Challenge Yourself
I teach expedition, wilderness, and remote touring training. As a result, I teach both here in the UK and across the globe, pairing in-the-field experience with classroom learning.
Practical experience in extreme environments is the cornerstone of my teaching. I only work with volunteer organisations or clubs, and all my work is non-commercial.
Solo Crossing English Channel
In October 2022 I undertook a solo crossing of the English Channel.
Arctic Circle Expedition
In March 2023, having been unable to undertake an exped to Antarctica for technical reasons and desperate to experience these extreme conditions as a follow on from my solo English Channel crossing, I 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, I, 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. The team had the extraordinary opportunity to camp on enchanting desert islands and encountered amazing wildlife, including iguanas, sharks, and stingrays. After navigating over 100 kilometres, an injury prevented me from participating for a day and a half. During this time, I utilised my expertise in sailing and powerboating to scout potential camp sites, demonstrating my dedication to the team's success. I rejoined the group at a magical moment, as the team appreciated the beauty of the mangrove lagoon.
Experience
As a former National Staff Officer for Paddlesports within the Sea and Marine Cadets, I oversaw perhaps the biggest canoe and kayak club in the country! My leadership integrated paddlesport into the core syllabus, promoting safe, enriching experiences and adventure. I also ensured rigorous health and safety standards through detailed risk assessments and paddle plans.
As a coach at Battersea Canoe Club, Windsor and Eton Canoe Club, and Poole Harbour Canoe Club, I refined my skills and stayed connected with the paddling community. My expertise earned me a role with the PaddleUK Awarding Body's Technical Touring Group, contributing to the advancement of paddlesport standards.
I am proud of my contributions to paddlesports, inspiring a legacy of safety, education, and adventure.
Latest News - New Expedition Equipment!
I am very excited to receive my one of a kind custom Explorer Kayak made by Nigel Dennis incorporating my very own Lead Coaches "Fletcher Tartan". The boat is purpose built for future expeditions and you won't miss me on the water!
Land
I have instructor qualifications in Archery, First Aid, Touring and Camping as well as Horse Riding. I can also supervise and assess the Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions in multiple diciplines.
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Sea
I am able to instruct in a variety of conditions in the sea from Paddlesports to Power and Safety Boating
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Land
I can run a wide range of land and shore based courses
Archery
Taster Sessions
The best way to try out the sport of archery is to take Taster Sessions.
No previous experience is required and I am able to introduce groups to the Recurve Bow via the Archery GB syllabus which includes the basics of shooting the bow and arrow safely.
There is a minimum age limit of 8 years old, but no upper age limit assuming you are still fit enough to pull the bow string safely.
RYA First Aid
One Day course
The course covers all the usual first aid subjects, but from a boating perspective.
It is aimed at anyone who goes afloat, whether on inland waters, rivers, estuaries or on cross channel passages.
This course is MCA approved and satisfies the requirements for Coastal Skipper Yachtmaster and Advanced Powerboat certificates of competence and some commercial work afloat.
Horse Riding
Equine Tourism
I hold the equine tourism award and am able to lead rides out at various establishments and giving you the opportunity to enjoy the countryside on horseback.
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Gold, Silver and Bronze Paddlesport Expeditions
I am a huge advocate of paddlesport expeditions in Canoe, Kayak and even SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard). I want to help as many people as possible access these new sports and learn these amazing skills for their expeditions! I can also supervise and assess Duke of Edingbugh awards.
Sea
I can offer dynamic and exciting courses and expeditions for adults at beginner skill-levels.
Paddlesports
I can run introductory 'Paddle Start' sessions, PaddleUK paddle awards are an excellent way to get in to canoeing. Your group doesn't need any previous experience, specialist kit or skills! If you haven't been paddling before, the introductory 'Paddle Start' sessions are also a great opportunity to find out what the sport has to offer. Perhaps, it's been a while since you were last out on the water, or maybe you want to share your passion and introduce others the sport. If you are looking to further your canoeing development, I also offer PaddleUK's new Paddle Awards.
Explore
Feel like an adventure? How about paddling through the Fjords of Norway with my friends?
Skills
Fancy learning some new skills? Maybe you want to learn to roll or improve your technique, or perhaps explore something new... Greenland rolling? Where better than perhaps the warmer waters of the Mediterranean? I can arrange the perfect trip for your group through my friends.
Disciplines
Want to try something new? A White Water course on the River Dee in North Wales? Surf Kayaking anyone? I can arrange the perfect intro for you through my friends, whatever the discipline.
RYA Power Boat Level 1, 2 and Safety Boat Courses (including direct asessment and ICC / International Certificate of Competence)
Get hands on with boat handling and seamanship in powerboats.
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Powerboat Level 1
Provides a practical introduction to boat handling and safety in powerboats. It covers boating techniques for launching and recovering a boat from a road trailer, everyday boat handling and the use of safety equipment. The course may be conducted in a variety of boat types, both planing and displacement, and the certificate issued will be endorsed to show the type of boat in which the training took place. A one day introduction to Powerboating with no previous experience required.
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Powerboat Level 2
Provides the skills and background knowledge needed by the competent powerboat driver and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence. It aims to teach boat handling and seamanship in powerboats. It focuses on low speed close quarters handling, man overboard recovery, an introduction to driving at planing speed, and collision regulations. The course can be taken at an inland or coastal location. It may be conducted in a variety of boat types, both planing and displacement. The certificate issued will be endorsed to show the type of boat in which the training took place.
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Safety Boat
This two-day course provides the skills required when acting as an escort craft, safety boat or coach boat for a fleet of dinghies, windsurfers or canoes, or for racing or training activities. It includes rescue techniques and elements of race management and mark laying. It is strongly recommended that a member of the rescue crew should hold a first aid certificate (or should have experience of first aid).
Air
Aviation course or trial flight? Contact me for more information on what I support here.
Aviation Proficiency Courses and BGA Introductions
Having taught the Air Cadet syllabus for many years and recently passed out of the Sea Cadet Corps Aviation Instructor Proficiency Course I am able to teach introductory sessions into aviation for various youth groups. I am also a member of the RAF Flying Association.
I am also a very active member of the British Gliding Association who I can arrange introduction and trial flights with.
expedition
noun 1. a journey undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially that of exploration, research, or war."an expedition with me via the land, sea and air to discover new horizons"
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