Solo Crossing English Channel

In October 2022 our director and coach Gary Fletcher undertook a solo crossing of the English Channel.

Arctic Circle Expedition

In March 2023 our director and coach Gary Fletcher having been unable to undertake an exped to Antartica for technical reasons and desperate to experience these extreme conditions as a follow on from his solo English Channel crossing decided to visit the opposite Pole and led a short expedition to "way north" of the Arctic Circle with Mike Middleton, leveraging support from Lise Haug as an expert local guide.

Great Bahamas Bank Expedition - May 2023

Continuing the expedition and challenging Paddlesports theme, Gary, in a completely fully loaded single kayak, was joined by a team of four double kayakers during an epic expedition along the Great Bahamas Bank.

During their expedition, the team had the extraordinary opportunity to camp on a number of enchanting desert islands, where they strung up their hammocks beneath the night sky. In spite of the difficulties posed by their proximity to nature, such as mosquitoes, they remained resilient and immersed themselves in the breathtaking surroundings. The unforgettable wildlife encounters, including sightings of iguanas, sharks, and stingrays, increased their appreciation for the pristine majesty of the Bahamas.

After navigating an impressive distance of over 100 kilometres, Gary's endurance and resolve became apparent. However, an injury prevented him from participating in the expedition for a day and a half.

Gary utilised his expertise during his time away from kayaking by taking on the roles of sailing and powerboating. He scouted potential camp sites to ensure that the team had sufficient places to rest and reorganise. Gary's unwavering support and commitment were instrumental in maintaining the expedition's momentum and overall success along the Great Bahamas Bank despite his temporary inability to kayak. His contributions demonstrated his dedication to the team and their shared journey.

Gary rejoined the group at a magical moment, just as the team was appreciating the beauty of the mangrove lagoon.

Experienced Staff

Gary also holds the role of National Staff Officer for Paddlesports within the Sea and Marine Cadets. The Sea Cadets, arguably as the largest Canoe and Kayak club in the country, encompass a large team of 291 highly skilled and experienced paddlesport staff members, specialising in a variety of disciplines. Our collective mission is to champion safe and enriching paddling experiences for our community, which includes 14,000 cadets and 7,000 experienced staff members.

Beyond my role with the Sea Cadets, I am also actively involved as a coach at distinguished paddling clubs, including Battersea Canoe Club, Windsor and Eton Canoe Club, and Poole Harbor Canoe Club. These affiliations allow me to continuously refine my coaching skills and remain closely connected to the paddling community.

At the core of our efforts is the seamless integration of paddlesport into our core syllabus, providing our students with invaluable opportunities for adventure and personal growth. Under my leadership, we meticulously manage and evaluate health and safety risk assessments and paddle plans, ensuring the utmost well-being of all participants. This role epitomises my unwavering dedication to paddlesport education and safety, as well as my commitment to nurturing a culture of exploration and adventure within our esteemed organisation.

I am honored to contribute to the thriving world of paddlesports, both within the Sea Cadets and through my involvement in renowned paddling clubs. Together, we are shaping the future of paddlesport education and adventure, fostering a community of skilled and passionate paddlers.