Dave Phillips

What is your job and briefly what does it involve? I’m an outdoor professional who works for Swansea City Council as their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award manager based out of the Gower Activity Centre’s. I spend my time delivering training, managing development projects and out on expedition training programmes. I’m also a Jedi at straightening tent pegs!       

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself? Loves to laugh!

What is your favorite & best stuff: food/music/interests/weekend/movie? Food: A quality pizza accompanied by a pint of Peroni. Verdi’s Icecream in Mumbles or Mum’s Pavlova when I’m visiting. Plus I love good coffee! Music: A real random mix of noise including Pop, Punk, Metal and Film Scores. Interests: The great outdoors… Weekend: Going off on adventures with my wife in our campervan. Movies: There are too many but here’s a few: Everything StarWars & Star Trek, The Matrix, Avatar, The Dark Knight, Aliens, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Point Break, Top Gun, Last of the Mohicans, The Big Blue, Transformers the Movie (1986), Most things Marvel, I could go on…      

What does sea kayaking offer you? -       An opportunity to unplug from “the Matrix” and find a greater sense of peacefulness and inner quiet. -       Exposure to physical and cerebrally challenging experiences. -       Shared adventures with great people in beautiful environments with hopefully lots of laughter and smiling! -       A never ending journey for learning and continual improvement. -       Being on the sea and witnessing nature.                    

What have you achieved, to date through paddling with Coastal Spirit? I first met Roger in September 2016 on the Coastal Spirit - 5 day, 5 Star (Advanced Sea Leader) & Open Water Navigation & Tidal Planning training course. It was also my first time paddling on Anglesey and I’d happily admit that it was the best sea kayak training course I’ve ever completed in the 14 years I’ve been paddling. I then completed an Advanced Surf/Tiderace paddling weekend in April 2017 further consolidating and refining skills learnt and developed from the previous September.

I was back again in June 17 observing/assisting on an Intermediate Plus course as part of my 5 star development plan and mentoring programme Roger offers. In terms of how I feel my own paddling development has improved over that period I would conservatively describe it as exponential. Every aspect of my paddling has taken significant steps forward; Roger’s developmental, observational and analytical approach has both nurtured and challenged me to become more confident, competent and relaxed when out on the water.

It was from Roger’s suggestion and inspiration whilst sat out on the sunny terrace of the pub during the Intermediate Plus debrief; that the day after I completed my first solo paddle out to the Skerries on a big spring tide! I can say with the utmost sincerity that I was only able to plan for, execute and complete that journey because of the skills and knowledge I have gained from attending the above courses with Roger and Coastal Spirit!         

What are you looking forward to and where would you most like to paddle next? Hopefully in the relative short term: The Nab Tower (Solent) -       Portland (Dorset) -       Loads more Anglesey paddling with more solo trips. -       Loads more Pembrokeshire paddling with more solo trips. -       The Eddystone Lighthouse (Devon) In the slightly longer term I’d love to: -       Paddle out to, around and back from Lundy. -       Scotland particularly Skye. -       An Irish Sea Crossing. -      

The Lofoten Islands look enchanting!   If I maintain my current momentum and progression I’m really excited about and looking forward to booking my 5 Star Assessment on Anglesey! I really want to make a start towards my paddle coaching quals as well!

Why Coastal Spirit? If you appreciate quality, delivered by a professional, knowledgeable, inspiring, passionate and incredibly experienced coach. With a personalised and accessible approach to meet all your sea kayaking needs and you’re willing to put the effort in then you need look no further!

Choose 3 words to sum up your time with Coastal Spirit? Life Changingly Awesome!