Cornwall Water Sports

Meet The Team

Steve Kirk

Steve Kirk

Back in the 1980s Steve was very much a part of the evolution of the sport of Windsurfing, the call of the wind and waves would see him traveling the globe in search of the best conditions, from Australia, Barbados, Maui, to the outer Hebridean islands of Tyree.

Most weekends he could be found riding the waves in Rhosneigr, a favourite venue for the windsurfers based in the midlands. As many surfers migrated to the call of the wind his experience on a surfboard held him in good stead for the evolution of the sport.

Outdoor pursuits and especially water-based activities have figured very much in the agenda for Steve over the years. During his time owning and running the outdoor centre he acquired many qualifications essential for the running of his business. From beach lifeguard to Sea Kayak instructor to SUP instructor and Coach. Recognised by the British Canoeing and BSUPA as a qualified coach for the last 10 years he has been teaching outdoor Instructors to qualify as SUP instructors so has acquired a wealth of knowledge and understanding of not only what is considered best practice but also of what makes a good product.

This background has provided the perfect platform for him to help and guide customers wanting to embark on the water, providing advice and guidance and support.

His passion is very much SUP these days. “In the eighties, the boom sport was Windsurfing. To have been part of this sport at the beginning and to see it grew was a truly a privilege. Now we have SUP. This sport is growing at such a rapid pace giving so many people the opportunity to get on the water like never before and it’s great to be a part of this new and exciting sport”.

 

Lesley Kirk

During the eighties Lesley was working as a nurse, she developed a very successful career which culminated in her becoming a hospital manager in the private sector. In 2002 she embarked on a new adventure, moving the family to Cornwall to develop and manage the Outdoor centre which was to be her focus for the next 18 years. During this time, she developed a passion for the outdoors and working with the team of instructors providing a first rate service to the resident groups.

Today she adds invaluable organisational knowledge and management to the business. Her knowledge of products that have been used in the centre has certainly provided a great foundation from which to build. If she isn’t talking to customers on the shop floor you can probably find her in the office organising and sourcing new products and stock to be delivered.

 

Tom Kirk

In 2002 Tom moved to Cornwall with his family. Even at a very young age he would be on or in the water at one of Cornwall’s great beaches. If he wasn’t on the water surfing, he would be on his skateboard developing his skills.

Leading on from the skateboarding, he went on to develop a passion for skiing, particularly snowboarding, taking his first independent trip to the Swiss Alps at the age of just 16!

Growing up in an activity centre gave him lots of opportunities to be involved in a variety of sports from climbing to kayaking but his passion was, and continues to be, Surfing. Most mornings before opening the shop he can be found at Polzeath, Harlyn or Watergate testing new boards and understanding what makes not only a good surfboard but a great one or just having a blast on one of his own many boards.

To Tom selling surf boards is not a job, it is a vocation; he is passionate about the sport, its products and the people who share this love for the Sea. This enthusiasm, energy and surfing pedigree provides him with the perfect background to help and guide those that need advice to ensure they get the best board to suit their ability and experience.