Meet your Volunteers

BEN ABRAMS – Chairman, Sheltered Water Coach (Kayak & Canoe), Paddlesport Instructor (Kayak)

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 Sheltered Water Coach, Paddlesport Instructor and working towards Paddlesport leader and White Water Leader

Holly Abrams – Paddlesport Instructor (Paddleboard)

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.

Philip Barker – Sheltered Water Coach (Kayak),Paddlesport Instructor (Kayak), White Water Leader

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 Sheltered Water Coach.

Paula Beaumont – Paddlesport Instructor (Paddleboard)

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.

Sara Cole – Event Organiser

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.

Andrew Currell -White Water Leader

Favourite Craft – Kayak.

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

Olivia Currell – White Water Leader

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.

Paul Evans – Volunteer

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.

Lucy Moorhouse – Paddlesport Instructor (Paddleboard)

Favourite Craft – Paddleboard

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

Ash Poddington – Volunteer

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

David Wolfenden – Paddlesport Instructor (Kayak)

Favourite Craft – Kayak.

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