Interview: Peter Tranter Photos: Gav Barker, Peak PS, Gradient and Water, Leif Anderson, Tyler Bradt, Jack Ledworth, Adam Sampson & Bartosz Cauderna Gav is one of the most recognisable faces on the Freestyle circuit and a seasoned WW kayaker. He has been passionate about paddlesports, both coaching and competing for the majority of his life. He’ s been a Great Britain Freestyle Kayaking Team member for 14 years and a triple British Champion. Gav is an accomplished river kayaker with experience guiding and coaching in locations all over the world. Through his coaching, he aims to create an enjoyable and safe environment where all paddlesports enthusiasts can have fun and thrive on the river. Take it away, Gav …
PADDLER
A chat with … Gav
BARKER
Interview: Peter Tranter Photos: Gav Barker, Peak PS, Gradient and Water, Leif Anderson, Tyler Bradt, Jack Ledworth, Adam Sampson & Bartosz Cauderna Gav is one of the most recognisable faces on the Freestyle circuit and a seasoned WW kayaker. He has been passionate about paddlesports, both coaching and competing for the majority of his life. He’ s been a Great Britain Freestyle Kayaking Team member for 14 years and a triple British Champion. Gav is an accomplished river kayaker with experience guiding and coaching in locations all over the world. Through his coaching, he aims to create an enjoyable and safe environment where all paddlesports enthusiasts can have fun and thrive on the river. Take it away, Gav …
BEFORE WE START GAV, LET OUR READERS KNOW A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR BACKGROUND, ETC.
Well, I was brought up in North Manchester and got into kayaking through Bury Canoe and Kayak Club when I was 12. That really was the start of a lifelong journey with kayaking and paddlesports. It’ s shaped the work I do, where I live, and pretty much every holiday and trip I’ ve been on! I’ ve been competing on the GB Freestyle team for 15 years now and love travelling to compete. I have a passion for river running and being out in natural and remote places. I run a coaching business, Gav Barker Coaching, offering bespoke paddlesports coaching and safety courses.
PADDLER
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