Tara Crist

Paddlesports Coach & Director

Favourite place to paddle: Cliveden Reach to Hedsor in all seasons. 

Interests off the water: AcroYoga especially with youngsters, all things outdoors &  just started sailing.

Fun Fact: Tara has lived in different countries and before moving to Maidenhead, she was teaching yoga on the Caribbean island of Aruba.

Tara’s Top Paddling Tip: Focus on your posture, head position to reduce shoulder and neck tension.

Phil
Paddleboard Instructor

Favourite place to paddle:  All of the Thames of the non tidal Thames.

Interests off the water: Still on the water, travelling anywhere new and different to explore  new sections of the Thames in his selection of kayaks and paddleboards. 

Fun Fact: Over a thousands scuba dives worldwide, and he used to be a Diving instructor.

Phil’s Top Paddling Tip: Don’t let the weather put you off going out for a paddle, they are often the most memorable.

Ciara 

Paddlesports Instructor

Favourite weather to paddle: Paddling when it's raining as it seems to flatten the water. 

Interests off the water: Running with her dog, any outdoor fun and fitness with her little boy. She lives on a boat, favourite time being summer evening BBQs with friends &  family. 

Fun Fact: Ciara completed the Devises to Westminster 125 mile non-stop canoe race after just six months of training to raise an incredible £24,000 for road safety charities after her husband was killed by a dangerous driver.

Top Paddling Tip: Bring food and make the day of it!

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Nathan

Paddlesports Instructor

Favourite place to paddle: Mostly you will find him somewhere between Bray and Cliveden!

Interests off the water: Nathan is super sporty and loves playing football and squash.

Fun Fact: Nathan is bilingual in French and English. He’s possibly our most patient, chilled out instructor and never gives up.

Nathan’s Top Paddling Tip: Try to always look ahead when you paddle, never down at the board. Always a good idea to look where you’re going!

Dil

Paddlesports Instructor

Favourite place to paddle: Guards Club Park in Maidenhead as he loves to practise skills without having worrying about river traffic.

Interests off the water: Dil has an incredible singing  voice and part of a choir. 

Fun Fact: Dil is a talented swimmer – possibly also why he doesn’t mind falling in too much!

Dil’s Top Paddling Tip: Reach as far forward as you can with each paddle stroke and take the paddle out when it reaches your feet. 

Becky 
Volunteer Paddleboard Instructor 

Favourite place to paddle: Jubilee River as there are not motorized boats and so many wild birds.  

Interests of the water: Becky loves dancing, singing, origami, archery, piano.
Fun fact: She has paddled many different types of river craft including wooden rafts. 
Becky's Top tip: When paddling forward, tilt the blade at a small angle towards the board to paddle straighter. 

Belle 
Paddleboard Coach

Favourite place to paddle: Boulter’s Lock – Hedsor stretch first thing in the morning before anyone else is out on the water.

Interests off the water: Belle is also a Nail Technician and enjoys trying out new nail techniques & trends.

Fun Fact: Belle lived in Germany for 8 years where she worked as a Musical Theatre performer.

Belle’s Top Paddling Tip: Always include some yoga stretches as it  relaxes you on the water and helps immensely with aches and pains.

Taz
Paddleboard Instructor

Favourite place to paddle: The Thames around Cookham & exploring other waters in the UK.

Interests off the water: Complementary therapies, climbing and zentangle.

Fun Fact: Taz is  also a qualified formation skydiving coach, first responder, sailor , hypnotherapist to name but a few of her talents! 

Taz’s Top Paddling Tip: Encouraging beginners to soften their knees. It’s much harder to paddle with totally straight legs.

Arjan

Paddlesports Instructor

Favourite place to paddle: The views of Cliveden as well as the extra challenge of the wake from the boats on a busy day.

Interests off the water: Arjan enjoy playing rugby and hockey as well as hopefully learning to skydive.

Fun Fact: Arjan is also a qualified lifeguard and is currently studying at the University of Leeds.

Arjun’s Top Paddling Tip: Keep your knees slightly bent and your eyes forward and you’ll be a pro in no time!

Tash

Paddlesports Instructor

Favourite place to paddle: Tash will paddle anywhere. If there is water, she’ll be there.

Interests off the water: Tash is another sporty member of the team.  Football is her first love, and enjoys cross-country running, the  piano and clarinet.

Fun Fact: Tash’s football skills include the ability to complete over 1000 ‘Keepie-uppies’

Tash’s Top Paddling Tip: Moving around the board and using your bodyweight to paddle straighter and turn easier is really worth learning.

Jasmine

Paddleboard Instructor

Favourite place to paddle: I am really enjoying 'working' paddling in Hurley, I love all the islands.

Interests off the water:  I don't like sport  but I love anything outdoors and in nature, paddling suits me! 

Fun Fact: I am a Girl Guider and a Brownie leader and I met Tara on a Litter Pick this winter. 

Jasmines's Top Paddling Tip: Keep your shoulders down and as relaxed as possible and breathe!