SEA KAYAK DORSET - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Co Founder
- Co Founder & Coach
Ben has Irish origins but grew up in the adventure playground of the far North of Scotland. He started kayaking seriously in 1993 and has led many exciting expeditions around the world, from an unsupported kayak crossing of the Irish Sea to wilderness journeys on extreme white water rivers in the Himalayas. Ben has worked year round, full time, as an outdoor leader/coach since 1997 and holds the highest British leader qualification in both sea and river kayak.
Ben grew up on the sea and is also a sailing instructor and holds a commercial boat masters licence. He spent 10 years running a survival training centre on a remote uninhabited island in the north west of Scotland teaching people how to live off the land as well as kayaking, mountaineering and expedition skills.
During the winter months he runs a ski school (Momentum Snowsports) in the famous French resort of Courchevel, he also holds the highest level of ski instructor qualification.
He has a fun and friendly character and an infectious enthusiasm for the great outdoors!
David is a British Canoeing qualified Sea Kayak Leader with a passion for exploring the outdoors.
In his spare time David loves nothing better than ocean whitewater kayaking, playing in tide races and surfing in sea kayaks.
When he's not in his kayak David also enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing and snowboarding.
Job Titles:
- Freelance Coach & Guide
- Freelance Instructor & Guide
James was born in Torbay and grew up exploring the diverse coastline, varied rivers and rugged moorland that the area has to offer.
His kayaking adventures, over the last 20 years, have led him to France, Italy, New Zealand, and most parts of the UK, including the Isles of Scilly, North Wales and Scotland.
He has also paddled the entire Devon and Cornish coastline, both North and South, as well as completing a solo crossing from Lands End to the Isles of Scilly.
When James is not sea kayaking, he can be found indulging in his other outdoor passions, which include; white water kayaking, climbing, surfing and coasteering.
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Founder
- Head
- Head Coach & Founder
Paul is one of the UK's top coaches and has been involved with British Canoeing for many years. He has run training courses all over the world and still loves coaching and leading on the Dorset coast where he has worked in paddlesport for the last 25 years.
Richie has enjoyed windsurfing and paddle sports around Weymouth and Portland for over 40 years. Now semi-retired from teaching Richie enjoys coaching and taking groups around the local area.
Sarah is a sea kayak leader and a 4* whitewater paddler. In addition, she has considerable experience of working with children and adults with special needs including autistic spectrum conditions and ADHD.
I am the Centre Manager of Sea Kayak Dorset's sister centre Sea Kayak Devon. I am always available to support Paul with business advise.
Growing up in Devon I have a love of the outdoors, adventure and travel. Whilst working for adventure sports providers in New Zealand I found my passion in the outdoor activity industry. However UK life called me back home where I now live with my young family. When not in the office I'm enjoying the outdoor life with my husband, twin daughters and Bryn the dog.
Job Titles:
- Level 2 Coach
- Prison Service PE Manager
Tim is a former Prison Service PE Manager & Sports Lecturer. A Portland man, he has a multi-sport background, more lately specialising in ultra distance events. He has 35 yrs of Kayak Coach/Instructor experience.
Tim is a Level 2 Coach & Sea Kayak Leader. He loves kayaking Dorset's coastline & enjoys passing on skills & knowledge to others.
Being the son of Sea Kayak Dorset's head coach and founder has meant Zak has been paddling since before he could walk. Zak loves the water and coaching. He is also a keen volleyball player and drummer in a local rock band. He has paddled all over the Dorset coast & various venues in Greece.