Find Your Flow
The Core Team
We are excited to introduce you to the core team at PTP, where passion meets expertise! With decades of combined experience, we pride ourselves on delivering top-quality outdoor and watersports coaching. Each team member brings unique skills and a shared commitment to providing memorable and safe experiences for all our clients.
Come meet us in South East London, Kent, or Sussex, and experience what makes PTP more than just a coaching company—we’re a community!
Tank
With over 30 years immersed in watersports and more than 20 years working professionally within the industry, Thomas “Tank” Philbey is one of the driving forces behind PTP.
His career has progressed from trainee instructor through to centre management, giving him a comprehensive understanding of outdoor operations — from frontline delivery and safety systems to staffing, governance and long-term strategy. In 2017, he co-founded PTP with a clear social enterprise ethos: to make access to water-based activity inclusive, professionally delivered and community-focused.
Tank’s practical experience spans open water swimming, paddlesports, powerboating and outdoor leadership. He is equally at home coaching individuals on the water as he is developing operational frameworks, safety documentation and training pathways for teams.
Beyond delivery, Tank has been the driving force behind the creation and development of the PTP Collective umbrella structure — shaping its governance model, group framework and long-term sustainability strategy. His focus has been on building an organisation that balances commercial resilience with genuine social value, ensuring that every element of the Collective supports access, education and progression in watersports.
If it involves water — training, safety, coaching, infrastructure or organisational development — Tank has likely built it, led it or refined it.
Pia
As Co-Founder and a central figure in PTP’s family-run ethos, Pia plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth, professional day-to-day operation of the organisation.
She oversees operational systems, team coordination and delivery standards, while also contributing strategically to the long-term direction and development of the business. Pia is instrumental in maintaining the structure that allows PTP’s multi-site activity programme to run efficiently and consistently.
Working closely alongside Tank, Pia has been deeply involved in shaping the understanding, development and implementation of the PTP Collective umbrella structure. This includes refining governance processes, supporting the group framework and helping embed the organisational model that underpins the Collective’s sustainability and social impact.
While contributing at a strategic level, Pia remains a visible and steady presence within the business — supporting staff, maintaining standards and ensuring that PTP’s family-led culture translates into a professional, welcoming and well-managed environment.
She combines operational precision with leadership clarity, acting as a guiding force within the company while keeping its community-driven values firmly at the centre of everything PTP delivers.
Adam
Adam is the Site Manager at Beckenham Place Park and has been part of the PTP journey at the lake since day one.
From the very beginning of operations at Beckenham Place Park Lake, Adam has been a consistent and trusted presence. He has played a vital role in the growth of the site within the park and across the wider company, helping shape daily operations, team culture and delivery standards.
Before joining PTP, Adam worked in woodcraft and tree surgery — a background that brings practical skills, environmental awareness and a strong outdoor work ethic to his leadership. That hands-on experience has translated seamlessly into managing a dynamic open-water venue.
He now acts as the spearhead of operations at Beckenham, overseeing session delivery, site safety, staff coordination and customer experience. Adam is particularly popular with younger participants and has become a familiar and reassuring figure within our Activity Clubs, where his calm leadership and natural rapport help build confidence on the water.
Reliable, grounded and deeply committed to the site, Adam remains a key part of PTP’s continued development at Beckenham Place Park.
Danielle
Danielle plays a crucial role at PTP as the Chief Admin person. With a no-nonsense approach, she ensures that everything gets done, especially when the rest of the team is too busy to sit down and focus on the administrative side of things. Operating in the background, Danielle keeps things running smoothly, making sure that all tasks are completed efficiently. You may often see her around the sites, making sure everything is on track and organised.
Wills
For the 2026 season at Bewl Water, Will steps into the role of Second in Charge with PTP.
Will’s background comes from the structured leadership environment of the Sea Cadets, where discipline, seamanship and water safety form the foundation of training.
This early grounding has shaped his calm operational approach and strong emphasis on standards, teamwork and responsibility on the water.
Over recent years, Will has expanded his professional pathway within paddlesports and sailing. He has developed his coaching practice across stand up paddleboarding, kayak and canoe disciplines, and holds recognition as a Senior Sailing Instructor. His experience spans youth development, instructional delivery and operational safety management within busy water-based environments.
At Bewl Water, Will will support site leadership, oversee session delivery standards, mentor seasonal staff and contribute to maintaining safe, efficient daily operations. His combined background in cadet leadership and instructor development brings both structure and progression to the 2026 team.
Wills
For the 2026 season at Bewl Water, Will steps into the role of Second in Charge with PTP.
Will’s background comes from the structured leadership environment of the Sea Cadets, where discipline, seamanship and water safety form the foundation of training. This early grounding has shaped his calm operational approach and strong emphasis on standards, teamwork and responsibility on the water.
Over recent years, Will has expanded his professional pathway within paddlesports and sailing. He has developed his coaching practice across stand up paddleboarding, kayak and canoe disciplines, and holds recognition as a Senior Sailing Instructor. His experience spans youth development, instructional delivery and operational safety management within busy water-based environments.
At Bewl Water, Will will support site leadership, oversee session delivery standards, mentor seasonal staff and contribute to maintaining safe, efficient daily operations. His combined background in cadet leadership and instructor development brings both structure and progression to the 2026 team.
Ian
Ian — known within the team as “The Man” — is our go-to paddleboard specialist.
If there’s something to know about stand up paddleboarding, Ian likely knows it. From board design and paddle mechanics to stroke efficiency, balance development and advanced technique refinement, his depth of knowledge comes from years immersed in the sport.
What truly sets Ian apart is his passion. He brings energy, focus and genuine enthusiasm to every session, whether you’re stepping onto a board for the first time or looking to refine performance and efficiency on longer paddles.
His coaching style is clear, practical and progression-driven. Expect technical insight, honest feedback and the kind of small adjustments that make a big difference to confidence and control on the water.
If you’re serious about improving your paddleboarding — or simply want to learn from someone who lives and breathes the sport — we highly recommend booking a session with Ian.
