Founding members

I joined the local club (Cuckmere Valley Canoe Club) and progressed through the BCU syllabus. Here, I achieved my 4* River on the Dart on a cold February weekend and my 2* Open on the Cuckmere and Arun. During this period I also passed my Level 2 Kayak Instructor assessment.

The call of the sea was never far away and with a lack of white water in the south, sea kayaking started to take over. (May also have been that the white water warriors were getting younger and better than me!) White water and surfing are fun but now I am far happy exploring the coast, finding those places others can't reach and enjoying the space, natural beauty and freedom of the sea. On a good day, you may even get me in a tide-race!

At Plas Menaii I acquired my 4* Sea qualification off Treadur Bay in foul weather and the Menaii Straits in only slightly better conditions!

I have a family and if not with them or kayaking, I enjoy walking and camping. Paul is trying to boost my enthusiasm for climbing but we'll see.

As of December 2001, I am the BCU Sea Touring Rep. for London & South East.

I started kayaking about 6 years ago, after seeing a poster for my local canoe club (Hertfordshire) offering an introductory course for £20. I thought that kayaking would be a good alternative for when there was not enough wind to  sail.

After getting my 1* on the local canal, then a weekend trip on some white water, I fancied the idea of being able to go on an 'expedition'. Sea Kayaking seemed the obvious choice. So off I went to Plas Menai for a 5 day course and got my 3* Sea.

Rivers just never seemed interesting any more, so I went and bought a sea kayak (P&H Capella, plastic). The big problem was finding someone to paddle with. Later that year I met Adrian & Hattie, at Anglesey Sea & Surf Centre. We later formed North West Sea Kayakers, (after which, this group is based) to provide a meeting point for like minded paddlers.

After moving to Eastbourne and meeting Nigel, it seemed like a good idea to start a similar group 'down south'.

I have taken a few years off work at the moment so that I can enjoy the outdoors whilst I still have the energy. I  spend most of my time walking, climbing, orienteering and mountain biking when not in my kayak.