Freestyle Kayaking Session 15th March

£60.00

Join us for a morning of freestyle coaching with a friendly group of like minded paddlers.

Duration: 3-hours

On the day we’ll meet in the public car park near Boulters lock at 9am and make our way to the weir as a group.

In preparation for the session, please have a think about what your aims are. Do you need to build confidence, perfect your spin, improve edge control or are you working towards a competition? If you don’t know what to learn next, that’s fine too!

For this session we intend to paddle the location mentioned in the description. As is the nature of the sport, this can change depending on water levels! Especially around winter when we are chasing the best levels and most suitable venues.

To stay up to date with all the goings on of our freestyle kayaking sessions, please ask to join our WhatsApp Community, just get in touch to be added.

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Timmy Hill, Freestyle Kayaker & Aspiring Coach

Timmy Hill

Timmy grew up paddling alongside Mike and has quickly developed into a talented freestyle kayaker. A junior medalist in freestyle in 2023, he is now working towards his coaching qualifications, eager to share his passion and growing expertise with others.

Known for his friendly and welcoming nature, Timmy brings a positive energy to every session. His enthusiasm for the sport is contagious, making him a fantastic role model for aspiring paddlers. Whether supporting beginners or refining his own skills, he is always ready to encourage others and help them build confidence on the water.

As he continues his journey toward becoming a qualified coach, Timmy is already a valued member of the London Kayak School team, bringing both skill and an infectious love for the sport to every paddling session.

Sam Wilson, Freestyle, K1, C1 & Squirt Boating Coach

Sam Wilson

Sam is a highly skilled paddler with expertise across multiple disciplines, including freestyle, K1, C1, and squirt boating. His technical knowledge and versatility make him a valuable coach for paddlers looking to refine their skills across different styles of kayaking.

Known for his boundless enthusiasm and ever-present smile, Sam brings an infectious energy to every session. His passion for the sport is evident in his dynamic coaching style, ensuring that every paddler feels engaged, motivated, and excited to push their limits.

Whether helping students master freestyle tricks, develop precise control in K1 and C1, or explore the finesse of squirt boating, Sam’s ability to create a fun and supportive learning environment makes him a standout member of the London Kayak School coaching team. His combination of expertise and positivity ensures that every session is both rewarding and packed with excitement.

Alan Ward - Freestyle & White Water Kayak Coach

Alan Ward

Alan is a GB Freestyle Team member and a Junior World Champion, bringing elite-level experience to his coaching at London Kayak School. With a deep technical understanding of both freestyle and white water kayaking, he is dedicated to helping paddlers refine their skills and push their limits on the water.

As a coach on our freestyle and white water weekends, Alan shares his expertise with aspiring paddlers, breaking down advanced techniques in a way that is both accessible and inspiring. His competitive background gives him a unique insight into high-performance paddling, while his approachable and supportive teaching style ensures that students of all levels feel encouraged to progress.

With a passion for developing the next generation of freestyle and white water kayakers, Alan’s coaching combines world-class knowledge with a genuine enthusiasm for the sport, making him a valued and inspiring mentor at London Kayak School.

Gav Barker, White Water & Freestyle Kayak Coach

Gav Barker

Gav is a highly accomplished paddler who has represented Great Britain for many years, excelling in both white water and freestyle kayaking. With a wealth of experience on challenging rivers and in high-level competition, he brings a deep technical understanding of the sport to his coaching.

Renowned for his calm, attentive, and confident coaching style, Gav creates an environment where paddlers feel supported and encouraged to progress at their own pace. His top-tier guiding skills ensure that students not only develop their technique but also gain the confidence to navigate dynamic water safely and effectively.

Whether helping paddlers master freestyle moves or refine their white water skills, Gav’s experience and steady leadership make him an invaluable part of the London Kayak School coaching team. His ability to instil confidence and inspire improvement ensures that every student leaves the water with new skills and a greater passion for the sport.

