Meet the team

Lis started at Rockley as a sailing instructor in the mid 80’s and the rest, as they say, is history….! An avid sailor and walker, you are also likely to see Lis enjoying some open water swimming (or dipping depending on which month it is!)

Qualifications: Was an RYA Instructor back in the day!

At Rockley since: Just short of a lifetime

Pip joined the team in 2003 as the first ever RYA Onboard Development officer when Rockley was chosen as the pilot centre for the scheme. She progressed on to Sales & Marketing Director and then took over as Managing Director. She is a member of the British Marine Boat Show Board and is Chair of the RYA Participation and Membership Committee.

Pip is passionate about the outdoors and and plays hockey to an exceptional standard. In 2018 she earned her place in the England over 45s hockey team and in August 2018 they came home from the World Cup in Barcelona with a silver medal!

Qualifications: RYA Dinghy Scheme Trainer; RYA Powerboat Instructor

At Rockley since: 2003

As Head of Sales and Marketing, Jack is responsible for ensuring all of Rockley's centres are bustling with lots of lovely clients, from schools to individuals and beyond. 

The life and soul of all parties, he is never happier than when dancing and singing! A big fan of skiing, he also takes looking stylish on the slopes, very seriously! He has four gorgeous daughters, loves football (not as much as his girls!) and is a huge fan of the Saints.

Qualifications: Degree in Outdoorsy Stuff

At Rockley Since: 2010

Aka 'Mini', although he has been with us for so long that we can’t remember now how he got that nickname! In charge of running the operational part of the business, he never panics, always has everything under control and has a gorgeous bull dog called Bella who is now a fixture in the office!

Qualifications: RYA Senior Dinghy Instructor; RYA Senior Windsurf Instructor, RYA Powerboat Instructor, SUP Instructor Level 1, Mountain Bike Leader Level 4

At Rockley since: 1999

It all started with a 6 week Dinghy Instructor course way back when. Fast forward many years later, Kat has been a Centre Manager in France and Poole Park and now looks after the recruitment side of the business full time. No mean feat when you consider we get thousands of applications. 

She's always a ray of light in the office, and loves nothing more than catching up with all the staff across our UK and French centres!

Qualifications: Rockley IDC graduate, RYA Senior Instructor

At Rockley since: 2009

As a former Head of Curriculum at a local sixth form college and also having worked for Pearson, our exam board, Clare brings a wealth of knowledge to the team and an overarching approach to quality. In other words, she’s super organised!

Having travelled the world as an Instructor and Ski Rep, Clare really knows and understands what the outdoor industry can bring to an individual. She lives and breathes what she preaches and describes herself as surfer, snowboarder, day dreamer, traveller, coffee lover, creative thinker and definitely one of life's positive thinkers!

Qualifications: RYA Dinghy Instructor, RYA Windsurf Instructor, PE Teacher, Hockey Coach!

At Rockley since: August 2018

Nathaniel started sailing at the age of 6 at Rockley. He moved into ABs and then toppers, where his love of racing began. Next it was 29ers, where he spent four years competing on the circuit and all over the world representing team GB.

His childhood was spent in Dorset which was followed by four years of studying and sailing in the North-West corner of the US. From the US to London for three years where he experienced the start-up world, Nathaniel is now back where it all started!

Qualifications: Oceanography Undergraduate at the University of Washington. Climate Change: Science & Policy Postgraduate at King's College London. Data Analysis in Business Data Management certified by the London School of Economics. RYA Instructor qualifications galore!

At Rockley since: September 2024

Cassy is a whizz at graphic design and has helped Rockley transform its marketing “collateral” from the home spun to the professional. She has two very gorgeous children, is half Greek / half Irish, loves camping, enjoys a shandy or rose in the summer (preferably whilst camping) and can be often seen running along the beach.

A very keen runner, her best time for a marathon is a few minutes over 3 hours 30 and ran the Bournemouth half Marathon with the Rockley Team in aid of Julia's House in 1 hour 32 mins.

Qualifications: Degree in Marketing

At Rockley since: 1999

Valerie works tirelessly to ensure that all our accounts are in order and is never found, even on the dullest day, without a smile on her face. She is the life and soul of any Rockley party and therefore was ideally placed and willing to be appointed Company Social Secretary.

She enjoys skiing and netball, can often be seen on the golf course and enjoys the odd sundowner or two on a Friday!

Qualifications: Numbers big or small

At Rockley since: 2005

Lucy is no stranger to Rockley, as her husband Jack has been with the company for years! Rockley is very much part of her family with their four young girls growing up around the water and all the activities the company has to offer! 

