Many of the Coaches and Guides from the 2018 event are returning for 2019. We are currently rounding out the international coaching roster. Below are coaches and guides that attended prior events.
Nigel Dennis
BCU Coach 5, A5, BCU National Trainer, Owner Sea Kayaking UK
Great Britain, Cape Horn, Antarctica, Easter Island and many other places around the globe, Nigel's legendary expeditions are the stuff we dream of. But did you know he is also a RNLI coxswain on a bad-ass Severn class lifeboat? With over 35 years experience, this man really knows rough water and is one of the world's top sea kayaking coaches.
BCU Coach 5, A5, BCU National Trainer, Owner Sea Kayaking UK
Great Britain, Cape Horn, Antarctica, Easter Island and many other places around the globe, Nigel's legendary expeditions are the stuff we dream of. But did you know he is also a RNLI coxswain on a bad-ass Severn class lifeboat? With over 35 years experience, this man really knows rough water and is one of the world's top sea kayaking coaches.
Eila Wilkinson
UKCC L3, AWE, BCU 5*, Sea Kayak Leader Assessor, Sea Kayaking UK
Eila started sea kayaking in 2008 and has racked up an impressive paddling resume. She holds the female record for circumnavigating Ireland. Eila has also circumnav’ed the Outer Hebrides, Anglesey and Isle of Man. An impressive coach and inspiration to female paddlers, she proves that “big dog” paddling can come in a compact size.
UKCC L3, AWE, BCU 5*, Sea Kayak Leader Assessor, Sea Kayaking UK
Eila started sea kayaking in 2008 and has racked up an impressive paddling resume. She holds the female record for circumnavigating Ireland. Eila has also circumnav’ed the Outer Hebrides, Anglesey and Isle of Man. An impressive coach and inspiration to female paddlers, she proves that “big dog” paddling can come in a compact size.
Greg Paquin
British Canoeing L3 Performance Coach, Advanced Water Coach, Sea Kayak Leader Award Provider,
BCU 5*, ACA Level 5 Instructor
Owner of Kayak Waveology, Greg’s been teaching sea kayaking for over 14 years. Known for his calm and patient manner, Greg has a way of challenging people to do things they didn’t think they could do. And that goes for telemark skiing too where Greg is a PSIA level III instructor and on the DCL Eduction Staff. For tide race and surf training in Southern New England, Greg is the premier instructor in the area.
British Canoeing L3 Performance Coach, Advanced Water Coach, Sea Kayak Leader Award Provider,
BCU 5*, ACA Level 5 Instructor
Owner of Kayak Waveology, Greg’s been teaching sea kayaking for over 14 years. Known for his calm and patient manner, Greg has a way of challenging people to do things they didn’t think they could do. And that goes for telemark skiing too where Greg is a PSIA level III instructor and on the DCL Eduction Staff. For tide race and surf training in Southern New England, Greg is the premier instructor in the area.
BCU Coach 3, Owner - The London Kayaking Company
Harry has been coaching at the Autumn Gales event since the beginning! And we are thrilled to have him back on the water with us for the 10th year. Harry is one tough sea kayaker - from doing a crossing of the Irish Sea from Holyhead to Dublin, to circumnavigating GB and Ireland, and wash-hanging boats on the Thames for fun. His quick Irish wit and gems of kayaking knowledge make for an exciting time on the water.
Harry has been coaching at the Autumn Gales event since the beginning! And we are thrilled to have him back on the water with us for the 10th year. Harry is one tough sea kayaker - from doing a crossing of the Irish Sea from Holyhead to Dublin, to circumnavigating GB and Ireland, and wash-hanging boats on the Thames for fun. His quick Irish wit and gems of kayaking knowledge make for an exciting time on the water.
