Devoted educator recognized with RYA Cymru Wales Impact Prize for outstanding contributions.
Aston Grindrod, the Young Guru of Watersports in Swansea, Swipes an RYA Cymru Wales Impact Award
Meet Aston Grindrod, the 23-year-old RYA Advanced Power Boat Instructor who's been ruling the waves of Swansea. This young gun has been presented with an RYA Cymru Wales Impact Award, an accolade bestowed by the boating governing body in Wales to honor those who go all-out to help the masses love the sea.
Aston's qualifications are a sight to behold. He's a Yachtmaster for sail and power, a Yachtmaster Instructor for sail, a Cruising Instructor for power, a Personal Water Craft Instructor, and a shore-based instructor for VHF, first aid, and navigation. Impressive, right? But that's not where it ends.
Ceri Davies, Aston's manager at Swansea Watersports, nominated him for this prestigious award. Ceri beams about Aston, saying, "At this age, Aston is the youngest person I've come across to hold and use all of these qualifications. He's our chief instructor at Swansea Watersports."
Aston's love for the sea started while he was around ten, sailing dinghies with Swansea Sea Cadets. He soon joined Tata Steel Sailing Club, where he borrowed boats and eventually bought a Topper dinghy and a double-handed 420.
His passion for watersports helped him grow past his academic struggles. After being expelled from school for a spell, he found his footing and managed to graduate with just about enough credits to move on. He credits watersports for helping him stay focused.
Sharing the Wealth
Aston began working with Ceri at the Oxwich Watersports Centre, renting out equipment. His diligence was rewarded with mentoring to earn qualifications, backed by an aspiring instructor's program subsidized by RYA Cymru Wales.
Today, Aston spends six days a week on or near the water. He divides his time between work and volunteering at Swansea Sea Cadets. Aston expresses his gratitude towards everyone who's supported him, including his Swansea Watersports family, his parents and friends, Sea Cadets staff, and his past teachers.
He enjoys giving back to the Sea Cadets, teaching sailing and powerboat safety to children and adults. He also finds it rewarding to watch beginners progress through the levels.
Homegrown Talent Shines
The RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards are presented by the governing body to recognize the efforts of people who go the extra mile to inspire Welsh communities to embrace sailing and watersports. The awards align with RYA Cymru Wales's strategy – Together on our Waters – aiming to create a connected, inspired, and inclusive Welsh sailing and boating community.
Club Development Officer Hester Walker commented, "Aston and Swansea Watersports represent a fantastic example of centers nurturing homegrown talent and providing employment opportunities in Wales."
Interested in getting your feet wet? Check out Swansea Watersports or RYA Start Boating.
Is there someone in Wales who excels at supporting water activities? Consider nominating them for the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards, which honor individuals and organizations for their dedication to the water sports community.
Aston Grindrod, the young RYA Advanced Power Boat Instructor, also engages in dinghy sailing, showcasing a versatile passion for various sports on the waters of Swansea. His numerous qualifications include being a Yachtmaster for sail and power, a Yachtmaster Instructor for sail, a Cruising Instructor for power, a Personal Water Craft Instructor, and a shore-based instructor for VHF, first aid, and navigation.
With a love for teaching and a passion for watersports, Aston Grindrod continues to volunteer at Swansea Sea Cadets, inspiring and instructing both children and adults in dinghy sailing and powerboat safety, embodying the spirit of the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards.
