Our Skippers are a mixed bag of strange and interesting folk. They come from a wide range of professional backrounds and interests, and all share our adventurous spirit and love of taking other people out on our magnificent estuary. When recruiting staff we look for local knowledge, water experience, an excellent approach to working with different groups of people, and a passion for being out on the river. What this means is that you get to spend the day with some interesting people who have life experience and things to talk about, and who are excited by giving you the best possible experience. All our staff hold Boatman Licenses issued by the Dart Harbour Authority.
Rarely off the water. Spend some time with Hugh and you'll soon be winding down and settling in to the rhthym of life on the River Dart. He'll tune you into the birdsong, the folklore and have you confidently lighting fire and enjoying a satisfying brew in even the most unlikely conditions. In addition to his Canoe Adventures duties, Hugh also works as a youth mentor and bushcraft instructor.
Hal grew up falling in and out of boats of various shapes and sizes on the River Dart, mainly sailing, rowing and motoring. He discovered the art and joy of sitting at the back of a boat with a paddle whilst drifting down the Rio Beni, a Bolivian branch of the mighty Amazon river, where he was once stranded and needed to acquire a 'dugout' from the locals to continue his journey.
Charlie Chambers is a very experienced and qualified outdoor professional on land, water and the rocky bits in between. She has a background in youth work and possibly the most cheerful and upbeat disposition you could wish for. We're lucky to get her as she is often busy running her own business Adelong Outdoor Education, which takes her from one end of Britain to the other, running programmes in Devon and also the Orkney Isles. The name 'Adelong' is inspired by her time adventuring in Australia.
Mark used to be a driving instructor.
Paul recently passed on his GP Practice in Paignton to make space for taking life a little less seriously. As you might expect from someone with a career on the front line of medical service under his belt, he brings an aura of calm, competence and 'like-nothing-in-life-is-going-to-phase-me-ever' to our operations, delivered with a quiet, wry humour. When not out with us you'll likely find him canoeing somewhere else, or singing, or parked up in his campervan somewhere.
He means you no harm. Relax.