Keirron Tastagh
British Canoeing L5 Coach, BCU 5*, Owner Adventurous Experiences - Isle of Man
Keirron is a level 5 Coach, whose passion and profession is development through adventure sports. He runs Adventurous Experiences, an adventure sports centre: sea kayaking, coasteering and unforgettable experiences in the Isle of Man. A full time adventure sports coach and leader, Keirron has led significant expeditions since 2002. He enjoys challenging himself (and others) in the coastal environment, also passionate about photography,
British Canoeing L5 Coach, BCU 5*, Owner Adventurous Experiences - Isle of Man
Keirron is a level 5 Coach, whose passion and profession is development through adventure sports. He runs Adventurous Experiences, an adventure sports centre: sea kayaking, coasteering and unforgettable experiences in the Isle of Man. A full time adventure sports coach and leader, Keirron has led significant expeditions since 2002. He enjoys challenging himself (and others) in the coastal environment, also passionate about photography,
Axel Schoevers
BCU Coach 4, A4, BCU 5*
Axel is a BCU coach and international guide from the Netherlands. He enjoys paddling in and introducing paddlers to more dynamic sea environments. Axel is a frequent coach/guide to Anglesey and he has been coaching/guiding in place like Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, USA, Australia, Tasmania, and Baja Mexico. Axel runs his own business SeaKayak.NL in the Netherlands with his business partner Nico. We've known Axel for many years now and he is a featured coach at Nigel's symposium in Anglesey.
BCU Coach 4, A4, BCU 5*
Axel is a BCU coach and international guide from the Netherlands. He enjoys paddling in and introducing paddlers to more dynamic sea environments. Axel is a frequent coach/guide to Anglesey and he has been coaching/guiding in place like Wales, Scotland, Cornwall, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, USA, Australia, Tasmania, and Baja Mexico. Axel runs his own business SeaKayak.NL in the Netherlands with his business partner Nico. We've known Axel for many years now and he is a featured coach at Nigel's symposium in Anglesey.
Peter Jones
BCU Coach 4, A3, BCU 5*
Pete brings many years of practical paddling experience to the table. Formally the chief kayak instructor at the Anglesey Sea & Surf Center in North Wales for 10 years, Pete has done expeditions all over the world
including Canada’s West Coast, Nova Scotia, Israel, Holland, Spain, Ireland, Outer Hebrides, St. Kilda, Orkney and Greenland. Always cheerful and fun to work with, Pete’s keen experience and style make for a fun day on the water. Just don't challenge him to a pool game at the Holy Ghost unless you're OK with loosing.
BCU Coach 4, A3, BCU 5*
Pete brings many years of practical paddling experience to the table. Formally the chief kayak instructor at the Anglesey Sea & Surf Center in North Wales for 10 years, Pete has done expeditions all over the world
including Canada’s West Coast, Nova Scotia, Israel, Holland, Spain, Ireland, Outer Hebrides, St. Kilda, Orkney and Greenland. Always cheerful and fun to work with, Pete’s keen experience and style make for a fun day on the water. Just don't challenge him to a pool game at the Holy Ghost unless you're OK with loosing.
Rick Cooper
BCU 5*, RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Instructor, Former Royal Marine Commando
Rick is the owner of British Sea Kayaks offering specialist skills, training and expeditions to beautiful places. His base is in Cornwall near the city of Plymouth, a fantastic place to paddle all year round. The rocks, tides and swell gives great opportunities for play and work! It also has a ferry link to Roscoff in Brittany which makes it very easy to get to this wonderful area. Brittany is an amazing place for sea kayaking and he loves to share his favorite places on the spectacular coast with friends and clients.Rick's objective as your coach is to help you enjoy your paddling, whatever you like to do. If he can help you to develop and improve your skills and confidence then that is a good day for Rick! He really enjoys working with other coaches at international symposiums in the UK, Europe and the USA. He's often running sessions that involve getting quite wet. Don’t forget your pump or your sense of humour – we’ll all be laughing as well as learning!
2018 will be Ricks first visit to the Autumn Gales event and he's really looking forward to seeing you all there!
