Ski Boat Driver Courses
The Ski Boat Driver courses are formal proof of your level of driving ability, and will give you a recognised qualification to join a private boat owners watersports club, or work for a ski school or watersports centre in the UK.
Additionally take together with the ICC to work a season abroad at a holiday resort.
Beginner Boat Driver Lessons
If it’s your first time driving a boat, or you want to gain experience towing skiers and other watersports, these lessons will build your confidence in a safe and calm environment, with an experienced expert.
Lessons are available for any level of experience, working towards taking an SBD2 course, or tailored to your individual needs.
Beginner lessons will give you knowledge about the boat controls and safety features of boats covered in the SBD2 course, practice performing slow speed manoeuvers, and practice driving waterskiers or wakeboarders.
Lessons are all practical and 1:1 to give you maximum time on the water.
1x 1 hour lesson = £80 I 3x 1 hour lessons = £210
Ski Boat Driver Level 1 (SBD1)
The Ski Boat Driver Level 1 is a limited qualification, covering only the basics of boat controls and towing skiers or boarders. It is designed to prepare drivers for a basic assessment required to join certain boat owner clubs.
Length of course: Half day I Price of course: £150
Before enrolment:
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Be aged 16 years or over
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Be a member of British Water Ski & Wakeboard
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Have experience driving a boat and towing skiers, or arranged to have practical lessons
Ski Boat Driver Level 2 (SBD2)
The Ski Boat Driver Level 2 is widely considered as the minimum qualification and standard of competence required to join most watersports clubs across the UK.
The SBD2 course is half theory, half practical. The theory consists of a powerpoint presentation, followed by a multiple choice written assessment. The practical consists of demonstration of the manoeuvres required, familiarisation of the boat and lake, practice performing slow speed manoeuvres, and practice towing a skier or boarder, followed by a scenario based practical assessment.
The course will enable participants to safely and confidently tow waterskiers and other watersports, and manoeuvre a boat around a skier and tow line in the water, in close proximity.
Length of course: 1 day I Price of course: £250
Before enrolment:
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Be aged 16 years or over
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Be a member of British Water Ski & Wakeboard
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Have experience driving a boat and towing skiers, or arranged to have practical lessons
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Read SBD2 Student Handout
International Certificate of Competence (ICC)
The ICC is the European counterpart to the SBD2 qualification. It is proof of competence to tow watersports in international waters.
It is required by many countries across Europe to work as a watersports instructor, or hire a speed boat.
Length of course: 1 hour I Price of course: £40
Ski Boat Driver Level 3 (SBD3)
The Ski Boat Driver Level 3 qualification demonstrates a higher ability for drivers wanting to progress to work at a watersports ski school, or competition driving.
The course involves driving beginner skiers and boarders using a beginner boom, and the ability and understanding to drive intermediate waterskiing, wakeboarding, and mono skiing.
The course content is in line with the UKCC Waterski & Wakeboard instructor qualification, and can also be tailored towards slalom driving, or other specialities.
Before enrolment:
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Be aged 16 years or over
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Be a member of British Water Ski & Wakeboard
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Have completed the Ski Boat Driver Level 2 qualification