FlowFree coaches are not only are some of the most talented, up and coming paddlers out there, but experienced and accomplished coaches that know how to make a difference to your paddling. We hope to add more coach profiles soon, but for now let’s meet the brother and sister team that set FlowFree up and made all this possible…
Lowri
Despite being around kayaking all my life, I didn’t get into paddling properly until I was 14, when kayaks and kit really started to fit me. That’s when I first got the buzz and understood why my parents had been driving all over Europe every chance they got. I was hooked, nagging anyone I could into taking me paddling – whether it was to a local beck, cold winter surf or a man-made white water course. That enthusiasm soon paid off as I earnt a place on the GB freestyle team for the 2001 World Championships in Sort, aged just 16. It was a life changing experience and I’ve kept on throwing down ends on the International freestyle scene ever since, earning myself a few medals along the way – including gold at three British Championships and the 2006 European Championships.
Despite all this, I still consider myself primarily a river boater and can be found creek boating around the UK whenever it’s been raining. I love to travel and regularly visit different corners of the Earth for the biggest waves, cleanest drops and most remote gorges I can find. My adventures with my kayak have taken me to over 30 countries on 5 different continents… so far…
In 2007 I was the selected as the only female paddler on an elite team for the Four Borders Expedition, searching out first descents in Mongolia, Siberia and Kazakhstan. It was an unforgettable experience including some big volume, multi-day trips in the most remote parts of the Altai Mountains – and a lot of male humour!
However much I love going paddling; I love helping other people to develop their paddling just as much. Opening the doors to new skills, techniques or experiences is as rewarding a job as you could hope for. Over the years I have spent a lot of time coaching a range of people at all levels within our sport, and enjoy it all.
I’m currently the Welsh Canoeing Association’s Freestyle Development Officer, a role which gives me the opportunity to have a real effect on freestyle in Wales and help the sport’s future heroes and heroines come into their own. I also work with GB Team juniors with individual long term development plans.
With my varied coaching experience, as well as river guiding all over the world, you can rely on my coaching skills, wherever we’re paddling. I hope to see you on the water sometime soon!
Find out more about Lowri on her blog: www.lowridavies.co.uk
Jon
I have been kayaking ever since I was big enough to pick up the then 3.5 meter kayaks. For me this was when I was 12, from the moment I took to the water I knew paddling was for me. I quickly progressed with input from my Dad, big sis and many other boaters all with sore ears from my questions.
At the age of 13 I dropped off my first waterfall, a beautiful 25 foot drop. Paddling a Topo with a set of Schlegel “stop and go” paddles and wearing a motor cycle helmet. This was my first big buzz in a kayak – I was hooked – steep creeking and river running was the path for me.
I am still a keen steep creeker/river boater but when the weather is less wet I take great pleasure from the more relaxing end of paddlesport. Paddling an open boat under a bright sun in a pair of shorts or all wrapped up in winter kit under the night stars is a fabulous experience and can be as exhilarating as hucking off a 60 foot fall.
Recently I have joined a voluntary organisation called Global Rescue Services which runs a specialist water rescue team. Through the team I have become involved with the cutting edge of flood awareness and whitewater rescue allowing me to pass on real life experience and understanding when coaching.
If you see me on the water, or on the bank, come and say hi (preferably bearing tea and cake).
Find out more about Jon on his blog: jontheboater.blogspot.com
Team FlowFree
