About

James Stevenson is a highly qualified and experienced Kayaker. He’s never happier than when he’s out on the water. 

James loves kayaking and has an extensive portfolio of teaching experience across a wide range of client groups. Patient and calm, he has a real knack for developing and building confidence. 

James is a BC Level 5 Coach, the highest level qualification in kayaking. It identifies a competent, motivated individual with a depth and wealth of knowledge, who provides reliable, practical coaching and guidance up to a high level. 

Simon Osborne started kayaking when he was 7 years old. His introduction to the world of kayaking was through Whitewater joining his dad, whom ran a college kayak club, on Alps trips from age 9.  Simon has been coaching kayaking for over 25 years and has worked professionally in the industry for over 20 years.  Through paddling a variety of different diciplins Simon has a developed a great understanding of different skills and how the body, boat and blade interact.   

From kayaking first decents in Madagascar paddling with alligators in Florida to rock hopping through Icelandic lava fields to surfing clean barrelling waves in Cornwall, it’s the variety the sport offers that keeps Simon interested and coming back for more.

Chris has worked and paddled all over the UK, Europe, California, New Zealand, Zambia, Canada, Norway and Nepal. He has been a National Trainer working for the National Governing Body and currently works part time for BCAB (British Canoeing Awarding Body) as an EQA (External Quality Assurance) officer for their coaching awards. He’s also worked for the national outdoor centre, Plas Y Brenin in various different roles with the latter being head of paddle-sports. Accomplishments, aside from a twenty year plus outdoor career with only a hernia operation and some glue or stitches for some minor injuries, include many instructional, coaching and leadership qualifications, British freestyle squad twice, BCU Level five white water kayak coach and the completion of the British Canoeing Diploma in performance Coaching and subsequent MSc in performance coaching.

Chris owes all of this to a missed deadline at school during an options week where he’d chosen computer studies but was too late and had to (kicking and screaming) join the water week instead. This was the first taste of Kayaking, at the young age of ten and, following this week, all he wanted to do was paddle! The Thames is a fantastic training ground for all forms of competition paddling and playboating (now freestyle) and Slalom were the hook. Once the natural river was introduced the competition slowly fizzled. Chris has been lucky enough to find himself on some amazing adventures and rivers in the past which vary from remote ‘heli’ (helicopter drop off) kayaking on the Arahura in New Zealand, steep granite slides of the Kaweah in California, big volume drops of the Austbygdai in Norway, big volume rapids of the Zambezi and the expedition paddling of the Thuli Bheri (although the group were aiming for the Humla Karnali). Currently Chris is cramming himself back into his freestyle and squirt kayak as the playboating bug has been re-lit.

Chris gets excited about being part of peoples learning journeys, his beliefs around coaching are firmly rooted around having the participant at the heart of all interactions and directions. To truly get the best out of people and help move people toward achieving their goals, he believe that an appropriate blend of up to date knowledge, personal skills, equipment and choice venues are essential to achieving what people are after.  

Adrian Mattern is a world-renowned German whitewater kayaker and Red Bull athlete, driven by a passion for exploring the planet’s most dramatic rivers and waterfalls. Born in Heidelberg, he combines meticulous preparation with daring athleticism, seeking first descents and monumental drops that few have attempted. From icy canyons in Iceland to the lush rainforest of Gabon, Adrian’s expeditions push the limits of kayaking while showcasing his respect for nature and remote cultures.

Known for his structured approach to every drop, Adrian studies rivers, terrain, and water behavior with precision, blending skill with careful decision-making. His groundbreaking journeys, documented in films and recognised by the kayaking community — including being named 2024 Male Paddler of the Year — highlight a career defined by adventure, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of new lines around the world. Adrian joined us as a guest coach for the Freefall Fundamentals course.

Jamie is a highly experienced kayaker, coach, and all-round great guy with a lifelong passion for river paddling and whitewater adventure. Born in London, he has traded city life for a life on the water, completing a long list of major river descents across Europe, Asia, and beyond. His deep enthusiasm for the sport is matched by his personal experience on a wide variety of waterways, from technical whitewater to far-flung adventurous runs.

As a BCAB Advanced Whitewater Kayak Performance Coach and Head of the UK Coaching Team at Paddle365, Jamie brings expert knowledge and infectious passion to every course he leads. He is also a proud team paddler for Pyranha Kayaks and NRS Europe. We were thrilled when Jamie agreed to be one of the guest coaches on our Reading and Understanding the River course.

Laura has a wealth of experience running a variety of waterfalls and challenging whitewater rivers around the world. She has built her life around paddling, combining her love of adventure with teaching, allowing her to travel and chase new drops in between guiding others. Her dedication to exploring rivers is matched by her technical skill and fearless approach to big water.

Laura’s passion for whitewater kayaking is infectious, and she loves sharing her knowledge with paddlers of all levels. Whether coaching on technical lines or mentoring on expedition-style runs, she brings energy, expertise, and encouragement to every session. Laura is a guest coach on our Freefall Fundamentals course.

Sal is a seasoned British whitewater kayaker and expedition paddler whose love of adventure has taken her to rivers and waterfalls around the globe. From leading teams on remote expeditions to tackling technical whitewater and big drops in places like Nepal, Chile and Canada, she brings both skill and curiosity to every run. Before kayaking full‑time, Sal trained and worked as a physiotherapist, a background that complements her paddling resilience and adventurous spirit.  

Her infectious passion for the sport extends beyond her own paddling — Sal has shared her experiences through talks, coaching and storytelling, inspiring others to explore with confidence and purpose. Known for her expedition leadership and deep river knowledge, she blends technical insight with a playful, encouraging approach that resonates with paddlers of all levels. Sal is a guest coach on our Reading and Understanding the River course.