I was a professional youth programme football player and a national gymnastic youth.  I then took up paddling and have been on a trip since then.  I love the planet, enjoy seeing it, paddling all over the world, and want to help look after it.  I grew up in Edinburgh and left school to pursue my passion for kayaking and paddle sports.  I began designing my own boats and paddles, and my reputation as a sports designer spread.  I spent four years shaping windsurfers, kayaks, and boats for Lightwave in Cornwall and went on to design the complete range of Lendal paddles. At the same time, I was competing in the World Championships, Commonwealth Games, etc.  At one point, I became a raft guide and guided all over the world. Then I started setting up paddle competitions from Chile to Zimbabwe, and helped set up what was to become one of the most successful rafting operations in Europe: Feel Free.  I am a European kayak slalom champion who won numerous medals in world competitions.