On January 3rd, 2023, the Water Skills Academy came under new ownership, with founding members Ben Longhurst and Chris Rea also stepping down from the organisation's management.
Since 2014, Ben and Chris have built the WSA into the organisation you know today. With a founding ethos of bringing something new to watersports education, the WSA has become one of the most forward-thinking and leading providers in the sector. Environmental and safety awareness is at the heart of everything the WSA does while continuing to deliver the most popular watersport courses and qualifications under one umbrella.
Ben and Chris felt the time was right for them to step down from the business and allow the WSA to grow under new leadership and energy. They are enormously proud of what the WSA has become and thank everyone for their support.
Ben has embarked on a new venture taking his experience in outdoor adventure to Roam West in Scotland, combining his love for the outdoors with a base for adventures to begin at the former Inchree and Four Seasons Pub and Restaurant. Chris now spends his time split between New Zealand and his childhood home of Harlyn in the UK. Harlyn Surf School has long been established as Cornwall’s premier surf school, offering lessons, beach safety and more. Chris is working on new opportunities in New Zealand, where he spends most of the year.
The Acquisition & Handover Period
The sale of the WSA was initiated after discussions were held between Ben, Chris and the new Managing Director, Scott Warren. Scott presented his ideas for taking the WSA forward and a route to purchase the WSA. After agreeing on this direction with Ben and Chris, Scott approached TigerX Ventures Limited to assist in purchasing the WSA.
TigerX Ventures Limited is a venture capital company owned and operated by Adrian Soper, who has a background in acquiring and guiding small organisations through periods of change and growth. Having previously worked with Scott, Adrian agreed to the plans he presented and reached an agreement in late 2022.
Following the sale completion on January 3rd, 2023, Ben and Chris are working with the new owners to ensure a smooth transition across 60 days. Beyond this, they have agreed to remain advisors to the business and will continue their roles as Trainers.
The Water Skills Academy remains a business entity in its own right, with current Operations Manager Dan Willmore remaining in the post alongside the new Managing Director, Scott.
Who are the new owners?
Whilst Adrian has a background in acquisitions and the professional sector, he is a very keen sportsperson and an avid paddleboarder. Alongside his participation in SUP, Adrian is also involved in the GBSUP National Series as Managing Director, helping to shape and run the organisation as the leading competitive event organiser in the UK SUP scene.
Adrian Soper
Adrian is Chair of the Board and will be focused on the back-office operations of the WSA.
Scott joins as Managing Director of the WSA, focusing on moving the organisation forward. With a career built in the sports sector, Scott brings various skills and knowledge from his experience in coaching, brand management, club management, retail and distribution. Outside of his career, Scott is also a keen SUP surfer and competitive paddler and continues to coach across the UK.
Scott Warren
Scott is also involved with GBSUP as Events Director, where he has reshaped the national series' delivery, safety and competitive elements. Scott and Adrian have been working on GBSUP for the past 18 months.
What does this mean for the WSA and our Members?
One of the deciding factors in Ben and Chris agreeing to the sale was the intention set out by Scott to continue on the path the WSA is on. First and foremost, the goal is to maintain the WSA and what it stands for. Both Scott and Adrian believe in the WSA ethos and very much want that to continue. They value the network that's behind the brand and every one of the WSA supporters. The current offerings and membership remain in place, as does our professional and recreational insurance.
The current terms and conditions remain for anyone with membership or insurance through the WSA.
What does the future hold for the WSA?
Whilst it is business as usual in the short term, Scott has set out a plan for growth in the future. The foundations of the WSA as an education provider delivering recreational and professional courses will always be at the organisation's heart. It's upon these foundations that Scott hopes to steer WSA bringing in new courses, qualifications and disciplines across our sports. After establishing successful partnerships with our providers in Ireland, Crete, Sweden and Nepal, we also have ambitions to grow the WSA internationally.
Another area of focus is our membership benefits. We are looking to add to our offerings and ensure the WSA remains at the forefront of our sector. We see a huge value in our Trainers and Ambassadors network, which are leaders in their fields. We will continue to host the SUP Symposium as a key event in the UK industry calendar for both professional and recreational paddlers.
Our SUP holidays and guided trips have been a great success. With our expert guides leading them, they are the complete offering for the adventure market. We will continue to develop our holidays and are looking to expand our offerings to new places and other disciplines.
A note from Scott, Adrian and Dan
We thank you for your support during this transition, and we look forward to the future with you and the WSA.