Lucy works alongside Val in Accounts, making them an unstoppable duo. She also assists Kat with recruiting across all of Rockley's centres. Aside from being hugely busy with her girls, Lucy still finds time to be a demon on the netball court. And if she claims not to be competitive....well that's just a lie!

At Rockley since: January 2022

Sara is probably the most travelled of the Rockley team and somewhat of an adrenaline junkie! She has cycled the most dangerous road (death road) in the world (Bolivia) and bungee jumped from the third highest drop in the world (New Zealand.) She loves the water and has a passion for diving - having enjoyed close encounters with some of the gentle giants of the sea including manta rays and whale sharks!

Qualifications: Degree in Leisure Management, PGCE in Primary, Dive Master, Power boat level 2, Competent Crew

At Rockley since: April 2016

A former Rockley College student, Courteny has a real passion for all things watersports and adventure. Her absolute favourite thing is going on long walks and hikes. Her biggest achievement has been the 10-hour climb up Mount Buffalo in Australia - the most challenging hike she has done to date!

As a real ski enthusiast, Courteny has been given the enviable task of being our 'ski expert' where she will be leading the sales of our brand new ski product. 

At Rockley since: July 2021

Before Rockley Katie was travelling around Australia and Southeast Asia. Having worked for a watersports company in Bondi, and being forced to cut her travels short due to Covid, she discovered working by the beach at Rockley Point was the next best thing! Katie looks after all the College administration and acts as a real confidant to the students.

The super power she would want to possess if she could - To breath under water!

At Rockley since: June 2021

This man has often been described as a 'Legend' or an 'Entertainer.' Affectionately known as 'Straw' but insists on being called Lord Admiral Straw, he has been with Rockley from the very start! 

He plays a key role - overseeing everything that goes on at Rockley Point, which means he is at the heart of everything that Rockley does.

Qualifications: RYA Dinghy Scheme Trainer; RYA Powerboat Trainer; 

At Rockley since: 1979

Fiona joined the Rockley Team  as an RYA Instructor whilst studying for degree in Outdoor Adventure Management at Southampton Solent university. She loved the place and the team so much that she decided, after gaining further management experience abroad, to come back  full-time!

Fiona first learnt to sail a Topper with her Grandparents when she was nine, and has loved being on the water ever since. She has worked both summers and winters in some amazing places including Greece, Turkey, Sardinia, Italy, France and Australia.

Qualifications: RYA Dinghy Scheme Trainer

At Rockley since: October 2021

Andy has been involved in the outdoors industry for the past 15 years, working for a variety of organisations, local authorities, charities and commercial operations. Outdoor education trips and being a scout enabled him to experience new activities and travel the world and he is now extremely passionate about giving similar experiences to other young people.

He is a keen sportsman and loves playing, coaching and watching rugby at every opportunity!

Qualifications: RYA Senior Dinghy Instructor, RYA Powerboat Instructor, BC Paddlesports Instructor, MLTE Single Pitch Award, ERCA Instructor and Generic Rescuer

At Rockley since: March 2021

Neil joined Rockley on a freelance basis in the Autumn of 2021. Working as an integral part of the Rockley Point team and through his experience, guiding instructors along the way, quickly became a shining star. In June 2023, Neil accepted a full time position with Rockley as our Activity and Programme Manager at Rockley Point. 

Always the life and soul of the centre and whether he is out on his bike, the water or with friends, you are sure the have a good time with Neil. 

At Rockley since: June 2023

Mark has over 15 years experience of teaching from middle school, secondary, college and degree level. As a fully fledged sports enthusiast he has an interest in almost all sports and in his younger days would always be seen on the football or cricket pitch. Unfortunately age has taken his toll and these days you are more likely to see him on the golf course! What started as a leisure activity, is now a borderline addiction! 

Qualifications: PE Teacher, various levels of NGB coaching in cricket, golf, football, dodgeball, athletics, disability football

At Rockley since: August 2018

John started as an instructor at Rockley spending all of his time on the water. Now he spends much of his time teaching in the classroom on our college courses. He may just get out on the water from time to time...

A keen sportsman, John loves running, cycling and windsurfing. 

Qualifications: RYA Dinghy Scheme Trainer; RYA Powerboat Instructor; RYA Windsurf Instructor; RYA Yachtmaster

At Rockley since: March 2010

From a Rockley College student, to working in the outdoor industry, to a teaching degree at Birmingham University, to returning as a teacher! In a short amount of time, Amy has achieved a lot and is a very welcome addition to the Rockley College team!

