As you may have heard, Surfing England is currently in the process of refreshing our coaching awards and qualifications. Find out more here.
The aim: to provide more opportunities for coaches to progress and diversify surf coaching in England.
Recently Surfing England advertised voluntary roles www.surfingengland.org/members-for-technical-panel/ for applicants to come forward and join our new Technical Panel. Amongst everyone that applied, a small selection of experts in the coaching industry have been chosen to form our formal panel headed up by Nick Moffatt – Surfing England’s Coaching and Qualifications Lead.
These technical experts crucially help inform, steer and provide critical review as we develop the new coaching awards. They are here to very practically help shape the future of surf coaching in England. This team will be working closely together over the next months and beyond to shape the future of Surfing England’s new coaching awards. So who is in this team and where have they come from?
Cyril Cox Big Blue Surf School Bude Owner / Manager
Based in Bude
Cyril started out his coaching journey being a part of Big Blue Surf School’s junior surf program, which inspired him to have a go at surf coaching. He was later offered a job at Big Blue, and after working there for consecutive years, Cyril took over the Surf School at age 19. Cyril offers coaching to a variety of standards, from beginners to experienced surfers. He is trained in Autism and Mental Health awareness and is also qualified to coach Adaptive surfing.
Jack Patching Surf South West
Based in Croyde.
Jack is originally from London but has been hooked on surfing ever since visiting North Devon with his family as a child. He began surf instructing with Surf South West in 2015 and has been coaching there ever since. He is experienced and a qualified instructor across Lifesaving, Surfing, Adaptive Surfing and SUP disciplines. Jack is also a keen traveler, and has visited and surf coached in Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand to name a few.
Jenny Briant Manager/Head Coach Fistral Beach Surf School
Based in Newquay.
Jenny brings a lot to the panel as the manager of Fistral Beach Surf School and as an international competitor in surfing, having represented the country at WSL Longboard events. Her enthusiasm for surf coaching is supported by a degree in Sports and Exercise science with a particular focus on Sport Psychology.
Jess Cook Activity Alliance – Strategic Partnerships advisor.
Based in South East
Jess comes from a swimming background having competed at both European and World championships. Jess brings to the panel a wide range of knowledge working alongside NGBs ensuring there is a focus on inclusivity. She has also worked in the past with National Disability Charities supporting better links between sport, physical activity and disabled people.
John Ellis Surf South West owner
Based in Croyde.
John studied Sport science at University and then moved to North Devon to work at the Surf South West school in 2005, which he now runs. John has been heavily involved with the ISA and Surfing England as a course presenter of surfing coach qualifications and used to coach the British Junior Surfing team. He is also a trainer and assessor for lifesaving awards.
Gary King Owner operator of Woolacombe surf centre since 2011
Based in Woolacombe.
Gary is the owner of Woolacombe surf centre and holds over 17 years of surf coaching experience. He is also trained in Adaptive coaching and is an experienced surf Judge, which he applies to use at the surf centre daily. Gary also holds a Law & Business degree, and is qualified to instruct various other water sports; coasteering, kayaking and SUP.
Nick Moffatt Coaching & Qualifications Lead Surfing England
Based in Bristol.
Responsible for leading the development of new surf coach qualifications at Surfing England, Nick also ensures that the coaching pathway in place in England is one that is open, inclusive and progressive.
Nick’s experience in the industry is vast, having instructed, coached, and managed teams and centres in the sports of surfing, rowing, swimming and windsurfing, both in England and abroad.
Nick also brings a wealth of knowledge from years of teaching in schools and strength & conditioning coaching.
Look out on our socials and website for more updates on the technical panel’s amazing work. We are so excited to see the new qualifications come into action over the coming year!
For more information, please get in contact with Nick Moffatt, nick@surfingengland.org
