Despite hammering hail, whipping winds and relentless rain, six determined students are now qualified windsurf instructors.

The five day RYA Start Windsurf course was run at South West Lakes Activity Centre in Stithians, which works in partnership with Falmouth Marine School on the delivery of its watersports instructor courses.

Student Rebekah Hosking, 17, who previously went to Mullion School, said: “It was bitterly cold but worth it to gain the qualification. I can now work in the UK and abroad teaching windsurfing.”

The students completed the pre-requisite powerboat level two and first aid course before they could do the instructors course.

Demi Fuller, previously from Penryn College, said: “It’s fantastic that I’m gaining so many internationally recognised qualifications."

Course manager, Hannah Mason, said it was “perfect timing” for the students with the college’s annual industry day event coming up in the next few weeks.

“They will be able to speak with potential employers and apply for job roles on the day as they have the qualifications needed,” she added.

One student who will be taking full advantage of the event is Tom Tripconey who secured summer employment with Voyager in France last summer after being interviewed at industry day. He said gaining the qualification “is the next step in my career" and added: “I am hoping to get a job with Ocean Elements or Neilson in Greece next summer.

“They will both be at the college's industry day and now I have another qualification under my belt and some work experience I’m very hopeful.”

Head of college, Justin Olosunde said that despite the bitter wind and freezing conditions the feedback from the students was "fantastic," adding: “They all enjoyed the week and were all really pleased to have gained the qualification."