PADDLER 90
Quickfire questions :
PADDLER 90
Quickfire questions :
If you could paddle with anyone in the world , dead or alive , who would it be ? Bill Mason on a trip through the Canadian Wilderness .
WHEN PREPARING FOR A MULTI-DAY EXPEDITION OR TRIP IN CHALLENGING CONDITIONS , WHAT QUALITIES DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A FELLOW TEAMMATE PADDLER ?
They have to be a good laugh and be a good communicator . I generally make a rule that I try not to go on a paddling trip with people I wouldn ’ t go for a pint with . They don ’ t necessarily need to think the same as me . For instance , I like being in teams with others who will push me and talk me into taking some chances . That said , our motivations for being on the trip need to align and cannot be wildly different – if we are on the trip for different reasons and have different goals , it will probably not be as fun !
WHICH BRANDS DO YOU WORK WITH , AND HOW DO THEY SPECIFICALLY HELP YOU ?
I am a team paddler for Pyranha Kayaks , Venture Canoes and P & H Sea Kayaks – and here at Glenmore Lodge , we are supported as coaches by Peak PS , Hou Canoes and VE Paddles as well as boats to paddle , paddles to use , and kit to wear on the water – we get an opportunity to feed into the research , design and innovation process .
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR PADDLING GOING IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS ?
I am submitting my annual leave for next year and would like a decent sea trip to a new part of Scotland and a white water trip back to the European Alps .
FINALLY , ANY FELLOW PADDLER YOU WOULD LIKE TO INTERVIEW AND WHY ?
Aniol Serrasolses – to discover what sparks his amazing creativity , how he can view the river in the way he does and what epics he ’ s had .
Which famous person would you most like to see play you in a film ? Probably James Buckley ( Jay from the Inbetweeners ).
Do you have a mentor ? I enjoy listening to Ray Goodwin ’ s stories of his adventures , with a pint to keep me going , though , as there are too many to mention !
An ideal night out for you is ? Traditional pub with a load of friends , good live Scottish trad music playing .
What would you prepare for us if we came to your house for dinner ? A really filthy Mac N Cheese .
Who are your paddling buddies ? Georgina Maxwell is an absolute hoot to be with on the river . Liam Green , but he ’ s starting to get too good now ! Will Copestake for some sea adventures . Emy McLeod , the SUP queen . Dave Janes Jr . ( brother from another mother ) and Ollie Sandeman for a complete suffer-fest . Giles Trussell and George Fell – my illustrious colleagues !
Any nicknames ? I ’ m in a messenger group with some good mates , and all have paddling-related nicknames . I think my current one is ‘ Bachelor of Breakouts ’.
If you could be a superhero for one day , what superpower would you choose and why ? Flight definitely !
Any final shout-outs to friends , supporters and sponsors ? Shout out to everyone mad enough to pay me some money to coach or guide them on the water . Mat from Pyranha Kayaks for being a complete hero !
Many thanks , Matt , for all your help and for taking time out of what I know is a busy schedule - we really appreciate it .