In this episode we feature Ben Longhurst, the Technical Director of the innovative (and now extinct) UK organisation, The Water Skills Academy (WSA).
Water Skills Academy cover a number of bases … they run expeditions and SUP holidays across the world, they run SUP industry events and in person events to inspire and keep paddlers informed and they were particularly active during the initial UK lockdowns with webinars...which certainly kept morale up when we couldn't get onto the water
WSA's core mission is to offer courses to build skills and certify instructors for adventure guiding, surfing, lifesaving and a number of other specialisms. The topic of instructors isn’t something which we’ve covered before on the podcast, and while there are some clear benefits to getting coached, whatever your level, there are also real benefits to becoming an instructor, because it's fun particularly introducing people into the sport.
Ben is an experienced adventurer in his own right and we also talk about his experience descending the worlds deepest gorge in Nepal and the west coast of Scotland
In the episode we also talk about:
Sian Sykes' SUPfm Episode which is here: https://www.supfmpodcast.com/episode/circumnavigating-wales-by-sup-and-other-adventures
WSA's Lockdown Webinars here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7USWXLNQdYDnBXJZ-AkTlbFn8R6kKsp_
Check out the video of Ben's spectacular expedition in Nepal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH4Ts3XTnZg
Visit the WSA Website here : https://www.waterskillsacademy.com/
Connect with WSA on social media
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/waterskillsacademy
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/waterskillsacademy/
This episode is brought to you in association with Starboard.
Starboard has a long history in board design, with Svein Rasmussen entering the windsurfing market with innovative designs back in 1994, building the brand to become market leader within a decade. The brand was quick to recognise the huge potential of stand up paddling and while maintaining careful consideration for their environmental impact, have continuously strived to produce the best boards and paddles for all abilities.
Visit Starboard at https://sup.star-board.com/
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Our comprehensive online SUP safety course gives you the knowledge you need to keep safe on the water and all for less than the price of an hours on water tuition (£37) .
It's available here at https://supfm.thinkific.com/
See you on the water!
Mentioned in this episode:
Paddle UK and ICF World Cup 2026
Book now to take part in 2026's most exciting racing event as the ICF World Cup hits the beautiful waters of Torbay between June 24th and 28th, combining with the PaddleUK Super Festival
Book before the end of December 2025 for discounted entry
Paddle UK 2026 World Cup
Coffee And Coast
Our sponsor for this episode is Coffee And Coast.
The Dorset based coffee company has a range of delicious roasts available for individual order or on subscription so you never run out of a quality brew. Why not buy a subscription as the gift which keeps on giving!
Visit the Coffee And Coast Website