BCU 5*, RYA/MCA Yachtmaster Instructor, Former Royal Marine Commando
Rick is the owner of British Sea Kayaks offering specialist skills, training and expeditions to beautiful places. His base is in Cornwall near the city of Plymouth, a fantastic place to paddle all year round. The rocks, tides and swell gives great opportunities for play and work! It also has a ferry link to Roscoff in Brittany which makes it very easy to get to this wonderful area. Brittany is an amazing place for sea kayaking and he loves to share his favorite places on the spectacular coast with friends and clients.Rick's objective as your coach is to help you enjoy your paddling, whatever you like to do. If he can help you to develop and improve your skills and confidence then that is a good day for Rick! He really enjoys working with other coaches at international symposiums in the UK, Europe and the USA. He's often running sessions that involve getting quite wet. Don’t forget your pump or your sense of humour – we’ll all be laughing as well as learning!
2018 will be Ricks first visit to the Autumn Gales event and he's really looking forward to seeing you all there!
Calvin Croll
BCU/UCKK Coach 2, Advanced Sea Kayak Leader Aspirant, ACA L4 Instructor
Calvin grew up on the salt water in Connecticut, just a short drive from the Gales locations. After college, he found himself paddling the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota and honing his sea kayaking skills on Lake Superior while leading multi-week expeditions for Outward Bound for 11 years. He has continued his westward migration and is now coaching full-time with Body Boat Blade on Orcas Island, WA, spending his days taking students into the swift currents in the San Juan Islands. He loves coaching groups of all abilities, beleiving that a solid foundation carries through to much more abitious environments.
In February Calvin completed the first documented winter circumnavigation of Vancouver Island. The 47-day expedition included snow, 60-knot winds, record-breaking wave heights, and a January transit of the west coast of the island. He credits the training he received at events like the Gales for his success, and hopes to take on another big expedition soon
BCU/UCKK Coach 2, Advanced Sea Kayak Leader Aspirant, ACA L4 Instructor
Calvin grew up on the salt water in Connecticut, just a short drive from the Gales locations. After college, he found himself paddling the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota and honing his sea kayaking skills on Lake Superior while leading multi-week expeditions for Outward Bound for 11 years. He has continued his westward migration and is now coaching full-time with Body Boat Blade on Orcas Island, WA, spending his days taking students into the swift currents in the San Juan Islands. He loves coaching groups of all abilities, beleiving that a solid foundation carries through to much more abitious environments.
In February Calvin completed the first documented winter circumnavigation of Vancouver Island. The 47-day expedition included snow, 60-knot winds, record-breaking wave heights, and a January transit of the west coast of the island. He credits the training he received at events like the Gales for his success, and hopes to take on another big expedition soon
Steve Henkind
USCGC Eagle Navigator, ACA L4 Coastal Instructor, L3 River Instructor, Rescue 3 Whitewater Rescue Technician, BCU 3*
Steve is new to the Autumn Gales line up this year, and he brings a lot of seamanship experience to share. For the past twelve years, Steven Henkind has been a navigator (Quartermaster of the Watch), and Navigation Instructor, on board the Coast Guard’s training ship, USCGC EAGLE. In this capacity, he stands navigational watches and trains Coast Guard cadets and Officer Candidates in piloting, celestial navigation, and electronic navigation. He is also qualified as an Auxiliary Coxswain and Crew Member on the Coast Guard UTB41 and RBS25 boats and has participated in numerous safety and search and rescue missions. Steve is also an avid kayaker with qualifications on both river and sea.
USCGC Eagle Navigator, ACA L4 Coastal Instructor, L3 River Instructor, Rescue 3 Whitewater Rescue Technician, BCU 3*
Steve is new to the Autumn Gales line up this year, and he brings a lot of seamanship experience to share. For the past twelve years, Steven Henkind has been a navigator (Quartermaster of the Watch), and Navigation Instructor, on board the Coast Guard’s training ship, USCGC EAGLE. In this capacity, he stands navigational watches and trains Coast Guard cadets and Officer Candidates in piloting, celestial navigation, and electronic navigation. He is also qualified as an Auxiliary Coxswain and Crew Member on the Coast Guard UTB41 and RBS25 boats and has participated in numerous safety and search and rescue missions. Steve is also an avid kayaker with qualifications on both river and sea.
