A chat with… Laura Wynne

A chat with… Laura Wynne

Laura, known for her amazing smile, lives on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon with her partner, Zoe, and Bradley, her beloved Springer Spaniel. Laura was an outdoor instructor for 15 years before becoming a tipper truck driver at the start of 2020. Originally from Cheshire, Laura moved down to Devon around 2011, became hooked on white water paddling and hasn’t looked back since. Over to you Laura…

Tell us about the start of your paddling journey
My passion for canoeing and kayaking started at college, where I did a National Diploma in Adventure Sports. My first time in a kayak was on the flat water section of the River Dee in Chester; I paddled a Pyranha Inazone and capsized straight away! I worked as an outdoor instructor for PGL for four years at Boreatton Park, Shrewsbury, where I achieved my Level 2 UKCC Coach in Kayak and Canoe. I was fortunate to go on to work as part of the watersports team at Osmington Bay, Weymouth, before moving down to Devon to work for Canoe Tamar for two years, where I worked as an instructor on the River Tamar with groups; this developed my canoeing skills.

I was first introduced to paddling on the River Dart during this time and became hooked on white water paddling! I even moved to work at the River Dart Country Park based at the bottom of the Loop section to have it on my doorstep. Whilst working at the Dart, I ran their Ducky trips on the Loop and Lower. I loved taking complete beginners, showing them a white water river, and giving them a thrill. Over the last eight years, I have achieved my 4 Star WW Canoe Leader, 5 Star Training in Canoe, 4 Star WW Kayak Leader, Moderate WW Endorsement and 5 Star WW Kayak Leader (Advanced WW Kayak Leader).

I managed to get out kayaking in the Alps and Slovenia on the Soca. I left my career as an outdoor instructor at the end of 2019 to become a truck driver; however, I have launched my own business leading and coaching on the Dart throughout the winter seasons. I have also been fortunate to do some work for the She Paddles events over the last year, focusing on introducing a full range of women to the sport.

Where’s your local paddling spot?
The Dart, Dartmoor. Upper and the Loop. 

What do you love about paddlesports and water?
The places it takes you, in the middle of nowhere, away from the hustle and bustle of life, surrounded by nature, the feeling of remoteness.

What drives you and inspires you to coach?
I want to share that feeling/passion while on the water and make other people feel the same. I love seeing people grow with confidence on the water and enjoy themselves!

What advice would you give somebody thinking of becoming a successful paddlesport instructor?
Surround yourself with the right people, positive and passionate people who push you. 

If you had to choose one last thing you wanted to achieve within paddlesport – what would that be?
Probably to complete my Advanced Open Canoe Leader.

What would stand out the most if you had to capture your best moment from paddling?
The dropping of Right Angle Falls in Scotland because it was my first ever waterfall.

Which river anywhere in the world would be on your bucket list?
The elegant Nahanni River in Canada is 540km of wilderness but canoeing along any of the rivers in Canada, fishing for salmon and then paddling on to a wooden lodge with an open fire!

Tell us about a dream paddling destination you’ve never visited and why it flicks your switch.
New Zealand. I want to paddle the white water rivers Rotorua and Tongariro. I am torn between New Zealand and Canada. For me, they are the outdoor adventure capitals of the world, and to take on these rivers would be a whole new level and amazing! 

Is there anywhere in the world that’s got you hooked? Somewhere you want to keep going back to again and again?
Scotland is a stunning location with loads to offer!

Besides ww kayaking that gives you a buzz, or does sea kayaking, canoeing or SUP also float your boat?
Over the last couple of years, I have done a lot of canoeing on the Wye. We load the canoe with all our camping gear and Bradley, head downriver for a couple of days, and escape everyday life. It’s the opposite end of the spectrum compared to the white water. I love the peace and tranquillity of it, that feeling of self-sufficiency and remoteness. I love seeing the kingfishers and spotting the Barbel! That is another reason I enjoy paddling; it links directly with my other passion, fishing!

Which brands do you work with, and how do they specifically help you?
I don’t currently work with any brands specifically, although I would like to in the future. However, I work closely with Simon Rahm at South Coast Canoes, who has supplied me with a range of kit, including my Pyranha Machno and Palm Nevis BA.

Name one thing we can do as paddlers to improve our rivers and their environment.
Every time we go out, we take a black bag and fill it with rubbish. A couple of years ago, I used to run river cleans on the Teign as part of a ‘River Cleaning Event’. That was on the rivers around Dartmoor before the rivers opened up for the white water season. I think this is an excellent thing for kayakers who paddle regularly on certain rivers; to go out as a group and do a designated river clean every couple of months to look after something that we use and appreciate so often. Especially with some of the issues we face as paddlers, for instance, landowners and fishermen, I think it’s evidence that we are the conscience of the river environment and the wildlife that lives in and around the river. We are trying to do our bit to look after it.

You work closely with British Canoeing; what advantages can they give you?
Qualifications, clarification on remits, insurance, CPD.

Up and coming young rippers – who are the paddlers to watch out for?
Melissa Jackson, Charlotte Hughes, Katie Ricketts, Josh Smith and Rhys Thompson

Finally, regarding paddling, where do you see your paddling going next year and why?
I have just got back from an incredible trip in Scotland where I paddled the Etive, Orchy, Tilt, Fassfern, Roy and Loy with excellent water levels! So it has motivated me to push myself with the challenging rivers I have on my doorstep, such as the Erme, the Plym and East Lyn.

I have focused a lot on pushing my coaching and leading over the last couple of years and haven’t done too much in pushing my personal skill and ability. I believe to make myself a great coach, mentor and leader. I need to keep putting myself in situations where I feel out of my comfort zone and am pushed to relate to and coach others to the best I can. Obviously to keep developing my skills as well for the same reason. 

You have a dog – tell us a little about him.
Bradley is eight now and has come on all our adventures since he was a pup. He comes in the canoe with us, sits on our kayaks, runs alongside the bike, and scrambles up the mountains. He is an adventure dog who loves balls, sticks and stones over any food! He is obsessed with the water, and we are currently looking to buy him a little wetsuit to try and help keep him warm during the winter months!

Besides kayaking, what else do you do for a living?
I drive tipper trucks as a job now. I love going on walks on Dartmoor and finding remote wild swimming spots! I enjoy sea fishing and fishing for Barbel when I get the chance, and travelling to the coast for surfing and climbing up mountains in Snowdonia and the Lake District.

Quickies…

Who would it be if you could paddle with anyone, dead or alive?
Dane Jackson. 

Do you have a mentor?
Simon Westgarth.

An ideal night out for you is?
Full of kayakers singing karaoke.

What one luxury item would you take with you on a desert island?
Pillow.

What would you prepare for us if we came to your house for dinner?
Fajitas. 

What is your favourite sports team?
I am very into women’s football; I don’t support any team specifically except for England when we play as a nation. 

Who are your kayaking/canoeing/SUP buddies?
Paula Pridham, Simon Westgarth, Sam kite, Jon Roberts, Annie Davey and Thom brown.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Loud, enthusiastic, bubbly.

If you could be a wild animal – what would it be?
Salmon.

Any final shout-outs to friends and supporters?
Thank you to Simon Westgarth for all his coaching and guidance. Paula Pridham for her support and Roger Sell for the years at CRS, making me develop my instructing and coaching skills. Also, to my mum and dad, and a big thank you to my partner Zoe for her support.