OUR STORY

It started with a conversation in a van, we were doing a shuttle at the start of a kayaking trip in Pembrokeshire one beautiful sunny day. Matt had been kayaking since childhood and was organising the trip. Jon had discovered kayaking as an adult, and was looking for a change of lifestyle. We were both salty enough to know that paddling on the sea was good for mind, body and soul!

Fast forward 18 months and Paddle Pembrokeshire was formed. Our mission is to share our knowledge and passion for the Pembrokeshire Coast and Islands, and provide fun, safe and unforgettable paddling experiences for all our customers.

We have a base on the Milford Haven estuary but operate across the county, particularly the South and West coast.

Paddle Pembrokeshire van with sunset in background

Meet the Team

We're passionate about providing you with a fun, safe and unforgettable experience. We hold up to date qualifications from the National Governing Bodies (Paddle Cymru and Paddle UK) and undertake regular training.

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 North Wales, 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 eventually saw the light and became a qualified Sea Kayak Leader and SUP Coastal Leader.

Jon is trained in and practices the Wim Hof Method, and his experience with breathing techniques and cold water environments brings a unique angle to his coaching. Jon's paddlesport qualifications include:

Sea Kayak Leader
SUP Coastal Leader
Sheltered Water Kayak Coach
Sheltered Water SUP Coach

In addition we both hold:

Enhanced DBS certification
Safeguarding and Protecting Children certification from 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).