Private Coaching
Become more capable around water.
Private Coaching is founder-led by Scott “Skip” Innes, with a deliberately small amount of his own time kept aside for personal coaching. Based in Surrey and the Surrey Hills, it is the individual-facing expression of the same SHACADEMY method: understand the objective first, then identify the right expertise.
Where we start
What are you trying to achieve?
That question comes before any talk of drills, distances or kit. Coaching is built around you rather than a rigid lesson plan, so the first conversation is about four things:
- Where you are now — honestly, not where you think you should be.
- What you want to achieve, and roughly when.
- The environment you want to be able to operate in.
- What is currently getting in the way.
From there we work practically: a bit of experience and judgement applied to your situation, small changes that hold up when conditions are less than perfect, and technology only where it genuinely helps. You don't need to be elite. You just need to want to get better.
More on that experience: Scott’s story, The Surrey Hills Adventure Company and Buckland Park Lake.
The right fit
The right coaching for what you’re trying to achieve.
Coaching is founder-led by Scott “Skip” Innes. He keeps a deliberately small amount of his own time available and continues to coach personally where he is the right fit.
Where a different or additional area of expertise would genuinely help, SHACADEMY can draw on trusted coaches and specialists from its wider network or make an appropriate introduction. The client journey stays the same: tell us what you’re trying to achieve, understand what you need, then identify the right coaching or specialist support.
Coaching areas
Swimming, open water and paddleboard coaching.
Swimming & Open Water
Private adult swimming coaching and technique, open-water progression, cold-water introductions and winter-swimming development.
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Paddleboarding
Developing the whole paddler on inland water and rivers — technique, board control, safety, self-rescue and longer journeys.
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Lifeguard Development
Practical professional development for people preparing for lifeguard training, newly qualified guards, experienced guards and venue teams.
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Expedition & Challenge Preparation
Preparing for something bigger?
For individuals and teams taking on demanding endurance events, long-distance challenges or expeditions. SHACADEMY can help think through the practical preparation, skills, equipment, judgement, logistics and capability behind the challenge — drawing on first-hand experience and trusted specialist expertise where it genuinely helps.
Scott “Skip” Innes has completed major endurance challenges including the Yukon 1000, and brings practical perspective across long-distance paddling, swimming, running, trekking and adventure. The value is experienced preparation, questioning and judgement — not a guarantee of completion, performance or survival.
You bring the challenge. We help work out what being ready for it actually requires.
Tell us what you’re planning →Where sessions happen
Coaching in Surrey and the Surrey Hills.
Sessions are usually arranged on suitable water in Surrey and the Surrey Hills, within reach of Dorking, Guildford and Reigate. Where a client’s objective genuinely calls for it, Scott will travel further — agreed case by case rather than advertised as coverage.
Water we may use:
- Suitable lakes
- Rivers
- Private pools
- Established venues
- Client environments
- Hosted SHACADEMY clinics
Every session depends on appropriate permission, suitability and operating arrangements. That is why the process starts with a conversation rather than a calendar.
Who it’s for
Private doesn’t mean alone.
- Individuals
- Couples
- Friends
- Families
- Small private groups
Adults are the primary audience. Sessions work well for two people with a shared goal, or a small group who want to progress together.
How to start
Tell us what you’re trying to achieve. Scott personally reviews every enquiry and scope is agreed before anything is arranged.
Start a coaching enquiry →Private Coaching
Built around what you’re trying to achieve.
Every session starts with understanding where you are now, where you want to get to and what would genuinely help.
- 1:1
- From £150
- Two people
- From £200
- Small private groups
- By arrangement
- Expedition & professional
- Bespoke
Most private coaching sessions are around 60–90 minutes, depending on the activity, environment and objective. Expedition, professional-development and venue work is scoped individually.
Venue/access costs and significant travel may be additional. We’ll always agree the scope and price before anything is arranged.
Tell us what you’re trying to achieve →How to start
Tell us what you’re trying to achieve.
Tell us what you're trying to achieve and we'll explore whether SHACADEMY is the right fit. Scott personally reviews every enquiry.
Tell us what you’re trying to achieve →Sessions are arranged individually and remain subject to suitable venue, permissions and operating conditions.
Looking for support for an organisation, venue or event instead? Organisation Discovery is the right doorway.