John has been participating in, and coaching water-sports for over 30 years.  He is cofounder and director of a water-sports hire and activity company in the UK.

John has been windsurfing for over 30 years, including competing under UKWA rules – holding RYA Level 3 & 4 Windsurfing certification, as well as RYA Powerboat Level 1 & 2. He is a trained Paddle-sport Leader and assists in the training of kayak instructors. He is a qualified and experienced lifeguard as well as a First Aider.

John is a scientist by training and was a post-doctoral research fellow at Oxford University – and has worked in new drug development within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries for the last few decades – most recently helping start-up companies get new therapeutics through into the clinic.  He worked as a secondary school teacher in Cambridge after his first degree. He holds a third-dan black belt and has been a long-term karate instructor at a dojo in West London.