WithDave – Who We Are

WithDave is built on a simple belief: people learn best when they feel supported, understood and valued. We create calm, purposeful paddling experiences for anyone who wants to grow their skills, deepen their confidence and enjoy meaningful time on the water. Our approach is grounded in professionalism, care and a genuine respect for the individuals we work with.

We’re a small, family‑run team shaped by trust, experience and long‑standing relationships. Sarah leads the day‑to‑day operation with clarity and compassion, ensuring every course and journey runs smoothly. Dave brings the experience and steady vision that guide the direction of the business, helping us stay true to our values. John, our Senior Coach & Trusted Advisor, plays a central role in shaping our coaching approach and maintaining the high standards we’re known for. Alongside us is a close‑knit group of coaches who share the same commitment to thoughtful, people‑centred delivery — and Charlie, our support dog, who brings calm and comfort wherever he goes.

How We Work

Our approach is simple: people come first. We believe great coaching is built on trust, clarity and genuine care — the kind that helps people feel safe enough to challenge themselves and supported enough to grow. Every decision we make, from group size to course design, is shaped by this commitment.

We keep things calm, personal and purposeful. No noise. No pressure. No conveyor belts. Just thoughtful coaching, meaningful journeys and a team who genuinely want the best for the people in front of them.

It’s this approach that shapes our work — and it’s this team that brings it to life.

Meet the Team

We’re a small, close‑knit team who believe that coaching is about people, not just paddling. Sarah leads the day‑to‑day with clarity and compassion. Dave brings the experience and steady vision that guide the bigger picture. John, our Senior Coach & Trusted Advisor, helps shape our coaching approach and maintain the high standards we’re known for. Alongside them is a group of coaches we trust deeply — people who share our values and bring warmth, professionalism and calm to every session.

And then there’s Charlie, our support dog, who quietly reminds us what calm really looks like.

Each coach brings something unique to our team. Explore their stories below.