Bradley Dale

Bradley Dale, better known as Brad, is a paddle sports coach, river guide and outdoor professional who can usually be found on the water somewhere in the UK. Currently based on the River Wye, he works with paddlers of all abilities, helping them build confidence, develop skills and discover what they are truly capable of achieving on the water.  

Brad’s connection to water began long before paddle sports became a career. Having always felt a deep affinity with rivers, lakes and the ocean, he describes being on the water as both grounding and restorative. What started in 2019 as a way to have fun, test his balance, and splash around on a paddleboard—drawing on a background in skateboarding and wakeboarding—quickly grew into a passion that has shaped his professional life. 

Brad holds a Level 3 Outdoor Activity Instructor qualification with distinction and is a BCAB Sheltered Water Canoe, Kayak and Stand-Up Paddleboard Coach. He also holds a range of paddle sports leadership, instructor, safety and rescue qualifications, alongside RYA Powerboat Level 2 and Personal Watercraft Proficiency certifications. 

Over the past several years, Brad has worked across the UK outdoor industry, including four years on the Isle of Wight, while continually developing his coaching practice through training and exploration in a variety of paddling environments. In 2025, he entered the Lucky Charms SUP Freestyle World League and has contributed to coach education through a published case study for Paddle SUP Training exploring combined award delivery.

 Before moving into the outdoor sector, Brad worked within mental health services, including as Deputy Manager of a mental health café. The experience continues to influence his coaching style today, helping him bring empathy, patience and genuine care to every session he delivers.  

Today, Brad is best known for his coaching, particularly within lake and coastal environments. His greatest passion lies in helping paddlers, instructors and fellow coaches develop their skills, confidence and understanding of the sport. He takes particular pride in working with people who may face additional physical or personal challenges, supporting them to achieve more than they thought possible. 

When he’s not on the water, Brad enjoys supporting local businesses, playing guitar, taking part in open mic nights and karaoke, and working as a ski instructor during the winter season. 

Above all, Brad aims to live by a simple principle: to become the kind of person his ten-year-old self would have looked up to and thought was cool. 

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