Chip Sinclair
BC Sea Kayak Leader; ACA L4 Coastal Instructor, Advance Sea Kayak Leader Aspirant, Rough Water Guide
Chip is the true definition of "local" having grown up on Fishers Island. Having been on these waters since he was a young lad, Chip considers these waters home and is intimately familiar with their intricacies. Over the past few years, he has been working along a coaching and guiding track with Kayak Waveology as a long term student. A familiar face to many, Chip has joined us on many classes and adventures here and abroad including Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Canada.
BC Sea Kayak Leader; ACA L4 Coastal Instructor, Advance Sea Kayak Leader Aspirant, Rough Water Guide
Chip is the true definition of "local" having grown up on Fishers Island. Having been on these waters since he was a young lad, Chip considers these waters home and is intimately familiar with their intricacies. Over the past few years, he has been working along a coaching and guiding track with Kayak Waveology as a long term student. A familiar face to many, Chip has joined us on many classes and adventures here and abroad including Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Canada.
Ciro De La Vega
BCU 5*, Ocean Racer/Coach, Local Rough Water Guide
Ciro’s the kind of person who’s always got your back in rough water. “I’ve got sweep” is what you’ll often he him say. Which is good, because his is one fast paddler trying to keep up with him is like trying to keep up with a race horse. His playgrounds include the tide races in Fishers Island sound and the MOM (mouth of Merrimack) in Massachusetts.
BCU 5*, Ocean Racer/Coach, Local Rough Water Guide
Ciro’s the kind of person who’s always got your back in rough water. “I’ve got sweep” is what you’ll often he him say. Which is good, because his is one fast paddler trying to keep up with him is like trying to keep up with a race horse. His playgrounds include the tide races in Fishers Island sound and the MOM (mouth of Merrimack) in Massachusetts.
Ron Gautreau
ACA L5 Instructor, BCU 4*, Advanced Sea Kayak Leader Aspirant, Registered Maine Gudie
Ron has been messing around with all kinds of boats his whole life and has been sea kayaking for 18 years. In particular Ron enjoys playing in the moving waters and tidal races around Fishers Island in eastern Long Island Sound. Ron has paddled all along the east coast of the US from Florida to the Canadian Maritimes, Anglesey, Wales and New Zealand. Ron is a freelance sea kayak instructor and has taught at many of the kayaking symposiums in the northeast. Ron happily seeks out on water pursuits in any type of craft whether it be open canoe, surf ski, powerboat or his new Sabre 30 sailboat. He is also working as a commercial fisherman in the Thimble Islands in Branford, CT on an ocean farm growing kelp, oysters, mussels and scallops
ACA L5 Instructor, BCU 4*, Advanced Sea Kayak Leader Aspirant, Registered Maine Gudie
Ron has been messing around with all kinds of boats his whole life and has been sea kayaking for 18 years. In particular Ron enjoys playing in the moving waters and tidal races around Fishers Island in eastern Long Island Sound. Ron has paddled all along the east coast of the US from Florida to the Canadian Maritimes, Anglesey, Wales and New Zealand. Ron is a freelance sea kayak instructor and has taught at many of the kayaking symposiums in the northeast. Ron happily seeks out on water pursuits in any type of craft whether it be open canoe, surf ski, powerboat or his new Sabre 30 sailboat. He is also working as a commercial fisherman in the Thimble Islands in Branford, CT on an ocean farm growing kelp, oysters, mussels and scallops
Dave Grainger
Local Rough Water Guide, US Canoe Association Grand Veteran 1 /Unlimited Kayak National Marathon Champ, and Photographer
Dave takes a surf ski where most people wouldn't take a sea kayak. And he takes photos from it too. An amazing sense of balance, small craft advisories put a smile on "Grave Dangers" face.
