident management in sheltered water environments.

SUP Safer: Designed for anyone new or relatively new to stand-up paddleboarding, this course focuses specifically on SUP safety. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the equipment, weather, and environment to make informed decisions and stay safe on the water.

SUP Instructor: This certification qualifies you to teach stand-up paddleboarding to beginners in a safe and engaging way. The course covers teaching methodology, session planning, and effective rescue techniques specific to SUP.

Rescue & First Aid (certified by PHECC & RLSS)

PHECC First Aid Responder (FAR): This is the gold standard for pre-hospital emergency care in Ireland. Over three days, you will learn to provide life support, diagnose and treat injuries, and manage medical emergencies until the arrival of emergency medical services.

PHECC CFR (Cardiac First Responder): This shorter, focused course equips you with the crucial skills to respond to a cardiac arrest. You will learn effective CPR, how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), and how to manage a choking casualty.

RLSS Open Water Lifeguard: This is the qualification required for anyone looking to work at open water venues such as lakes, aqua parks, and outdoor swimming venues. The course covers open water supervision, rescue techniques, CPR, and first aid specifically adapted for non-tidal, still water environments.

Ropes Course Instructor (certified by ERCA)

ERCA Instructor: This internationally recognized certification is for anyone who wants to operate a high ropes course safely and competently. You will learn about equipment, safety standards, risk management, and how to belay and supervise participants on high-element adventure courses.

Awards & Qualifications: Your Path to Progression

Our courses are stepping stones to a rewarding career in the outdoor industry. Once you have a qualification, you can continue to build your expertise with these next stages:

Paddlesports

Paddle Instructor: Once you have gained experience, you can progress to more advanced PaddleUK awards, such as the Paddlesport Touring Leader qualification, which allows you to lead groups on more challenging water environments.

SUP Instructor: After gaining experience, you can pursue a leadership award like the SUP Coastal Leader or specialize further through other discipline-specific awards.

Rescue & First Aid

PHECC First Aid Responder: This qualification is the foundation for a range of pre-hospital care roles. You can continue your education by pursuing more advanced PHECC qualifications, such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Paramedic, or other specialist advanced life support courses.

PHECC CFR: This course is a great entry point into emergency response. The next logical step is to complete the full PHECC First Aid Responder course to expand your skills to include a wider range of medical emergencies and trauma care.

RLSS Open Water Lifeguard: This is a key qualification for aquatic safety professionals. You can further your career by pursuing other RLSS certifications like the National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) or the National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification (NVBLQ), or even becoming a Trainer Assessor to train the next generation of lifeguards.

Ropes Course Instructor

ERCA Instructor: Your ERCA instructor qualification opens the door to more specialized roles. You can progress by gaining experience and pursuing qualifications in specific types of ropes courses or even becoming a certified ERCA Generic Rescuer. For long-term career development, you may consider an ERCA Inspector award to perform professional safety inspections of courses.

Our Mission is to get everyone active Outdoors by providing Accessibility, Affordability and Education as a first step to creating your amazing outdoor future!

We aim to broaden and strengthen your instructor skillset.

To provide an alternative to traditional hands-off training.

Upon Successful completion of this course, Instructors will be able to demonstrate the following:

PO Knowledge:

Instructors will be able to demonstrate knowledge of Theory, Practical, and Methods relating to areas of outdoor activities, group leading and learning facilitation with customers. With further awards, instructors will be able to demonstrate practical and technical knowledge with bodies such as ERCA, EMTS, RLSS and PaddleUK.

PO Skill:

Instructors will be able to demonstrate competence with skills and practices related to different aspects of outdoor activities. Instructors will be also equipped to analyze groups, sessions, and situations in the moment and select the appropriate methods for the best results. Progressive and Industry skills and technical abilities can be gained through bodies such as ERCA, RLSS, PaddleUK, and EMTS

PO Competence:

Demonstrate problem-solving skills for the group leading in a creative, accountable, and professional manner with safety and risk assessing in mind. Instructors will be equipped to work independently or as a member of a team in delivering, instructing, and co-ordinating group sessions in outdoor activities. Instructors should display qualities such as self-directed, confidence, accountability, and engage a learning-to-learn approach with the aim of broadening and upskilling in the outdoor adventure industry

About Our Location at Ballyhass Mallow

Where is Ballyhass Mallow located? Our main Outdoor Training Academy is based at Ballyhass, Cecilstown, Mallow, Co. Cork. It is approximately 15-20 minutes by car from the towns of Mallow and Kanturk.

How do I get there? We recommend using Google Maps. For those driving, Ballyhass is located 2km outside the village of Cecilstown. It is important to note that many satellite navigation systems will take you in the wrong direction at the very end, so we advise following the signposts once you reach the village.

What are the facilities like on-site? Our Mallow center is a 36-acre site with two crystal-clear spring-fed lakes, ideal for all our water-based training. We have changing rooms and toilet facilities available. There is a small café on-site that provides snacks and hot drinks.

What should I bring? For any water-based courses, we recommend bringing swimwear, a towel, and a warm change of clothes. For land-based courses, comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is best. All specialist safety equipment will be provided.

About the Courses

Do I need my own equipment? No, you do not. All necessary training equipment, including wetsuits, buoyancy aids, and paddles, is provided for the duration of the course. You will be responsible for your own personal clothing.

Are there any prerequisites for the courses? Prerequisites vary by course. For example, some instructor courses require prior personal experience or a basic level of proficiency. Please check the specific course description for details on any required prior experience or awards.

What is the course capacity? To ensure a high standard of training and hands-on learning, we limit the number of participants on each course. If your group is larger than the capacity, we can arrange for training to be split across multiple days.

Are your certifications internationally recognized? Our certifications from governing bodies like PaddleUK, ERCA, and RLSS are highly respected and widely recognized both in Ireland and internationally, giving you a strong foundation for a career anywhere in the world.