From Brooklands Lagoon to the West Coast

If you ask Tony, he probably won’t tell you much. He might mention a few key points, but the real story runs deeper water sports has always been a family affair.

It started with Tony’s mum, Karen, who came from a dedicated waterskiing family. When she met Murray, he fell in love with not only Karen, but also the joy of being out on the water with her and her crew. As a young couple, they dreamed of owning their own boat and when they finally could, they made it happen.

That boat became the centre of their family’s adventures. Tony first learned to water ski at Brooklands Lagoon, around six years old. With his two brothers by his side and a pair of his mum’s old skis (modified by his grandad to fit the kids), the trio would time their trips to the lagoon with the tides launching when the water was high and pulling out before they got stuck in the mud. Murray rarely got in the water himself; there was always another little one waiting for their turn. Karen says Tony inherited his dad’s patience and passion for teaching.

Their family holidays took them to Lake Brunner and Lake Kaniere on the West Coast, where Tony’s love for the water deepened. He picked up wakeboarding at 13, and it quickly became his thing.

Fast forward a couple of decades, and Tony’s still out there coaching, teaching, sharing his passion. He’s spent 20+ years in towed water sports, and 17+ years coaching everyone from complete beginners to competitive riders. His journey includes coaching stints in Orlando, USA; Loch Lomond Wakeboard School in Scotland; and two years with the Scottish Development Team.

He’s also competed at national and world levels, but what truly lights him up is getting people out on the water, especially kids. He’s a natural teacher with a chilled vibe patient, encouraging, and passionate.

So, whether you’re brand new or want to level up your skills, flick Tony a message or give him a call. If the weather’s good and the lake is calm, you’ll have an epic time.