Casting a fly rod is obviously essential to learning to fly fish and your skills as a fly caster along with your knowledge of fly fishing will be tested to a required standard. As with any sport, practice and training are essential to keep one’s skills tuned to a high level. GAIA will offer you opportunites to work in the company of your peers to achieve whatever level you desire.
In terms of our membership, we are a broad church made up of folk from various backgrounds. Some of our members work in the fly fishing industry mainly as guides, others are in the tackle business or operate solely as casting instructors. Some own, manage or work in fisheries. Others help out with juniors and local club members on a part time or voluntary basis, or are simply members who wish to keep their casting skills at the highest level and help others to do the same.
Whatever your reasons for setting out on this path you will be welcomed. However, be warned... The workload is high and you must expect to have to dedicate a lot of time to the task. Of course, you can set your own pace as to when to take assessments and your work with local groups and individual mentors will enable you to assess your progress.
What we can promise you is our commitment to see you succeed and give you all the support you need in order for you to reach your goals. The rest is down to you!
Step by step guide to becoming a GAIA Casting Instructor
Fill out the Membership enquiry form, it only takes a moment. Please note that applicants for "Junior Membership" must be between 16 and 18 years of age at time of application.
The Associate Members' Coordinator will be in touch. They'll answer any questions you may have and provide further information if needed. They offer helpful, friendly advice that will allow you to make an informed decision as to whether becoming a GAIA instructor is right for you?
Submit your formal application and pay subscription fees
Complete any necessary background checks
Your GAIA Members Website login where you can find:
Further reading
The GAIA Portfolio
All relevant Syllabi
Members' only Facebook Group access
Discover local resources
Source appropriate mentors
Start your training
Begin building your portfolio
Complete your GAIA Portfolio develop and demonstrate your knowledge of:
Safety and risk assessment requirements
Learner types and coaching techniques
Lesson planning and delivery
Monitoring and feedback
General knowledge on fishing, fly dressing and equipment
Work on your syllabus:
Get a thorough understanding of the syllabus
Develop fly dressing skills and knowledge to meet the standard
Consult with mentors and get pre-assessment check, flies will be submitted at this stage
Arrange assessment date
Final preparations
Your practical assessment will be conducted by two GAIA Assessors unassociated with your training thus far. This generally takes 2 - 3 hours. The results of the assessment are then submitted for review by the Lead Assessor to ensure consistency in standards. Should all three Assessors be in agreement of your ability to meet the required standard then you will be awarded a GAIC (Game Angling Instructor's Certificate)
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