Coaching credentials and experience

Whether you are stepping onto the bank for the very first time or refining your watercraft as an experienced angler, your safety, confidence, and enjoyment come first. With over 45 years of angling experience and comprehensive professional certifications, every session with Chay Jackson is delivered with genuine care, safety, and encouragement.

Frequently asked questions about our standards

Professional angling coaching requires a balance of formal qualification, verified safety procedures, and decades of genuine waterside craft. Here is everything you need to know about our certifications, safeguarding commitments, and coaching ethos.

What official coaching badges and governing body accreditations do you hold?
Chay is a certified Level 2 Angling Coach, backed by up-to-date Angling Trust CPD Coach Refresher training. This qualification confirms that all coaching sessions meet rigorous national standards for technique instruction, sports development, and waterside pedagogy.

How are safety and emergency care handled on the bank?
Client welfare is paramount. Chay holds formal certification in emergency first aid at work alongside dedicated health and safety responsibilities training, ensuring full risk assessment and prompt care across all waterside venues.

What safeguarding checks and policies are in place?
Comprehensive safeguarding certifications are held for safeguarding and protecting children as well as safeguarding adults. Every session maintains a secure, vetted, and responsible environment for participants of all ages and backgrounds.

What practical angling background backs up these qualifications?
Beyond formal badges, Chay brings 45 years of practical fishing experience and 25 years as an angling writer, coach, and guide. This provides deep local water knowledge, technical expertise across multiple species, and refined coaching methods.

What training and background support the waterside wellbeing service?
Waterside wellbeing is underpinned by formal mental health awareness and Mental Health First Aid training, combined with personal insight as a former RAF serviceman who understands the challenges veterans, families, and individuals face.

What is the philosophy behind waterside wellbeing sessions?
Angling offers a calm, natural space to slow down, focus on the moment, and step away from everyday pressures. Sessions are completely pressure-free with no targets to catch fish or discuss personal issues. It provides a peaceful, restorative space to rebuild confidence in nature.

What can a complete beginner expect from their first session?
Nervous beginners are guided patiently at a comfortable pace with zero judgment. You do not need specialist equipment or prior experience; all tuition is tailored to build confidence step by step in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.

What value is offered to experienced anglers?
Experienced anglers benefit from seasoned tactical advice, species-specific targeting, river craft, and advanced technique refinement honed through decades of professional guiding and angling journalism.

Book your tailored session on the water

Enjoy a rewarding, supportive day beside the water guided by professional qualifications and a lifelong passion for angling. Get in touch today to discuss your goals and reserve your date.