Royal Marines

On leaving Brockenhurst College to commence training with the Royal Marines, Simon worked for a spell at the prestigious Chewton Glen Hotel, New Milton in Hampshire.

Whilst there he saved the life of an elderly guest who had choked on his food at dinner. Guess Simon's skills as a local lifeguard held him in good stead!

In 1986, Si completed his basic training at The Commando Training Centre,Royal Marines, Lympstone, Devon.He was keen to pursue his quest to get through the tough training and try for entry into the Special Boat Squadron.

In 1987,during the last few weeks of the gruelling six week Commando course, which included completing the 30 mile yomp over Dartmoor, Simon developed trench foot and was medically discharged.
Disappointed but not thwarted, Si decided to use his love of water sports / living off the land and military field skills to pursue a career as a senior outward bound instructor with Quest Adventure Holidays at Beam College, North Devon.
Si developed more skills and gained his coaching accreditation in surfing at Woolacombe in 1989, which ultimately took him to work in Fuerteventura some time later. Whilst at Beam College, Simon was responsible for groups of up to 180 school children., whilst Head of Training for 60 instructors.
He had a special working relationship with the youngsters, some who had some from deprived areas of our inner cities and who struggled with authority and change.
Simon was able to manage conflict and change with his friendly, outgoing and approachable personality, but more importantly, to motivate others through vision and life experience.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

"North Shore Surf School"
Corralejo,Fuerteventura 1989 - 1992

Simon surfing off Lobos, Fuerteventura

Si originally left Beam College, Devon in 1989 where he taught as an Outward Bound Instructor to join Tradewinds in Fuerteventura as a Surfing and Water Ski Instructor.

Later on he progressed to run his own North Shore Surf School where he taught keen and eager tourists. Si also designed and made surf boards along with his German friend Rolf.

It was out in the Canaries that Si started to learn diving.

On a trip out to visit, he even got me to swim out on a rip current and try my luck- scary stuff.

On leaving The Canary Islands, Si surfed his way around Morocco and Spain en route back to the UK.

Si also lived in South Africa for seven months in the 90's, surfing at Jeffery's Bay, which became one his most memorable surf haunts.

Then came North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii.