PADDLER 86
Interview : Peter Tranter . Photos : Glenmore Lodge , Ian Adey , PeakPS Tim Hamlet , Fiona Duff & Georgina Maxwell
Matt is one of a team of instructors based at Scotland ’ s National Outdoor Centre , Glenmore Lodge . As one of the UK ’ s premier learning centres for watersports , we asked Matt about his job , experiences and what makes him tick . Take it away Matt …
PADDLER 86
A chat with … Matt
HAYDOCK
Interview : Peter Tranter . Photos : Glenmore Lodge , Ian Adey , PeakPS Tim Hamlet , Fiona Duff & Georgina Maxwell
Matt is one of a team of instructors based at Scotland ’ s National Outdoor Centre , Glenmore Lodge . As one of the UK ’ s premier learning centres for watersports , we asked Matt about his job , experiences and what makes him tick . Take it away Matt …
TELL US ABOUT THE START OF YOUR PADDLING JOURNEY .
On Wednesday afternoons at school in Lancashire , there was an alternative option to football , rugby or cricket ( never really my thing !) – which was kayaking . I was lucky to have a teacher that was really into their white water kayaking and took us to paddle on the River Irwell ( a sometimes polluted tributary of the Mersey ) at Burrs Country Park – a great section of class 2 and 3 rapids and big fun weir . These coaching sessions allowed me to get properly hooked on the sport , and I just loved being on the water right from the word go .
DO YOU HAVE A LOCAL PADDLING SPOT ?
Living in Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands , we have a wide array of lochs and rivers to enjoy in a variety of crafts , but my all-time favourite local paddling spot would have to be the River Findhorn , particularly its class 4 lower gorge section and especially in the autumn months . When levels are good with the sublime autumn colours , the quality of the white water is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with good pals .
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT PADDLESPORTS ?
I love paddlesports because of all the connections it can offer and the tremendous variety available . It allows for connections with wild places , like exploring a remote stretch of coastline you can only access by sea kayak or SUP . You can uniquely connect with the environment from a boat or board – seeing flora , fauna and landscapes from a unique perspective .
It allows for connections with others – there is a fantastic feeling to be gained from descending a challenging section of white water as a team and working as a close group to challenge and support each other and keep each other psyched . It allows for connection with learning and achievement , developing a skill and reaching a new level of performance you didn ’ t think was possible . You can choose to have a high-octane , adrenaline-fuelled experience or a mellow social paddle . The huge variety of craft available is also what excites me hugely . Paddling has it all !
WHAT DRIVES AND INSPIRES YOU TO COACH AT GLENMORE LODGE ?
The opportunity to be on the water sharing my passion day-in-day-out , inspiring others and helping them achieve their goals . To do this job , you have to enjoy working with people – and I enjoy striving to understand what makes people tick , working together with them to achieve something , and the buzz you get when someone ‘ gets it ’. It ’ s often so much more than ‘ just paddling ’ to the people I work with , and I enjoy creating a quality experience for them which is meaningful to them as an individual .
Glenmore Lodge is a fantastic place to do this job . The facilities are excellent , which supports what we do on the water , and the team of people I work with at the centre are all fantastic . Sharing practice with other instructors and coaches happens daily , and that ’ s one of the superb benefits of working here .