Tom Diamond, Freestyle & White Water Kayak Coach

Tom Diamond

Tom discovered his passion for kayaking in London, where he developed a love for both freestyle and white water paddling. His enthusiasm for the sport is matched by his hands-on coaching style—he leads by example and is never afraid to get wet, ensuring his students feel supported and motivated to push their limits.

With a focus on progression and enjoyment, Tom creates an environment where paddlers can develop their skills with confidence while having fun on the water. His energetic approach and ability to break down techniques make him an inspiring coach for those looking to improve their freestyle tricks or tackle the challenges of white water.

Tom’s dedication to his students, combined with his technical expertise and infectious enthusiasm, makes him a valued member of the London Kayak School coaching team, helping paddlers of all levels grow their abilities and passion for the sport.

Hassla Plaistow, LKS Coach & Youth Mentor

Hassla Plaistow

Hassla began her kayaking journey on the tidal waters of the Thames in central London, developing a deep connection to the sport in an urban setting. Her passion for paddling quickly grew, and she now dedicates her time to giving back by volunteering with Downside Fisher Youth Club, one of London Kayak School’s key project partners.

Known for her ever-present smile and warm, encouraging nature, Hassla is deeply committed to supporting young paddlers as they develop their confidence and skills on the water. Her patience and enthusiasm make her a fantastic mentor, ensuring that every session is both fun and rewarding.

Through her dedication to coaching and community engagement, Hassla plays a vital role in inspiring the next generation of paddlers, helping them build a lifelong love for the sport.

Kadeem McFarlane, LKS Coach & Youth Mentor

Kadeem McFarlane

Kadeem discovered his love for kayaking on the Tidal Thames in central London, where he began his journey under the guidance of Mike. Over the years, he honed his skills through annual white water trips, developing a passion for the thrill of running rapids, surfing waves, and executing freestyle tricks—especially when the sun is shining!

Deeply committed to giving back to the sport that has shaped him, Kadeem volunteers his time with Downside Fisher Youth Club, a project partner of London Kayak School. Through his mentorship, he inspires the next generation of paddlers, fostering a love for the water and a sense of adventure among young people.

Kadeem is also a regular supporter of the Adult White Water Progression Camps, where his infectious enthusiasm, big grin, and laid-back attitude create a welcoming and motivating atmosphere for paddlers. His dedication to both coaching and community work makes him a valued member of the LKS team, helping others to thrive both on and off the water.

Isobel Ollard, LKS Kayak Coach & Environmental Specialist

Isobel Ollard

Isobel holds a PhD in ecology and is deeply passionate about both kayaking and environmental conservation. She brings a unique perspective to London Kayak School, blending her academic expertise with her love for the outdoors to inspire both students and fellow paddlers.

Her deep understanding of ecosystems and waterways enhances her coaching, offering paddlers a broader appreciation of the natural environments they explore. Whether she’s guiding students through technical skills on the water or sharing insights into river conservation, Isobel’s knowledge and enthusiasm make her an invaluable part of the LKS team.

With a keen interest in sustainability and outdoor education, she is dedicated to promoting responsible paddling practices and fostering a connection between sport and environmental stewardship. Isobel’s ability to combine science with adventure makes her a truly inspiring coach, helping others develop their skills while gaining a greater appreciation for the world around them.

Amelia Lam, LKS White Water & Freestyle Kayak Coach

Amelia Lam

Amelia is a highly skilled white water and freestyle kayaker with a deep passion for helping others develop their confidence and technique on the water. With a patient and encouraging coaching style, she ensures that every paddler progresses at their own pace, creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment.

Her expertise spans both white water and freestyle disciplines, allowing her to tailor her coaching to meet the needs of each individual, whether they are new to the sport or looking to refine advanced skills. Amelia’s calm, positive approach makes her an excellent mentor, helping paddlers push their limits while feeling secure and motivated.

Dedicated to fostering a love for kayaking in others, Amelia is a valued member of the London Kayak School coaching team, known for her ability to bring out the best in every paddler she works with.

