Meet the team
Meet the wonderfully passionate team of Ulu’ers that make up our team!
Founder of Ulu
Ben Ridding
Ben started his lifeguarding career by completing his lifeguard award on the beaches of Durban, South Africa, at the age of 18 on a surf trip escaping the British Winter.
This award was the start of a career Lifeguarding back at home on the beaches of North Cornwall where working for the RNLI as a senior lifeguard he also established a Surf Life Saving Club at Watergate Bay, to train members of the local community in beach safety and surf proficiency.
Whilst continuing to be active with Surf Life Saving Great Britain as a Lifeguard instructor and examiner Ben established an Adventure Centre at the Headland Hotel at Fistral Beach in Newquay. Delivering a range of activities from surfing lessons, coasteering, junior Baywatch and open water swimming, Ben was able to pass on his knowledge of the ocean in a safe but fun environment for families on holiday, corporate groups and people looking to escape and unwind from day to day life by connecting with the ocean.
Whilst delivering these services he developed in an interest in the equipment being used and how this enhanced our connection woth the ocean. Whether this was though surfboards, body surfing, kite surfing or exploring the coast by coasteering, the right equipment would mean a better end experience.
This lead to the development and start of Ulu and the AquaTrek®36. The ultimate watermans backpack that could be used to explore the coast whilst open water swimming, keep kit dry if stand up paddle boarding or coasteering and be used as a general backpack when traveling and exploring new area.
Coming from a family of engineers and with a history in manufacturing Ben is now focussed on developing water sports equipment that creates better and safer experiences for people looking to connect with the ocean.
Head of Marketing
Peter Donnelly
Peter is the Head of Marketing & Growth at Ulu.
Having began his career in marketing as part of the Pearson College London Professional Pathway programme. To date Peter has experience of working with businesses across the London area, UK, Europe and North Africa. This experience has afforded him the opportunity to learn and develop his marketing skills further.
Based in Northern Ireland, Peter founded his own consultancy Ovati Marketing with the aim of providing in-house marketing support for businesses of all sizes.
Having met Ben through a video call and then over some beers in the sunny Algarve, Peter is a proud Ulu’er determined to see the brand grow from strength to strength.
From the Ulu SEO, content creation, PR and everything in-between marketing - Peter is Ulu’s go to Marketer and enjoying every second of it!
