Hometown?
Falmouth, Cornwall
Where did you last paddle?
The Lofoten Archipelago.
What are your best paddling memories?
My best memories of paddling usually involve wildlife. I once stopped with a group of clients for a jelly baby break. As if pre organised a humongous basking shark circled out rafted kayaks. Or maybe it was the day that a youthful otter climbed onto the bow of my kayak to get a better look at me.
Where should everybody go paddling once?
The Isles of Scilly. White sandy beaches, wildlife galore, skerries, islands, ice cream. It can easily be done in a weekend, and the islands are pretty tropical, the only reminder your still in the UK is the water temperature, if you decide to go for a dip on one of the gorgeous beaches.
What else do you like to do when you’re not out paddling?
Ski! In the winter when its hard to persuade people to take to the water, I disappear to Chamonix for a few months. I love to head into the mountains, and try and get fresh tracks as far from the busy resorts as possible.
What’s your best advise for other paddlers?
Kayaking for me is all about the adventure. Don’t be afraid to go somewhere different to your regular spots. If your unsure, paddlers are the friendliest bunch of people I know, so don’t be afraid to ask around for a bit of local knowledge.
What are your favourite bits of kit?
My Payto BA. I love how simple it is.
Where is left on your list of places to go?
Where isn’t! I think in the next few years I’ll head back to south America, as the wilderness down in Patagonia is so incredible. I quite like the cold climates, so some where really icy, like Greenland or Antarctica. I’d also love to experience more culture, maybe try and visit the sea gypsies in Asia.
Describe your perfect day on the water?
A perfect day on the water would of course include sun, sand and seals. A Epic day on the water would have to include a whale or basking shark encounter, amazing cliffs, caves to explore, and a hot chocolate to finish off.
What are you most looking forward to in 2017?
I’ve started my own sea kayaking expedition company this summer, Evoke Adventure. I can’t wait to take my first clients out and show them what’s so awesome about sea kayaking. Hopefully they will catch the bug too.