Stephen has been involved with the outdoors (and especially water-based activities) all of his life. His affinity to the sea and his extensive experience in the water is evident through his experiences as a paddle sport leader, scuba diving instructor and guide, expedition diver, free diver, spearfisherman and boat handler. 

Stephen has been paddling ever since he bought his first 'sit on top’ kayak 13 years ago, initially as a potential diving platform. During this time, as a Cardiff and Grangetown resident with Cardiff Bay as his back yard, Stephen regularly paddled in the Bay, Taff and Ely rivers. At first this was training for his sea-based adventures, however, he quickly fell in love, not only with kayaking as a sport in its own right, but also with the unique natural and urban aquatic environment that is Cardiff Bay.

As a paddler, Stephen has spent much of his recreation time around the beautiful Pembrokeshire coast as well as touring and exploring numerous coastal and inland waterways in the UK and abroad.