Retirement from Paddlesports  Coaching & Retail

There have been so many tragic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic: loss of lives, loss of livelihoods, economies in tatters. But for myself the pandemic and the subsequent 'Stay At Home' order back in March of 2020 proved to be a blessing in disguise. It gave me time to pause, think deeply and helped change my perspective.

Forced to cancel classes, stop coaching and even stay off the water for several weeks the pandemic caused me to carefully consider what was truly important both for me personally and for our family. I had been attempting to carve out a successful career in paddle sports since leaving the police and the U.K. and moving to the USA in 2006. The measurement of 'success' shouldn't always be financial but the fact is that despite my best efforts I had been unable to find a way to generate sufficient income to support myself, let alone my family.

In 2019, I was extremely fortunate to be given the opportunity to learn 'on the job' with my paddling friend, Richard Lee Smith, an architect and general contractor (Planning + Architecture). I've always been reasonably handy, but Richard has been incredibly patient, generously sharing his knowledge and expertise, understanding my limitations and being extremely flexible with my schedule. The job pays well (compared to paddle sports) and is very interesting (I am learning from the best in the business). We specialize in residential remodeling in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you need help with a project - reach out!

I miss teaching and coaching of course. I have had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful people and working with some amazing instructors and coaches. I'll miss teaching at symposiums and being 'relevant' in the world of paddle sports. I've loved working with some great companies. No-one who works in the paddle sports industry does it for the money. We all do it for the love of paddling and for me it has been a forty year affair! Thankfully this change in career will actually allow me to paddle for pure pleasure more often. Teaching paddle sports is great, but there is a risk that every time you get on the water you are 'working'.

So I want to thank all of you that have taken a class with me, joined me on one of our trips, worked with me as a co-instructor or helped me develop both as a paddler and educator. There are far too names many to mention but I'm forever grateful to all of you! I also want to thank all of the paddle sport companies that have supported me over the years. Again, there have been too many to list but I wish you all the very best and hope you survive 2020 and continue to greater success.

I plan to continue blogging; I enjoy writing and who knows, someone might even read it and find what I have to say interesting, useful and/or entertaining. And I will definitely be paddling as much as I can. I am as passionate as ever about paddle sports and look forward to sharing that passion with my wife and kids and hopefully some of you. I could not be happier with this decision.

See you on the water!