April 2024

Hiya everyone, my name is Tom and I’m the new Activities and Camping Supervisor at Siblyback Lake, near Liskeard in Cornwall.

From a young age, I enjoyed staying indoors and playing video games. It was only when I moved to the South West in 2018 that I realised I loved exploring the outdoors and staying active. I discovered hobbies I could enjoy which kept me healthy and got me outdoors including climbing, walking, wild swimming, persistent attempts at surfing, archery, stand-up paddleboarding and other paddle sports and even sports like football and indoor bouldering.

After trying out University, I worked for two years with the NHS and eventually decided to try an ‘Outdoor Activities Instructor Level 3 Apprenticeship’ at Mount Batten. The following year I had an opportunity to work with NCS (National Citizen Service) delivering their programme to young people at Siblyback and Roadford Lakes. This is where I met the South West Lakes Trust team and got even more opportunities to lead activities and work outdoors.

Some of my regular duties involve cleaning the changing rooms, keeping the boat park tidy, answering enquiries, taking bookings and, most importantly, keeping you all safe when on the water. It’s such a privilege to be able to work in the outdoors where I can interact with people and introduce them to some of my favourite hobbies and where every day is different.

We’ve been working hard to get the campsite and watersports equipment ready for you to enjoy, I’m really excited to meet you all!