John McShane, LKS Youth Coach & Outdoor Enthusiast

John McShane

John is a passionate outdoor enthusiast with a love for water sports and climbing. As a key coach for London Kayak School’s regular youth group, he plays a vital role in inspiring and developing the next generation of paddlers. His energetic and engaging teaching style helps young paddlers build confidence on the water while ensuring every session is fun, educational, and rewarding.

With a natural ability to connect with students, John creates an encouraging environment where young paddlers feel supported in developing their skills. His enthusiasm for adventure extends beyond kayaking, making him a fantastic role model both on and off the water.

John’s dedication to coaching and his ability to make learning enjoyable have made him a firm favourite among the youth paddling community, helping them grow in ability and passion for the sport.

Shahid, LKS Coach & British Canoeing National Trainer

Shahid Wahab

Shahid is a highly experienced and dedicated coach across multiple paddlesport disciplines, with a background as a qualified school teacher who has taught in diverse environments around the world. His passion for white water kayaking was refined on the challenging rivers of South America, where he developed his technical expertise and deep appreciation for the sport. In addition to kayaking, he is an enthusiastic stand-up paddleboarder (SUP) and enjoys escaping into nature for quiet weekends of wild camping.

As a British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) national trainer, Shahid plays a key role in delivering a wide range of BCAB qualifications, setting the highest standards in coaching and instruction. His calm, measured teaching style ensures that every student feels supported, making him an outstanding mentor for those looking to advance their skills.

With a reputation for excellence, Shahid brings clarity, professionalism, and a passion for outdoor learning to every session. His ability to break down complex concepts with precision and ease makes him one of the best in the field, setting the A1 Gold standard for coaching and certification delivery.

Fiona Denvir

Fiona’s passion for the water began in her childhood, paddling along the canals of Edinburgh. With a strong foundation in kayaking and canoeing, she specialises in coaching beginner and intermediate paddlers, helping them build confidence and refine their skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. Her patient and approachable teaching style ensures that every student feels comfortable and empowered as they progress.

Beyond her expertise in paddlesports, Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge from her work at Kew Gardens, where her deep understanding of plant life adds another dimension to her love for the outdoors. She is also an accomplished sprint canoe paddler, an active Scout leader, and an avid climber, embodying a true spirit of adventure both on and off the water.

Fiona’s diverse skill set, combined with her enthusiasm for teaching and the natural world, makes her a valued and inspiring member of the London Kayak School coaching team.

Mike Shaw, founder and head coach of London Kayak School

Mike Shaw

Mike is the founder and head coach of London Kayak School, bringing over 25 years of experience in kayaking and a lifelong passion for the sport. His journey began in scouting, where he first discovered his love for paddling, which soon evolved into a deep commitment to white water and freestyle kayaking.

As the head coach of LKS and a coach for the GB Freestyle Team, Mike combines his extensive technical knowledge with a coaching style that is both inspiring and approachable. His ability to break down complex skills into clear, practical steps ensures that paddlers of all levels can progress confidently under his guidance.

Mike is dedicated to fostering a strong paddling community, helping students not only develop their abilities on the water but also build confidence and a love for adventure. His enthusiasm, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the sport make him an invaluable leader at London Kayak School.

Matt Stephenson

Matt is a highly accomplished canoeist, boasting multiple world medals in C1 freestyle and representing Great Britain at the highest level of competition. With a deep-rooted passion for canoeing and white water sports, he brings a wealth of experience and technical expertise to his coaching role.

As a lead coach on the Adult White Water Programme, Matt is dedicated to helping paddlers of all abilities refine their skills and build confidence on the water. His coaching approach combines expert knowledge with an engaging and supportive teaching style, ensuring every participant feels encouraged and challenged.

Beyond his technical abilities, Matt is known for his infectious enthusiasm, warm and approachable personality, and genuine love for the outdoors. His ability to create a fun and inclusive learning environment makes him a firm favourite among students, inspiring them to push their limits while enjoying every moment on the water.

Michael Shaw

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