Blackfish Paddles to support the freshly launched WSA Youth Pro Team

Dedicated to designing high performance SUP paddles and driving the sport of stand-up paddleboarding , Blackfish Paddles are supporting a new initiative launched by Water Skills Academy (WSA), global leaders providing watersport training and professional coach and guide certifications, in SUP, Surf, Lifeguarding and Packrafting.

Photo: Steven McCullough

“Blackfish is proud to help support the WSA Youth Team. As a leading manufacturer of paddles for the sport of SUP we are committed to helping promote our amazing sport and there is no better way to do this than making sure that juniors start paddling with the right equipment,” said David Smart, Founder of Blackfish Paddles. ”The team at WSA has a history of quality instruction and a genuine love for the sport. We look forward to seeing the Junior team develop and the next generation of paddlers enjoying the sport.”

Supporting the next generation of stand-up paddleboarding young guns

The WSA Youth Pro team has been designed to assist young Paddleboarders, Surfers, Lifeguards and Pack Rafters develop personally and professionally.

This is a unique opportunity for those aged 16-19yrs to become the next generation of coaches, guides, adventurers, racers, lifeguards and environmental ambassadors.

“The Youth Pro Team is another leading initiative from the WSA family. The programme will attract those who have a desire to become the best coaches, guides and athletes with a core environmental message and ambassadors for future generations,” said Chris Rea, WSA Director. “We are delighted to be working with Blackfish Paddles as supporters, kindly donating leading paddles for the team, using Salish and Andaman“.

“UK Watersports Ltd are the UK distributors of Blackfish Paddles – we are very excited to be able to support WSA by providing paddles to their Youth Pro Team members. Coupled with the coaching and mentoring provided by the WSA we look forward to seeing these young guns excel in the future,” said Gareth Stevenson, Director of UK Watersports Ltd.

The WSA Youth Pro select and dedicated team will have access to WSA Ambassadors and Trainers throughout their two-year internship, drawing on the WSA’s experience, knowledge and environmental mentorship. WSA are 1% for the Planet business members.

Why apply?

The internship is FREE* with access to:
● Environmental, sustainability and professional awareness and training
● Workshops and courses
● The family of Ambassadors and Trainers
● WSA Expeditions
● Media and presence training
● First Aid training
● Pro Deals and discounts with various manufacturers
● WSA Membership, insurance
● Business mentorship

*Please note: equipment, travel, food and accommodation if required will need to be funded independently, WSA may be able to help financially

Applications are open until 31 August 2020. The WSA Youth Pro team will be announced in September 2020.

To find out more about Blackfish Paddles and their progressive, refined, handcrafted designs, visit www.blackfishpaddles.com

To find out more about Water Skills Academy (WSA) and the WSA Youth Pro team, visit www.waterskillsacademy.com