Club Coaches

At Hinckley Canoe Club we are proud to have some excellent coaches who give up their spare time to help club members develop their paddling skills.

Dave Clarke

Bio

I started paddlesport when I was 14 and have been paddling ever since. I used to compete in Slalom, White Water Racing and paddled recreationally with Rugby Canoe Club.

I joined Hinckley Canoe Club in 1990 for about 6 years. After a break away I rejoined in 2007 with the whole family.

I enjoy all aspects of the sport including White Water Kayaking, a bit of Sea Kayaking, Touring and really enjoy all sorts of Open Canoeing.

I have been coaching since 2008 and enjoy introducing people to the sport and leading river trips.

I have also done my 4 Star Open Canoe Leader training

Awards

    • UKCC Level 2 Coach
    • 4 Star White Water Kayak Leader
    • 3 Star Open Canoe
    • 3 Star Sea Kayak
    • 3 Star Touring Canoe
    • 3 Star Touring Kayak
    • BCU White Water Safety and Rescue
    • Foundation Safety & Rescue Training
    • BCU Aquatic First Aid
    • Safeguarding & Protecting Children
    • Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Discipline Support Module

Martin Stretton

Bio

Hello I’m Martin. I first started paddling in the Army back in the 80’s.

After a very long break I completed my 1 star course with my teenage son Sam, whilst on holiday. We loved it so much we decided to join Hinckley Canoe Club in 2010.

I love most types of Kayaking and Canoeing, but at the moment I’m particularly interested in Canoe River Running and Kayak White Water.

I have been coach since 2014 and love to introduce new paddlers to the sport, I am also an active member of the of the HCC Committee.

I have also done my 4 Star White Water Kayak Leader training and 4 Star Open Canoe Leader training.

Awards

    • UKCC Level 1 Coach
    • 3 Star White Water Kayak
    • 3 Star Open Canoe
    • BCU White Water Safety and Rescue
    • Foundation Safety & Rescue Training
    • BCU Aquatic First Aid (BCU)
    • Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Discipline Support Module
    • Safeguarding & Protecting Children

Neil Smith

Bio

Hi I’m Neil, I started paddlesport at the tender age of 49 when my daughter Alice and I went to HWATC in 2013 having being inspired by the 2012 London Olympics.

In 2014 we joined Hinckley Canoe Club, the best move ever. I’m happy to paddle in a canoe or kayak but do prefer white water kayaking.

In February 2015 I qualified as a paddlesport coach, thanks to the club for encouraging me to give it a go. I love being on the water whether it’s coaching, paddling white water or flat water trips. I also do a pretty good river bottom survey if you need one.

Awards

    • UKCC Level 1 Coach
    • 3 Star White Water Kayak
    • 3 Star Open Canoe
    • BCU White Water Safety and Rescue
    • Foundation Safety & Rescue Training
    • BCU Aquatic First Aid
    • Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Discipline Support Module

Katrina Smith

Bio

Hi I’m Katrina most people call me Kat. I took up paddling when I was 50! So, if I can do it anyone can. I Canoe, Kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board. I prefer to Canoe on moving water. I still have lots more to learn and I completed my Level 1 Paddlesport Instructor Award in Sept 2018. I enjoy helping members along on their paddling journey. You will see me about at the Lake sessions helping out with various craft or just on hand to chat. If time permits, I also join in on a few trips and I organise the occasional SUP trip.

I served on the HCC Committee from Aug 2017 to March 2020.

Awards

    • BCAB Level 1 Paddlesport Instructor
    • 3 Star Canoe Award
    • Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) DSM
    • Foundation Safety & Rescue Training
    • Personal Performance Award Provider eLearning
    • White Water Safety & Rescue Training
    • Paddle Start and Paddle Discover Provider
    • BCU Lifeguards Aquatic First Aid Level 1 & 2
    • Safeguarding
    • 2 Star Kayak Award

Penny Spooner

Bio

I first paddled 30 years ago whilst at Plymouth Polytechnic. Since then I have had a go at Slalom and competed in Div 2 K1.

My boating now ranges between attempting playboating at the Nene White Water Centre, to running open boat expeditions to Scotland on lakes and rivers.

Awards

    • UKCC Level 3 Coach
    • Level 3 Coach (Old Scheme)
    • 5 Star Open Canoe Leader
    • 4 Star White Water Kayak (Old Scheme)
    • 3 Star White Water Kayak
    • BCU White Water Safety and Rescue
    • Foundation Safety & Rescue Training
    • BCU Aquatic First Aid
    • Safeguarding & Protecting Children