Meet the team

Whenever you book with us – whether it's for coaching, a Paddle UK course, or joining us on an adventure – one of our three team members will be there. This means you'll always know who you're booking with. If you're looking to work with a specific team member for coaching, please contact us before booking.

Joshua Telling

Owner of Rapid Skills & Paddle UK National Trainer.

Discipline:

Whitewater kayak, Open canoe, Paddle boarding

Paddling experience:

18 years

Current boats:

Pyranha ReactR, Pyranha Ripper 2, Venture Prospector 115, McConks 14

Paddle of choice:

Werner Stikine

Favourite piece of kit:

NRS Jakal Drysuit

Countries paddled in:

England, Wales, Scotland, France, Zambia, Uganda, Chile, Nepal, Slovenia, Norway,

Canada.

Favourite paddling spot:

Futaleufu - Chile

Brand ambassador for:

Canoe and Kayak Store, Pyranha Kayak, NRS, Dewerstone, Surf Plugs, McConks

Expedition experience:

River Tay, Scotland, canoeing - 2014
Ardeche canoe decents for PGL - 2014 to 2016
River Spey, Scotland, canoeing - 2017, 2024
Karnali river, Nepal, whitewater kayaking, 5 days - 2018
Great Glen, Scotland, canoe & paddle board - 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023
Knoydart, Scotland, SUP expedition - 2021, 2023
Norway SUP expedition - 2022, 2024
Algonquin, Canada, canoe expedition, 8 days - 2022, 2024
Bloodvein river, Canada, canoe expedition, 16 days - 2023
Royal Dee, Scotland, canoe expedition - 2024

Paddle UK qualifications held:

Advanced Whitewater Kayak Leader
Advanced Whitewater & Open Water Canoe Leader
Stand Up Paddleboard Inland & Open Water Leader

Advanced Open Water Canoe Coach
Whitewater Canoe Coach
Whitewater Kayak Coach
Stand Up Paddleboard Open Water Coach

Advance White Water Safety & Rescue
Rescue 3 - WRT Pro
Wilderness First Responder
Level 3 Award for First Responders
Level 3 in Administering Emergency Oxygen
Off Site Safety Management
TES - Safeguarding
Short Range VHF Radio

Tom Botterill

Paddle UK Whitewater Technical committee member.

Discipline:

Whitewater kayak, open canoe, paddle boarding

Current boats:

Zet Cross, Mad River Explorer 14, McConks SUP

Paddle of choice:

VE Flyte, 200cm, fibreglass straight shaft.

Favourite piece of kit:

Watershed Dry Bag

Countries paddled in:

England, Wales, Scotland, Slovenia, Chile, Norway, New Zealand, India, Nepal.

Favorite paddling spot:

Pucon - the town of paddlers surrounded by some of the best whitewater in the world

Brand ambassador for:

Canoe and Kayak Store, Zet Kayaks, Dewerstone, Surf Plugs, McConks

Paddle UK Trainer/Assessor Roles:

White Water Kayak Award + Progressive Kayak Award
Sheltered Water SUP Award
Paddlesport Safety & Rescue
Introduction to White Water Safety
White Water Safety
White Water Kayak Leader
SUP Discipline Specific Module
Paddlesport Instructor Award Tutor
White Water Kayak Coach Tutor

Holly Marshall

Discipline:

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Current board:

McConks 11.4 SUP

Paddle of choice:

McConks Carbon

Favourite piece of kit:

Palm Atom Pants

Countries paddled in:

England, Wales, Norway, Australia

Favorite paddling spot:

Norway

Paddle UK qualifications held:

- Sheltered Water SUP Coach

- Paddlesport Safety & Rescue

- Level 3 Outdoor First Aid