Kieron's story
How the Andrew Simpson Centre and RYA training has helped Kieron thrive in a watersports career
“I’ve changed since working here”
"Growing up I was never that keen on the water. I wouldn’t say I was scared but I was never buzzing to go to the beach to swim,” explains Kieron.
“Portsmouth is where I grew up, right next to Fratton Park football ground. I was doing a gym instructor BTEC and groundwork at a building site, but then learnt about training with the Andrew Simpson Centre. Through Kickstart, a government scheme, I’d be paid a minimum wage for 25 hours a week to gain qualifications and I applied, thinking watersports would be a more exciting career with different opportunities.
A change of perspective
“I don’t know where the change of perspective about being on the water came from – none of my friends or family do watersports – but I absolutely love it now.
“The Andrew Simpson Centre happily supported me through all my training courses and has given me every tool and resource I needed. Two years later I’m now an instructor, teaching sailing and multi-activities like kayaking, paddleboarding and climbing. The training has made me very competent in every aspect I teach.
Every day is different
“It’s a cliche but I enjoy working at the centre as every day is different. From the kids I’m working with and the adults I’m teaching to the conditions on the water; the different challenges they create make this a very exciting job.
“I’ve changed massively since working here – I’m a lot more confident now, especially in front of people and in groups. At school I wasn’t a fan of presentation work; I always refused to do it and argued with teachers over it. My confidence in presenting grew with this job and now I don’t think twice when I get up in front of group of people and talk.
“People that know me think it’s amazing for me to go from groundwork to something like this; working with children and helping change their perspective on the water.
Growing confidence
“When kids come to visit us we show them there’s more to watersports than just swimming or paddleboarding. When they take part in our activities and our courses, they grow in confidence massively, they become more capable and more practical. I really enjoy it.
“The Andrew Simpson Centre is great for getting adults who, like me, weren’t overly keen on water and didn’t have a background in watersports. We get them through the first stages of being on the water, trying new sports, until they’re competent instructors. I can’t recommend the centre enough to everyone.
Future aspirations
"I want to continue with my instructor work. Maybe in five, ten years’ time I’d like to be more involved in the training programmes, teaching the dinghy instructor courses myself.”
Ross Dixon, lead instructor at the Portsmouth Andrew Simpson Centre, says: “Kieron is incredible. He’s really hardworking, a grafter. He’s like a sponge – he asks questions and takes on board the answers. And when you see him with some of the younger instructors, he’s a role model to them. He’s got the ability to be the person to look up to. He’s got some cool game ideas and people really respect him.”
Of his future, Ross adds, “Kieron’s talking about the possibility of going abroad and using his qualifications to teach in all sorts of exciting places. And I truly believe he wouldn’t have done that without the Andrew Simpson Centre and Kickstart Scheme.”
Read more about RYA courses and training and find an RYA training centre near you. Or follow in Kieron’s footsteps and start your journey as an RYA instructor.
Kieron’s story was originally published in the summer 2024 edition of RYA magazine.