Local Rough Water Guide, US Canoe Association Grand Veteran 1 /Unlimited Kayak National Marathon Champ, and Photographer
Dave takes a surf ski where most people wouldn't take a sea kayak. And he takes photos from it too. An amazing sense of balance, small craft advisories put a smile on "Grave Dangers" face.
Tim Motte
BCU 5*, Local Rough Water Guide
Big Tim has been leading groups for the local Rhode Island sea kayaking club (RICKA) for many years. We’ve known Tim
from the early days of RICKA and he’s been instrumental in developing sound skills and leadership within the club. A calm and strong presence on the water, Tim’s a big water paddler with a vast knowledge of the local area.
BCU 5*, Local Rough Water Guide
Big Tim has been leading groups for the local Rhode Island sea kayaking club (RICKA) for many years. We’ve known Tim
from the early days of RICKA and he’s been instrumental in developing sound skills and leadership within the club. A calm and strong presence on the water, Tim’s a big water paddler with a vast knowledge of the local area.
Paula Riegel
BCU 5*, BCU Coach 2, ACA Level 5 Instructor, Registered Maine Guide, Local Rough Water Guide
Paula is the other half Kayak Waveology’s driving force. She has been involved as a coach for many years in the New England symposium circuit, and part of the Autumn Gales from the beginning. She brings grace, technique and strength to the tide race surfing round table. Watch out guys, there aren’t many who can say they got their 5 Star on the Isle Of Man. For the ladies, she is one to try and follow in her footsteps, she is paving the way for you out here on the East Coast.
BCU 5*, BCU Coach 2, ACA Level 5 Instructor, Registered Maine Guide, Local Rough Water Guide
Paula is the other half Kayak Waveology’s driving force. She has been involved as a coach for many years in the New England symposium circuit, and part of the Autumn Gales from the beginning. She brings grace, technique and strength to the tide race surfing round table. Watch out guys, there aren’t many who can say they got their 5 Star on the Isle Of Man. For the ladies, she is one to try and follow in her footsteps, she is paving the way for you out here on the East Coast.
Nick Schade
Kayak Designer/Owner Guillemot Kayaks , Local Rough Water Guide
Nick is an accomplished kayak designer and has developed quite a high performance line of rough water sea kayaks under Guillemot Kayaks.
These designs would have not existed for Nick, if he didn’t work in the
rough waters around in Fishers Island Sound and beyond. He is a local long boat surfing specialist in Tide Races.
Kayak Designer/Owner Guillemot Kayaks , Local Rough Water Guide
Nick is an accomplished kayak designer and has developed quite a high performance line of rough water sea kayaks under Guillemot Kayaks.
These designs would have not existed for Nick, if he didn’t work in the
rough waters around in Fishers Island Sound and beyond. He is a local long boat surfing specialist in Tide Races.
Rick Stoehrer
BCU 5*, ACA Level 4 Instructor, Registered Maine Guide, Local Rough Water Guide
Rick has been involved with New England paddling symposiums for years now. He has been very worthy rough water 1st mate and one to watch your back out there in the rough stuff. Ask him about whirlpools, he knows a thing or two about these features - just don’t follow to close though.
BCU 5*, ACA Level 4 Instructor, Registered Maine Guide, Local Rough Water Guide
Rick has been involved with New England paddling symposiums for years now. He has been very worthy rough water 1st mate and one to watch your back out there in the rough stuff. Ask him about whirlpools, he knows a thing or two about these features - just don’t follow to close though.
Carl Tjerandsen
Local Rough Water Guide and Photographer
Carl has been the tide race guru over the years knowing where the best spots will be at the right time. He's been paddling these rough water areas for years, studying what happens and when. He is a very accomplished rough water photographer which has added the excitement to the Autumn Gales from the beginning.
Local Rough Water Guide and Photographer
Carl has been the tide race guru over the years knowing where the best spots will be at the right time. He's been paddling these rough water areas for years, studying what happens and when. He is a very accomplished rough water photographer which has added the excitement to the Autumn Gales from the beginning.