Meet your Volunteers

Favourite Craft – Kayak. Open Canadian & Paddleboard

Where would the club be without Ben (He didn’t create this page). Weekly collecting the boats for the pool session, keeping all the volunteers under control, managing event bookings and supporting with instructing. Ben is a Paddlesport Instructor and working towards Paddlesport leader, Sheltered Water Coach and White Water Leader

Favourite Craft – Paddleboard (or capsized open Canadian) Maybe a Dragon Boat

Ben’s sister Holly supports the club with Paddleboard instructing. We found out on a training course that despite freezing cold temperatures she will happily act the unconscious paddler in an open Canadian wearing just a wetsuit. She is also pretty good at making Balloon Arches for club events. Normally found running around Manvers Lake on a Saturday morning shouting ‘Where is Dave?’ (Dave is a Dog. see below)

Favourite Craft – Kayak. Open Canadian & Paddleboard

Phil started paddling with the club in 1982 but was drawn away from the sport due to work and family life. Returning to the club full time in recent years and is now a Paddlesport Instructor, White Water Leader and working towards Sheltered Water Coaching qualifications.

Favourite Craft – Paddleboard but learning to love Kayaks.

Paula learnt to Paddleboard at Manvers in Rotherham but joined WYCC a few years ago. Still a keen Paddleboarder she has recently become a Kayaker and is making great improvements in her white water paddling.

Favourite Craft – Kayak

Sara joined the club in recent years and supports the club organising both on the water and off the water events including AGMS and Xmas Parties.

Favourite Craft – Kayak.

Long time paddler with the club Andy leads our members on moving and Whitewater trips.

Favourite Craft – Kayak.

Andy’s daughter Olivia recently graduated from University and works as an outdoor instructor. She often supports the other river leaders on white water trips and will be the first person down many features being a safe pair of hands on rescue.

Favourite Craft – Kayak

Paul attended a Pool session in the late summer of 2025 wanting to learn to Paddleboard. He is now paddling a kayak grade 2/3 rivers with confidence and supporting with pool sessions.

Favourite Craft – Paddleboard

Lucy joined the club as a Paddleboarder and became a Paddlesport Instructor in 2025

Favourite Craft – Kayak

Ash is new to Kayaking (2025) but is already sharing her joy of the sport with others through helping at Pool Sessions

Favourite Craft – Kayak.

Also Known as – Ken (Barbie) or Human Dave

In case he doesn’t tell you Dave used to be a reasonably good Slalom Paddler in his youth.

Dave can occasionally be found on club trips in an open Canadian or jumping onto paddleboards which may be loaded with dog treats