15/12/2025
Paddle UK Director (England)
Paddle UK specifically asked for those with experience in sport coaching, Elite sport and/or talent pathway development and recreational sport development.
I feel I cover all three of those requirements rather well!
You can vote for myself and read through the other candidates through the link here:
https://paddleuk.org.uk/england-director-application/
Here's a short whistle stop tour of my career.
“I've got a wide range of paddlesports experience and I'm involved in the sport in every way: as my job, as a volunteer, as the thing I choose to spend my free time doing. Paddling isn't something I dip in and out of; it's been a constant in my life for 25+ years.
“I started paddling through Scouts at 12, began helping coach at 14 and by 18 I'd decided to make it my career. I worked across clubs and centres in London, eventually becoming Head of Paddlesports at both Westminster Boating Base and Surrey Docks Watersports Centre. I've led teams of professional coaches and volunteers and continued volunteering within Scouting into my early twenties.
“In 2019 I took on the voluntary role of GB Freestyle Coach, which opened the door to high-performance coaching. I've been part of a team that has supported athletes to multiple successful World Championship results, including our most successful Worlds ever and the programme continues to grow.
“In 2023 I founded London Kayak School and now run it alongside our CIC, London Kayak School Access to Adventure. We deliver sessions across London and the UK, from beginner level to high-performance. A personal highlight is our monthly adult whitewater development programme, watching paddlers build confidence and skill month after month.
“I've developed a strong understanding of coach development, having led coaching workforces in both professional and voluntary settings, as well as supporting athletes on the performance pathway. I coach weekly from GB Freestyle athletes, complete beginners, SEND groups and everyone in between. Through LKS we partner with organisations across the sector, always with the aim of opening the sport to more people.
“My goal is simple: to help more people get into Paddlesports.
