Meet the Team
Our dedicated team of coaches each brings a unique blend of passion and expertise to guide and inspire our members on their Surf Lifesaving journey.
Paul Stokes
Founder & Head Coach
Favourite Discipline: Surfski & Board
Paul Stokes, Ocean Warriors' founder and head coach, boasts over two decades of experience as a professional Surf lifeguard and a deep passion for ocean, water safety, surf lifesaving, and surf sports. He held key roles, including National Examiner for Life Saving South Africa. Paul began his journey as a young enthusiast, moving up from Nippers to Senior levels and working as a lifeguard since the age of sixteen.
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After becoming a Professional Lifeguard in Durban, he advanced to Senior Lifeguard, overseeing prominent beaches. Paul earned certifications as a Crewman, Driver, Instructor, and Examiner for Inshore Rescue Boat and Jet Ski as well as South African Surf Lifesaving Association. He also holds advanced first aid and resuscitation qualifications, along with an "Ambulance Crewman" certification. Paul has a footprint in Surf Lifesaving in the UAE, UK, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
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Paul's international experience as a surf/beach lifeguard and his efforts in establishing exchange programs further reflect his dedication. He has assembled a skilled team to deliver high-quality programs, emphasising safety for all at Ocean Warriors Surf Lifesaving Club.
Kerry Cole
Senior Volunteer Coach
Favourite Discipline: Surfski
Kerry, a dedicated coach at Ocean Warriors, has a profound love for paddling, canoeing, and kayaking. She proudly represented South Africa in both Sprint and Marathon kayaking at numerous World Championship events. Her standout achievement was participating in the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010.
Kerry continued her pursuit of sports by studying for a BSc Sport Science degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Post-graduation, she ventured into yachting, working as a sports massage therapist and stewardess while also obtaining qualifications as a medical officer for yachts. Now based in Dubai, Kerry focuses on her role as a Sports Massage Therapist and has recently achieved her Canoe/Kayaking level 3 coaching certification from the International Canoe Federation (ICF). Her passion for watersports drives her to share her knowledge and experiences with young enthusiasts, inspiring them to create their own joyful memories in and on the water.
Hauke Schaberg
Volunteer Coach
Favourite Discipline: Run Swim Run
Hauke Schaberg, a devoted volunteer coach at Ocean Warriors, balances his roles as a father of two young Warriors and a dedicated sea lover. He's a "wannabe beach boy," but an office job keeps him from fully embracing that dream. Hauke is enthusiastic about being part of the coaching crew and is driven by the desire to help everyone make the most of their experiences. His life philosophy is encapsulated in the phrase "Life's a wave," signifying his belief in embracing life's dynamic nature. Hauke's love for the sea enriches the Ocean Warriors community, making him a valuable addition to the coaching team.
Mia
Volunteer Coach
Meet Mia, a devoted young coach, sea-lover and surf lifesaving enthusiast, passionate about helping our warriors development both their skill and enjoyment of the sport. Mia brings a strong expertise and experience in competitive surf lifesaving to the team. She harbours a robust knowledge of technique and strategy for all of our disciplines, including first aid, having earned her first lifeguard qualification at just age 14.
Outside of her studies at sixth form, Mia most enjoys motivating our warriors with a ‘can do’ attitude, and a friendly face they can rely on to make them not only better athletes, but more confident, resilient people.
Jack Evans
Volunteer Coach
Favourite Discipline: Body Boarding
Meet Jack, a dedicated coach at Ocean Warriors. While balancing his studies at University, Jack is an enthusiastic member of the team on a mission to empower students with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe and feel confident in the water.
With both lifeguard and swimming coach qualifications, Jack spent 14 months working as a lifeguard in the UK, gaining hands-on experience in aquatic safety and emergency response. Now based in Dubai, he brings that expertise to Ocean Warriors.
Talina Corder
Volunteer Coach
Talina Corder is a passionate beach lifeguard and coach at Ocean Warriors. Talina also coaches the U8’s, guiding young athletes with energy and enthusiasm. With a love for the ocean and sailing, she embraces every opportunity to be on the water, whether for work or leisure.
Her commitment to both safety and sport makes her an invaluable asset to her community, and she continues to inspire the next generation of ocean lovers and athletes.
Ellie Sanson
Volunteer Coach
Ellie Sanson is an outdoor instructor and passionate sailing enthusiast. With a love for the sea, she combines her expertise as a coach at Ocean Warriors, helping others develop their skills and confidence.
Dedicated to outdoor adventure, Ellie thrives on teaching, inspiring others to embrace the challenges of nature while fostering personal growth through coaching.
Felicity
Volunteer Coach
Hi! I’m Felicity! I love all things beach and ocean related, as well as being an avid sailor, which I’ve been doing for almost half my life! In particular, I enjoy sailing the Laser, which I have both had fun with, as well as had a go at racing with as well.
My favourite part about Ocean Warriors is helping the children grow more and more confident on the boards and improve their skills, as well as all the incredible people I’ve met. When not assisting with Ocean Warriors, I love doing creative projects like crocheting, as well as working on my Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, which I am very much enjoying!
Charlotte Style
Social Media & Admin
Favourite Discipline: Surfski
Meet Charlotte, our dedicated admin and social media enthusiast! After her upbringing in Dubai and graduating from Loughborough University in the UK, she's returned to the UAE. A Surfski paddler, she loves starting her day with an early morning paddle.
When she's not assisting Ocean Warriors with registration or crafting engaging reels, she's actively involved in playing and coaching Netball & CrossFit, all while pursuing a Masters in Psychology. If you have any inquiries or need assistance with signing up, Charlotte is the friendly face you'll be in touch with.
