# Taxpayer-Funded Surfing Lessons Bournemouth and Poole College Initiate Controversial Course By jodie anderson | Published 2009-03-01 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taxpayer-funded-surfing-lessons References: [trendhunter](http://www.trendhunter.com/jjjodiez) & [sbs.au](http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1009810/Swell-of-controversy-over-UK-surf-course) Now there's really no excuse not to go pro surfing if you live in the UK: A two-year taxpayer-funded surfing course will teach students how to surf, and is targeting beginners. The course is currently being offered by Bournemouth and Poole College. Over the two-year period, students will commit two days a week, and they must continue surfing throughout winter. Those who complete the course will receive a [BTEC](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enigmaz) national certificate in sport (outdoor activities). **Implications** - The controversy surrounding the surfing course comes from educational elites who believe the education system is devalued by classes like this. The chairman of the [Campaign for Real Education](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-cheese-chips) spoke out against the course, claiming that this genre of education has no place in a college intended to further learning. He adds that it is simply an effort to make money by getting more people in seats. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.3/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 18% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Taxpayer-funded Surfing Courses:** Opportunity for colleges and educational institutions to offer specialized courses funded by taxpayers that cater to niche sports and recreational activities. - **Outdoor Adventure Education:** Growth potential for outdoor adventure education programs to provide students with experiential learning opportunities in a range of outdoor activities. - **Diversification of College Curriculum:** Colleges can explore expanding their course offerings beyond traditional academic subjects to include practical and recreational courses that appeal to a wider range of students. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Education:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for educational institutions to innovate their course offerings and cater to the evolving needs and interests of students. - **Sports and Recreation:** Potential for growth in the sports and recreation industry by offering specialized courses and programs that attract individuals interested in niche activities. - **Tourism and Travel:** Opportunity for tourism and travel industry to collaborate with educational institutions and offer experiential learning opportunities, such as surfing courses, that attract tourists and students alike. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Educational Esports Courses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enigmaz.md) - [Educational Esports BTEC Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minervas-virtual-academy.md) - [Esports BTEC Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/belong-gaming.md) - [Surfboard Delivery Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surfboard-delivery-service.md) - [Safety-Focused Jet Ski Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/responsible-rider.md) - [Scottish Esports Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dundee-and-angus.md) - [Beer Brand Bursaries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pilsner-tuition-tab.md) - [Rideable Sandcastle Courses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rideable-sandcastle-course.md) - [Educational Esports Qualifications](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esports-wales.md)