PADDLER 29
DENNIS NEWTON
Dennis was described to me once as the ‘ best technical freestyle coach in the world ’, and after a week of observing him coach , I think that is a fair statement to make ! Den has a wealth of paddling and coaching experience in river running and freestyle . When asked what Den ’ s motivations are for his hard work and time spent volunteering , his answer is , “ For the love of the sport and giving back what it gives to me .”
MIKE SHAW
Mike has paddled for 25 years and got into it through the scouts . He started coaching at 15 and hasn ’ t looked back since . Mike runs a centre , London Kayak School , and works with paddlers just starting their paddling journey and those competing internationally . Mike said , “ I like kayaking , and I enjoy helping others progress in a sport that brings me so much joy .”
MATT STEPHENSON
Matt might just be the most enthusiastic paddler you will ever meet , and he is a master of all trades when it comes to paddling . Matt is an immensely talented and well-rounded paddler , as well as just being a really friendly , happy guy . He has paddled on class 5 rivers around the world and competed in international competitions for freestyle . He is a phenomenal white water SUP paddler and a wellloved raft guide . Matt said , “ I like helping others find joy in our wonderful sport .”
TAMSYN MCCONCHIE
Tamsyn is a freestyle paddler who competes in C1 , K1 and squirt boating . She won a silver medal in the last Freestyle World Championships . She has recently set up her own kayak coaching company and specialises in coaching both freestyle and junior paddlers – WetRock . Tamsyn said , “ To facilitate others in their discovery and development of their passion for kayaking .”
DAVID ROGERS
David has been kayaking for 15 years and is the current British Champion for squirt boating . David had dedicated much of his time to sharing his love for squirt boating with others and spent two days this week helping our junior kayakers try and develop their squirt boating skills . David said , “ I enjoy getting people out on the water .”
LEO RATHBURN
Leo is an absolute superstar . Leo is a coach at Manchester Canoe Club and had noticed a rise in junior paddlers asking about how to do freestyle . Determined to support these paddlers , Leo asked to join the camp for the week to learn how to coach in freestyle . As Leo said , he aims to , “ Spread the freestyle obsession back to the northern reaches of the UK .” Every club needs a Leo !
TANYA NEILSON
Tanya is the team manager for GB Freestyle and a director for Canoe Wales . Tanya has been paddling for another 40 years and has been instrumental in driving freestyle kayaking in the UK for the last three years . She says , “ I want to use my skills to enable others to participate in what they love .” And we thank you for it , Tanya !
PADDLER 29