Hometown: Barnsley, South Yorkshire

Living now:  Llanberis, Paradise. UK

Discipline(s): WW Kayak, WW Safety.

Bio: 

First got in a kayak in ’79, but didn’t really get the WW bug until ’85. I grew up as a kayaker in Mid wales and low volume ditches remains a favourite. Work took me to venues like Austria and Nepal, so I was forced to enjoy big water too! In recent years I’ve spent a bit of time exploring the rivers (and MtB routes) out in Peru.

I work as a Safety Consultant for Amazonas Explorer an Adventure travel company based in Cusco. My main motivations for paddling are about not knowing what’s coming up – and can I handle it (currently no!). Equally important is the company of friends and our relationships and of course the river and it’s environment!

Quick facts: Got a cunning plan in the pipeline for a rad new boating destination – watch this space!

Favourite food:  Anything Veggie (except Aubergines and coconut, yuk).

Favourite drink: Beer – i.e. Black Sheep, Timmy Tailors Landlord.

Favourite music:  Punk and Folk – The Damned, Ferocious Dog, Levellers, Headsticks, Anything involving Jello Biafra, New Model Army, The Newcranes, The Real McKensies, Oysterband, Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphies, SLF, like a lot of Reggae too – Toots and the Maytals, Benjamin Zephania, Steel Pulse, etc. I’m also into bits of random stuff like Radical Dance Faction, bit of heavy metal (only AC/DC and Motorhead really). I’ve got a weird soft spot for things like Jethro Tull, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell too… yeah I know! Oh and then there’s World music and Jazz too!

Ultimate paddling destination:   Anywhere new… But it’s hard to beat Peru!

Motto:  I wonder what’s around the corner..?

Advice to newcomers:  Don’t go round the corner..! Learn to forward paddle really well, learn to roll both sides, learn to listen to and work in harmony with the river – it knows best!

Favourite Peak UK kit:

• Combi Shortie cag – On a big water 15 trip in Peru I stayed dry everyday!
  
• WW Deck – As above… in 15 days I didn’t once use my sponge or open the drain bung!
  
• The River Wrap is fab – love the ease of wearing and the adjustable chest harness.