I started Och Aye Canoe because I love being out on the water and I wanted to share my passion with others. Being out on the water, whatever the craft, is such a ‘switch off’ from everyday life and so peaceful too. Through my business I want to focus on getting complete beginners out to enjoy this – there is no need to have fancy gear and there is no pressure during my sessions, the aim is to have fun, progress at your own pace, and be safe!
I run most of my sessions in Fife, I pride myself in being able to keep each and every tour personal, unique and custom.
I am also a RYA Powerboat Instructor, RYA VHF/SRC Instructor & Assessor, and RYA & HSE First-Aid Instructor, available on a Freelance basis, and am also commercially endorsed to drive a powerboat. Contact me if I can help.
I have the following qualifications:-
- British Canoe Union Paddlesport Leader
- British Canoe Union UKCC Level 2 (canoe) Coach
- RYA Powerboat Instructor
- RYA Safety boat Instructor
- RYA VHF / SRC Instructor & Assessor
- First Aid Instructor
- RYA Commercially Endorsed Powerboat Licence
- Leave No Trace Accredited Trainer
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Accredited Assessor (Gold level)
- British Canoe Union Paddle Awards Provider
- RYA Personal Water Craft (Jetski) proficiency
- Safeguarding & Protecting Children
- First Aid at Work (3 days)
- British Canoeing Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning
- Multi-day Touring Award
- RYA Level 2 Powerboat Certificate
- RYA Intermediate Powerboat
- RYA Advanced Powerboat
- RYA VHF/SRC Radio
- RYA Essential Navigation & Seamanship
- RYA Dayskipper Theory
- RYA Yachtmaster Theory
- RYA Sea Survival
- RYA Teaching in the Classroom
- RYA Radar
- RYA Diesel Engine Maintenance
- RYA Professional Practices & Responsibilities
- British Sign Language Level 1
- British Canoe Union Introduction to Paddle-ability CPD
- Deaf Awareness in Aquatic Sport CPD
- Disability In Sport CPD (Foundation)
- Disability Awareness CPD (Foundation)
- Mental Health Awareness for Sport and Physical Activity CPD
- Coaching the Mind CPD (Intermediate)
- Fitness in Paddlesport CPD (Foundation)
I am always looking for ways to develop myself professionally and am regularly attending courses to do this. Future goals include getting my advanced commercial powerboat certificate and becoming an advanced powerboat instructor.
In my spare time I enjoy coastal rowing, scuba diving (qualified to PADI advanced open water diver & wreck speciality level), relaxation, listening to music and socialising with friends.
