ABOUT US
Who we are
The Sun Turtle mission!
Just as our reptilian mascot gains its energy from the sun as it glides through the water – our aim is to share the power of SUP for fun, health, and wellbeing. We focus on fitness, technique, and water skills/safety in order to help our paddles to get the most from being out on the water.
We foster inclusivity and pride ourselves on introducing SUP to paddlers of all abilities. At the same time, we nurture progression and encourage paddlers to challenge themselves to embrace the full potential of our sport.
While we are excited to be part of the meteoric growth of SUP over recent years, we also acknowledge the ancient lineage of stand up paddling as a means by which our ancestors have traversed the water for millennia.
We believe that stand up paddle boarding is in our DNA and we look forward to welcoming you to the SUP ‘ohana’. Aloha!
What we do
Our ASI-qualified and experienced instructors offer regular beginner’s SUP lessons, coaching, and group adventure sessions from our fully-equipped HQ at Liverpool Watersports Centre in Queens Dock, with access to Liverpool’s historic dock complex (including the iconic Albert Dock).
We also run paddle-oriented fitness classes, run by our certified personal trainers, based around functional fitness and tailored to a range of abilities.
Next, we plan to offer coastal (‘exposed water’) sessions (coming soon!).
The Sun Turtle crew or ‘ohana’ (Hawaiian for family!) includes an active community of regular paddlers of all ages, backgrounds and levels, who meet at our weekly ‘SUP & Grub’ evening on Wednesdays, regular social paddles, and occasional adventures further afield. From lakes, rivers, to surf – and from national competitions to remote adventures – we’ve paddled it!
INSTRUCTORS
Janek
ASI L1/L2
Janek founded Sun Turtle SUP (then Perch Rock Paddlers) in 2014. He first discovered SUP on a trip to Mauritius back in 2010, where he met and trained with the pioneer and waterman Steve West. Janek also holds qualifications for RLSS open water lifeguard, RYA powerboat Level 1 & 2 and windsurf, and BCU Level 1 canoe/kayak. His SUP passion comes simply from experiencing nature in its rawest form – whether in the surf, flat, rivers or lakes – and, over the years, helping thousands of others to experience the same!
Dan
ASI L1
Dan teamed up with Janek in 2018 as Sun Turtle ops manager. He started paddling on the beaches of South Australia in 2015, having come originally from a background in sailing. He also holds a Surf Lifesaving Great Britain ‘Surf Coach Safety and Rescue’ lifeguard qualification, RYA ‘Level 1 & 2’ Powerboat and ‘Coastal Skipper’ sailing qualification. His SUP passion is getting out in the surf (although he admits that he needs to spend more time working on his top turns and less time working on his van!).
Dan 'Hammer'
ASI L1/2
Dan joined as Sun Turtle’s newest instructor in 2021. His SUP career began in 2018 and he has paddled with the crew and volunteered at LWC ever since. Dan’s background in paddlesports stretches back to 1999, when he started leading canoe trips on the Michigan lakes. Dan also holds RYA ‘Level 1 & 2’ Powerboat qualifications and is a trained bicycle mechanic, mountain bike trail leader and firstaider. He is a keen sup surfer and earned the nickname ‘hammer’ for his powerful paddle stroke!
