About us

We're passionate about providing you with a fun, safe and unforgettable paddling experience. We hold up-to-date qualifications from the National Governing Bodies, we are a Paddle UK Delivery Partner, AALA License Holder, and members of the Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter Group. With a base on the Milford Haven Estuary, and licensed to operate from Tenby South Beach, we run trips and courses all around the Pembrokeshire coast and islands.

Matt Bishop

Director and Co-founder

Matt is a former school teacher who has worked in the outdoor industry for over 30 years, teaching rock climbing, paddlesports and sailing. He passed his Advanced Whitewater Leadership in the French Alps and his Advanced Sea Kayak Leadership in the tide races of Anglesey. He is currently a Director and Technical Advisor for several outdoor activity centres and loves sharing his passion for sea kayaking with newcomers to the sport. Matt's paddlesport qualifications include:

Advanced Sea Kayak Leader
Advanced White Water Leader
Sea Kayak Coach
SUP Coastal Leader

Jon East

Director and Co-founder

Jon is a former business consultant and musician who developed his love of paddlesports as a way of keeping fit outdoors, and finding an escape from the computer screen. He quickly found his way to sea kayaking and whitewater kayaking, and before long it was taking over his life! Qualified in both kayaking and paddleboarding, Jon loves to share his enthusiasm, skills and knowledge with everyone he paddles with. Jon's paddlesport qualifications include:

Sea Kayak Leader (tidal)
SUP Coastal Leader
Sheltered Water Kayak Coach
Sheltered Water SUP Coach

In addition we both hold:

Enhanced DBS certification
Safeguarding & Protecting Children certification (UK Coaching)
Level 3 Award in Outdoor First Aid

Paddle UK Delivery Partner

Paddle UK is the national governing body for paddlesports. As a delivery partner, amongst other things, we agree to a Charter which includes our:

Commitment to offer quality paddlesport experiences
Implementation of safe systems of operation
Having appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures
Commitment to regular review and continual improvement processes
Delivery of the Paddle UK Personal Performance Awards
Holding relevant Paddle UK Coaching or Leadership qualifications
Commitment to staff engaging in Paddle UK qualifications
Commitment to be considerate of the environment
Pledge to social responsibility

AALA License Holder

AALA is the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority, operated by the UK Government Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The aim of the licensing scheme is to give assurance that good safety management practice is being followed, and a license is required by law for those providing chargeable activities to under-18s.

Paddle Pembrokeshire Ltd is licensed to provide adventure activities as specified in the Activity Centres (Young Persons) Safety Act 1995 and the Adventure Activities Licensing Regulations 2004 - specifically, our license is for kayaking and stand up paddleboarding (not including foiling).

Pembrokeshire Outdoor Charter Group Member

The Outdoor Charter Group promotes the sustainable use of Pembrokeshire’s landscapes for recreational and leisure activities.

The aim of the Charter is to ensure that adventurous activities do not negatively impact on Pembrokeshire’s beautiful coastline, local communities and the wide variety of wildlife that call the area ‘home’.

As members, we agree to operate to an established framework which supports these aims.