Featured Paddler Nick Ray from Life a float

Paul Cokeley received a Surge play sea Kayak off me back in 2021 at the time only one of six to have one and iv had the pleasure of watching him over the years paddling it, he has also recently  successfully passed his British Canoeing Sea Kayak Leader assessment 2023. Congratulations to him on this achievement! He has also passed his British Canoeing Advanced Sea Kayak Leader assessment 2024, showcasing his skills as a sea kayaker and Surge Play enthusiast.  

Paul  a skilled sea kayaker, showcased his expertise during a sea kayak event in Anglesey when i had the opportunity to meet and paddle with him. He navigated the waves with finesse while sea kayaking in the surge play, demonstrating his agility and control on the water. Paddling alongside Paul was an unforgettable experience, as his prowess and passion for sea kayaking were truly inspiring. Paul's dedication to the sport and his expert handling of the sea kayak made for an exciting and memorable outing.

The Surge play suits Paul so well, his style of sea kayaking along the cliffs of Pembrokeshire, and coastline of wales, where they have the famous Bitches over flows and tide race, as well as some very exciting surf beaches makes the Surge play perfect for him, super stoked to have Paul in the Surge Play crew 

 Ste Watt, the renowned sea kayaker and owner of Manx Paddle Sports, is a true legend in the world of kayaking. With years of experience under his belt, Ste has trained numerous paddlers and has paddled all or most  of the kayaks I have made, giving me valuable feedback on design changes, advise and how my kayaks handle over the years, and also by showcasing his expertise and passion for the sport.

As an advanced sea kayak leader, Ste has led countless expeditions and events all over the world, from the rugged coastlines of the Isle of Man to the tranquil waters of Norway, Scotland, wales and England to name but a few, His skill and knowledge of the sea are unmatched, making him a valuable resource for both beginners and seasoned paddlers alike.

But Ste's love for kayaking goes beyond just leading expeditions - it's a true passion that runs deep in his veins. From the moment he first picked up a paddle, Ste knew that kayaking would be a lifelong journey for him.

One of Ste's greatest joys is teaching others how to kayak. From complete beginners to experienced paddlers looking to improve their skills, Ste has a way of connecting with his students and helping them unlock their full potential on the water. His patience and encouragement make him a favorite among those looking to learn the art of kayaking, as a teacher he was also a D of E provider and has seen many student through the program.

And it's not just about technique for Ste - it's about instilling a deep respect and appreciation for the ocean and the environment. He teaches his students the importance of conservation and preservation, urging them to always leave the waters and beaches cleaner than they found them.

Despite his many accomplishments and accolades, Ste remains humble and grounded, always willing to lend a hand or offer advice to those in need. His generosity and kindness are just as legendary as his kayaking skills, making him a beloved figure in the paddling community.

He has also paddled and circumnavigated the Isle of Man escorting swimmers planning and managing some of the fastest sea  swimmer times on record, and Ste is grateful for every moment he gets to spend out on the water.

So here's to Ste Watt, the man, the myth, the legend - may his passion for kayaking continue to inspire and uplift all those who have the privilege of paddling alongside him. And may his legacy live on for generations to come, a shining example of what it means to truly love and respect the power of the sea. 

Amy Goolden, a sea kayak leader, coach, and guide, operates along much of the UK coastline, primarily focusing her efforts in Pembrokeshire through her work with Mike Mayberry Sea Kayaking and her own company, Tidal Zone Sea Kayaking. As an ambassador for women's sea kayaking, she is dedicated to promoting female participation in the sport. Additionally, Amy organizes sea kayaking festivals featuring some of the UK's top female coaches and leaders, under the themes of The Salty Sea Birds and The Salty Sea Dogs, which continue to gain popularity each year.

Amy's enthusiasm for sea kayaking has inspired her to undertake an open ocean crossing from Whitesands, Wales, to Rosslare, Ireland, in September 2023, alongside Mike Mayberry. In addition to this significant journey, she has participated in various trips, including paddling to the Smalls  Grassholm. 

Renowned globally for her exquisite wave hats, Amy has raised thousands of pounds for the RNLI over the years, meticulously crafting each hat. Furthermore, she organizes the annual Hatty Regatta in October, where volunteer coaches contribute their time to maximize fundraising efforts for the RNLI. Participation is open to all individuals wearing hats, allowing them to enjoy a rewarding weekend alongside fellow paddlers. Attendees will acquire numerous skills from the dedicated coaches who generously volunteer their time to provide assistance. 

Amy is an absolutely delightful person, and her enthusiasm for sea kayaking is infectious, touching everyone around her. She's truly a Salty Sea Bird! Recently, I had the joy of creating her Surge Play sea kayak, featuring a wave hat theme that perfectly complements her beautiful hat on the deck. I'm excited to see the adventures she embarks on with her new kayak. Below, you'll find some footage of the launch of the hat-themed Surge Play, along with videos and photos from her other adventures.