Fiona Whitehead

Profile

I started paddling in 1994, whilst working at a centre, I didn't enjoy my first impressions of paddle sport, it was in a GP boat on a cold, wet and windy day in which my instructor swam whilst trying to teach me to draw stroke. I persevered and a few months later I went on an expedition to the Outer Hebrides and that was it I was completely sold.

Since then I have tried all areas of the sport, gaining second place in the devices to Westminster canoe race, a gold medal in my category in the British National marathon championships, raced at national level for Sprint races, wild water racing, surf kayaking and dragon boating. My main focus is on Sea paddling I enjoy spending time coaching as well as expeditions. In the first few years of paddling I expeditioned with friends and colleagues round the UK waters.

About four years ago i started taking groups in the Mediterranean , northern Spain and North America. It was at this time that i found a need to challenge myself more and do some trips for myself; the first one of these was to Australia where I spent three months paddling along the the coast of West Australia. The trip was a mixture of solo paddling and paddling with locals that i met, as part of this trip I became the first female to paddle the southwest corner of Australia which I did solo. Since then I have done a few expeditions which have included the first circumnavigation of Wales by Kayak, the fastest female circumnavigation of Anglesey in 14 1/2 hours and an attempted circumnavigation of Ireland which due to weather wasn't successful.

The challenge and enjoyment I get is endless, I am constantly full of thoughts of places I would like to paddle only time will tell if I am able to do them.

Paddling resumeLevel 5 sea A4 Level 3 coach Inland A3 Level 3 coach Open Canoe A1 Level 3 coach Surf Training Level 2 coach Placid Water A1

For more information visit: www.fionawhitehead.com

Sea Kayaking UK sponsored paddlers have been selected for their expeditionary & kayaking skills. All are prepared to run courses on request having excellent seamanship and kayaking skills. They have the full support of Sea Kayaking UK and we would be glad to arrange tuition, lectures, etc.

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