STAFF
Platty+ is a small, friendly, family run water sports business based on the shores of Derwentwater, Keswick in the heart of Cumbrias Lake District.
We offer a high standard of both hire and tuiton. We are experienced in dealing with individuals and groups, children and adults (including those with special needs), families with young children, corporate groups and school parties.
Scroll down to read about our team and our current staff vacancies.
John Platt
After falling from a Windermere pier at the age of 5, John has been inseparable from the lakes. He has a vast range of knowledge and experience of Derwentwater. Initially qualifying to run sessions for a Venture Scout unit, it turned into the best job in the world. On the odd occasion John is not working at the lake he can be found paddling, sailing, biking, walking or playing with his grandchildren, “Grandad Boats”
- BCU Level 4 Canoe and Level 3 Kayak Coach with a SUP Discipline Support Module
- RYA Dinghy Senior Instructor (Coastal)
- RYA Powerboat Instructor (Coastal)
- 25 years experience helming our Dragonboats
- The one and only Viking Longship helm
- Boat builder
Sarah Platt
Her first paddling experience was trailing her ducks behind a homemade canvas kayak on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, aged one. Has endless patience with John’s mad cap ideas. The “real boss”, facilitator, superviser, organsier, cleaner, office guru and all-round dogs body. When not working loves playing with her grandchildren, “Granny Boats”, and apparently makes the best biscuits in the world
- BCU Level 2 Canoe
- RYA Dinghy Instructor
- RYA Powerboat Instructor
Duncan Firth
I was born in Keswick and spent my teenage years working on Derwentwater and Ullswater teaching windsurfing and sailing. I then moved on to working in outdoor education centres throughout the UK and Europe as a windsurfing trainer and centre inspector for the RYA. If not on the lake I can usually be found either on my road or mountain bike heading for any cafe that sells cheese scones.
- BCU Level 4 Kayak, Level 3 Canoe, Level 3 Sea Kayak and SUP discipline support module
- RYA Senior Dinghy Instructor (Advanced, Coastal)
- RYA Powerboat instructor (Coastal)
- Over 30 years experience working in the outdoors
- Advanced tea drinker and trainee biscuit tester
STAFF VACANCIES ~ One seasonal member of staff required for 2020
We are looking for an enthusiastic person to be part of our small team delivering high quality water sports to a varied client base including management, primary and secondary school, college and community groups, tailored coaching for individuals, small groups and families with young children. We also offer hire to individual members of the public, all based on the beautiful shores of Derwentwater, Borrowdale
Platty + offers a unique opportunity to work in a wonderful environment and we are currently on the lookout for the right person to fill the post of seasonal water sports instructor. We offer canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, raft building, sailing dragon boating and we have a Viking Longship
In 2020 we are looking for one full time seasonal member of staff.
John and Sarah both work full time within the business as instructors and business managers. We have an assitant manager Duncan Firth and a returning seasonal employee Ritchie Freebairn. We also use a small number of freelance instructors during the busy period. Our past staff have enjoyed their time with us as they have returned year on year gaining experience and enhancing their qualifications.
All staff work as part of our small team to provide the day visit water sports sessions within the remit of their qualifications. This includes coaching the activity and educational elements. Instructors will be expected to prepare for and independently run sessions and clear away at the end of the day, some cleaning and maintenance of the equipment and facilities will be required.
The centre is none residential and cannot offer any accommodation or food. Keswick is within easy access and has a community of instructors who share accommodation. Car sharing with our other staff is a possibility.
At the offer stage, you will need to apply for an Enhanced Criminal Records Disclosure, with Barred List check through Disclosure and Barring Service.
Seasonal Staff
Contract period will be by arrangement. The post is to start in early May and finish at the end of September which may be extended if centre bookings are sufficient.
Remuneration will be dependent on qualification and experience, minimum of £13416 to £18200 per annum pro rata . Hours will be flexible based on 40 hours per week including weekends.
The instructor should hold a valid British Canoeing coach award preferably with experience.
If you hold the following awards this would assist you greatly.
- R.Y.A. Dinghy Instructor
- R.Y.A. Powerboat Level 2 certificate
- British Canoeing Discipline Support Module Stand Up Paddleboard.
We are prepared to provide training and assessment for relevant National Governing Body qualifications.
