Testimonials
April 2013 – Seth Cummings
Just wanted to say what a fantastic four days of training I had with Stav. Completely professional and a brilliant boarding instructor. I really feel that my boarding has dramatically improved though my course of lessons, with an extra bonus of a Powder day to finish my holiday.
All the Best.
Seth
March 2013 – Tom & Ray
Many thanks to Stav for a fantastic lesson. He is an excellent coach and his no nonsense approach was just what we needed to build our confidence. His drills were extremely helpful, so much so that we have been doing them every day since to improve our technique. We have had previous lessons but this was by far the best, his approach and ability to explain the technical side of skiing was far superior and we now feel that we are “proper” skiers.
Cheers Stav. You are the best!
February 2013 – Laura & Dan
We had a ski lesson with Stav, having spent a total of 4 days on skis prior to that. Stav was brilliant in helping us focus on our weaknesses which helped us gain confidence, pick up a bit more speed and enjoy the experience more. He has a sort of no nonsense way of explaining things, with enough technical information that you understand the how and the why, but without too much information that your head hurts. We learned some great drills which we will certainly return to practising on upcoming ski days.
All the best Laura & Dan
2012
November 2012 – Matt Ellis
Click Here Matt Ellis Testimonial
October 2012 – Yasmin Coleman
After Having some kitesurfing lessons with Stav over the summer, I just had to go on a workshop he was running in Soma Bay! I had a wicked time and my kitesurfing came on leaps and bounds with Stav’s coaching. His attention to detail, and encouragement now gives me the confidence to actually call myself a kite surfer! I cannot wait until the next trip.
October 2012 – Phil Simpson
October 2012 – Richard Hughes
Just enjoyed a great one on one session with Stav to help me start to ride toe-side. In two hours we were able to work through a series of practices. By the end I was able to string together the pieces and confidently switch, ride, transition and even land small jumps toe-side. Really pleased to make so much progress on a technique I’ve been struggling with. Having someone to break it down, explain, demonstrate and give pointers was great.
Thanks again. Rich
September 2012 – David Howdle
2011 & 2012 – Stuart Holton
“BN1 are a highly professional and experienced BKSA accredited school with a focus on safety, individual progression and fun. They helped me get up, riding and build my confidence after a few false starts with some other schools. Stav takes time to assess your individual ability and really works to tailor sessions & feedback personally so you get the very most from your time in the water”
FIVE STARS 
2011
2011 – Bru – Uk Lessons & Egypt Workshop Hurghada & Ras Sudr.
“Amazingly constructive kitesurf workshop providing guaranteed progression in a safe teaching environment. Excellent tution from Stav combined with beautiful surroundings, ideal wind/sea conditions made a perfect week – will definitely be going on the next one!
Bru
2010
2008 & 2010 – Snowboarding, Mark Garaway
(Director of Cricket, Cricket Ireland)
“I have worked with a number of Elite Coaches in Cricket and Soccer and the 2 main things that sets them apart is the ability to paint pictures to the student so that they can maximise their potential and that they could coach any topic by applying their communication skills to that given subject. Stav has these talents as a Coach in abundance”
“I have spent 2 weeks with Stav in Davos and am now doing things on a snowboard that I never felt I was capable of. This is down to Stav, he is an Elite Coach and I can’t wait to work with him again in the near future.”
Mark
2010 – Snowboarding, Charlotte Castoldi
“If you are looking for a patient instructor who has an eye for detail and provides individual feedback even whilst in group lessons, then Stav’s your man. I signed up for five half day lessons and through his calm and knowledgeable instruction; I mastered the confidence of snowboarding by the end of the fifth day. On the second day I had a pretty bad fall, Stav rebuilt my confidence and turned my nerves around. As a result I booked a private lesson with him to cap off a great week.”
Charlotte
2010 – Skiing, Jon Goodland
“Can you pass on my thanks to Stav in Davos, for the lesson he gave me and my Colleagues last weekend. He was very patient and although the lesson was well structured he was able to adapt to the slightly different skill levels and learning styles of our group It was certainly the best Ski lesson me and my friends have had.
At the end he even helped us down one of the Blue slopes higher up the mountain to enable us to meet up with the rest of our party. Thanks again”
Jon Goodland
2009
2009 – Kitesurfing, Simon Sims
“I did a 2-day kite surf course earlier on in the year and being a complete novice (never even flown a small land kite) I met up with Stav who’s vast amount of patience and experience was required to get me out on the water. It was him that got me hooked on this adrenaline filled journey and I must thank him for introducing me to kite surfing . Stav has a unique style of teaching which is methodical and ensures that the classes are relaxed but safety is paramount”.
Si
2009 – Kitesurfing, Stephen Temple
“If anybody out there is looking into taking up lessons or any form of coaching they do not get any better…I have known Stav for 7 years and also have been on a kiting trip with him I have spoken to many different instructors here and in Europe and Stav far out weighs them all with his personal involvement with each kiter. He has the ability to guide them through step by step as to where they are going wrong and how to rectify this. He runs through his equipment or individuals own equipment, set up of rigs and will check suitability and advise as needed. He is able to capture your progression with photographs and video showing any areas for improvement.
All in all a fantastic experience for the novice or anybody who wishes to improve technique…Only downside…he’s a ginger…Thanks mate from one ginger to another…”
Temps
2009 – Kitesurfing, Michelle Wilson
“I must take my hat off to Stava he was very patient. He would go over and over instructions with me again and again until it sunk in! He had a bit of work to do with me as I had picked up some bad habits and after a few lessons he got me on track as to how I should be handling and flying the Kite! Stava is very relaxed within his coaching but his priority is making you feel confident, safe and very encouraging to help boost your confidence. I would highly recommend Stav as your Kitesurfing instructor. If your looking for someone who will offer you 100% professionalism … he could be just for you.
So looking forward to improving even further with Stava sometime soon”.
Thanks very much Stava…I did have some fun. I miss not being out there with you though cookies… roll on next summer…See you soon!”
All the best, Michelle J – 2009
2007-09
Historical Testimonials
2008 & 2009 Extreme Holidays (Windsurfing) & Synergy Snowsports, Jason Bench (Snowboarding)
“An unforgettable holiday experience.
I have found a unique group of people, who love extreme sports.
Good fun, teamwork and friendship are top priority of every day.
I got the impression they cared about, my progress, within my chosen sport of windsurfing and me, as this was evident, in the individual attention I received.
The tuition was progressive, good fun and spot on.
Not only that these guys are out, in the evening to share some more humour and a beer or two.
Life is about good memories, thanks guys! I will be back for more of the same.
Cheers!”
2007 – Extreme Holidays, Jason
September 2009 – Fiona Granthem
“I am not one of those people who has always been into board sports. I loved the lifestyle and ideology of it all but I hung around with skaters as a teen and that’s about as far as i got.
Now I have been kitesurfing for 3 years, I have recently been on a 3 month ‘break’ where I kited in California, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Those 3 months gave me so much time on the water and again that’s something i would recommend to those wanting to progress faster. Keeping the momentum going day after day definitely helps you develop and my final handy tip is to urge you to go kite in lots of different places. Staying in your local spot is fine but you’re ability and confidence to deal with different conditions and situations will make you a less competent kitesurfer. You don’t have to fly around the world, even kiting around the UK will help and it means you can make the most of all wind directions too
I love kitesurfing now, I am hooked. I love that there is always something to learn next, I love that feeling when you nail something you’ve been trying for ages, I love meeting new people and i love feeling fit and healthy.
What more can I say?”
Fiona Grantham
