The people behind your experience
One Academy. The right people for each day.
From your first enquiry to the final review, responsibilities are clear. Ant coordinates the experience; appropriately qualified coaches lead the paddling.
Who looks after what
Consistent support without pretending one person does everything.
Sea Kayak Academy is one organisation with deliberately shared responsibilities. You have a clear office contact before the activity and a coach selected for the activity, group and expected environment.
Ant coordinates the experience
Ant leads the business and remains the central contact for customers and coaches.
- Course-choice guidance and enquiries
- Bookings, payment and joining information
- Equipment, accommodation and practical arrangements
- Matching the activity with suitable coach availability
Your appointed coach leads the paddling
The coach checks the group and conditions, confirms the most useful plan and delivers within the remit of their Paddle UK qualifications.
- Group and individual needs
- Weather, tides and venue choice
- Appropriate challenge and coaching
- Review, feedback and next steps
Core team
People you are likely to encounter.
These are central members of the Academy, but a particular name is not promised for every course. Coach selection depends on the activity, dates, qualifications and conditions.
Ant Goddard
Founder & Managing Director
Founded Sea Kayak Academy in 2012
Based at New Holmus Farm, Pembrokeshire
Ant built the Academy from years spent paddling, coaching and helping people discover the Pembrokeshire coast. That experience now shapes the judgement behind the programme, the equipment and the way customers are looked after.
Ant no longer regularly coaches on the water. He leads the business, helps customers choose well and coordinates the people and practical details behind each experience.
Ian Jennings
Head Coach
Paddle UK Advanced Water Sea Kayak Coach
Paddle UK White Water Coach
Ian brings advanced-water, leadership and international paddling experience to the Academy. Calm, analytical and quietly demanding, he helps paddlers connect technique with judgement rather than simply collect isolated skills.
Ian contributes to suitable courses, leadership development and advanced programmes when his availability, remit and the needs of the group align.
Amy Jennings
Sea Kayak Coach
Paddle UK Sea Kayak Coach
Paddle UK She Paddles Coach Ambassador
Amy brings thoughtful, highly individual coaching that helps paddlers relax, understand what they are feeling and build genuine confidence. She was selected as a She Paddles Cymru Coach Ambassador, recognising her contribution to making paddling more welcoming and accessible.
Amy plays an important role in women’s programmes and sea kayak development, bringing warmth and clarity without lowering the challenge.
A wider trusted team
Selected specialists, not an anonymous coach pool.
Specialist courses, assessments and busy periods require different expertise. The Academy draws on a close network of trusted coaches and assessors chosen for the responsibility involved and their fit with the Academy’s shared approach.
Right for the activity
Selection begins with the course, environment, group and responsibility, not simply who is free.
Within qualification remit
Every appointment is made around current Paddle UK qualifications, remit and the expected operating environment.
Properly briefed and supported
Customer information and practical coordination come through the Academy so coaches can concentrate on thoughtful delivery.
What stays consistent
Different coaches. One Academy approach.
The personality and emphasis may vary, but the standards behind the experience should feel recognisably Sea Kayak Academy.
Capability over box-ticking
Skills are connected to understanding, judgement and what you can use beyond the course.
Conditions used thoughtfully
Venue and activity choices respond to the group, learning aims, weather and tides.
Honest, supportive feedback
Appropriate challenge, useful reflection and clear next steps without unnecessary pressure.