After graduating with a triple distinction, Amy went on to work as an Activity Instructor in Devon before deciding on a teaching degree at Birmingham City University where she ‘worked her socks off’ for three years. 

Despite having dyslexia, Amy has made sure that it does not act as a barrier to what she or anyone else with dyslexia wants to achieve in life. 

"A vocational course allowed me to discover so many things about myself. I don’t think would have happened if I had continued on at school. I achieved the same UCAS points as some of my friends who stayed on to do A-levels – I just took a different, and for me, a better route."

Qualifications: PE Teacher

At Rockley since: September 2024

Amelia was one of our stand out students when she joined our Level 3 Sport (Outdoor Adventure) course in 2018. A former student at Queen Elizabeth School, Amelia then went on to study Physical Education and Sports Coaching at the University of Chichester. Now in her final year and as part of her course, Amelia is back with the Rockley family, taking on the role of Apprentice Learning & Skills Teacher Sport & Outdoor Adventure Level 5. 

She is hugely enthusiastic and has a great rapport with our current college students.

“I initially chose Rockley College way back in 2018 because I wanted to combine my passion for the outdoors with a full-time education and development programme whilst gaining qualifications. It's so great to be back!"

Qualifications: RYA Dinghy Instructor, RYA Windsurf Instructor

At Rockley since: July 2018

After working in North Wales for a year, it was time for Matt to move onto another challenge. He joined the team in March 2017, taking on an Activity Instructor role and the rest as they say, is history! He is now the Education Practical Lead.

As well as being active on the water, Matt has always loved being in the water! He has spent many years scuba diving which has taken him to so many amazing places. His absolute passion however, is windsurfing. You will often find him blasting out on the water during his lunch break, after work and on the weekends with his fellow colleagues.

At Rockley since: 2017

After a year working at plas Menai, Pete joined the Rockley crew in March 2017 and has been here ever since! He's worked at many of Rockley's centres teaching a variety of courses and is now a Practical Tutor for Rockley College.

He LOVES, LOVES, LOVES windsurfing, especially freestyle and he will be out on the water at every opportunity, whatever the weather! 

At Rockley since: March 2017

Jo joined Rockley's Level 3 college course in 2017 and has been here ever since! Fast forward a few years: she graduated, completed a season in France, joined the apprenticeship programme and is now working as our Customer Service Manager at Buddens Activity Centre.

No stranger to the water, Jo used to swim competitively for 10 years which is where her passion for the water and the outdoors comes from! She has also discovered a new passion for hiking and exploring, visiting places such as Snowdonia and more recently climbing Crib Goch, which she admits she would never have done a few years ago!

At Rockley since: May 2017

Finn graduated from Rockley's 2-year Diploma course, also gaining his RYA Dinghy and Windsurfing Instructor qualification. He then joined Rockley's Apprenticeship programme, keen to take the opportunity to work and learn at the same time.

“I love watersports – it’s my passion and if you want to succeed, you’ve just got to put yourself out there and work for it.”

Finn has now joined Rockley as a full time member of the Education Team and is the perfect person to lead our students as they pursue their career in the outdoors.

Qualifications: Level 3 Diploma in Sport (Outdoor Adventure), RYA Dinghy Instructor, RYA Windsurfing Instructor

At Rockley since: September 2022

At 22, Theo decided to leave Exeter University where he was studying Accountancy and Finance to pursue his love of sport and the outdoors. When he chose to join Rockley's Apprenticeship programme, their loss was certainly our gain! Described by others as being hugely 'supportive', Theo plans to stay in the industry for five years before pursuing his ultimate dream vocation as a teacher.

His love and enthusiasm for the outdoors and teaching is infectious which makes him an integral part of the Buddens team!

At Rockley since: August 2021

Adam is a graduate of Rockley's Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Outdoor Adventure) course as well as the apprenticeship programme. Having never done any watersports prior to joining Rockley College, he now proclaims himself to be hooked on it with a particular love for catamaran sailing and windsurfing.

Describing himself as 'goofy', he hopes to use his qualifications to travel and work anywhere in the world.

At Rockley since: March 2022

Nothing is ever too much for Darren and he will endeavour to sort out a problem as quickly as possible to ensure the centres run smoothly - whether that be electrical, plumbing or general maintenance.  He's always smiling and will always be happy to stop for a chat!

#bemoredarren

At Rockley since: July 2021