Who We Are
Mission Statement
Make river exploration accessible for all
​
Kayaking can be a challenge but is also a physical leveller. You don't have to be fit to control a boat or particularly strong. No matter where you are with your physical abilities, you should be able to enjoy river paddling in a way that is fun and challenging in the right balance. Getting out on the water is great for your mental and physical health, and the opportunity to partake should be denied to nobody.
​
Grow the sports of kayaking & SUP
​
Help people gain confidence on river environments so they can become safe recreational paddlers in their own right. Paddlesport is an empowering and inspiring addition to anyone's life.
​
Encourage passion for our natural environment
​
Britain has an incredible natural heritage, and we need to wake up, explore and cherish what is right in front of our nose! Through Paddle the Dee's activities, we hope to make a potential outdoor advocate of everyone who passes through.
The River Dee
The River Dee, or Afon Dyfrdwy as it is known at it's source, originates high in the mountains of Snowdonia, flows across North Wales navigating great lakes, beautiful meandering flats, man-made waterfalls, and natural rapids with whitewater from grade 1 to grade 4. The Dee is then the border between Wales and England before it heads into Cheshire and through the heart of the City of Chester and onto the Sea.
Why we love this river
​The Dee Valley is filled with treats for would-be adventurers, such as Whitewater Rafting experiences, stunning hiking routes and cultural experiences such as the Llangollen Steam Railway or Canoeing across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
The Dee is the perfect river to come to for your first kayaking or stand up paddleboarding (SUP) adventures. In Chester we can follow the river downstream as the Dee meanders a path past famous historic 1st century roman walls and even meets the tide coming in from the Sea. Further upstream in Llangollen the river cascades down the valley in an amazing series of white water rapids which provides the ideal playground for novice and advanced paddlers alike.
​
Meet the Team
We are a dedicated team of paddlesport professionals.
Director and Head Coach & Guide
Jamie Greenhalgh
I began my love affair with river paddling as an early teen, and through the years this obsession has led me to kayak in moving water locations across the globe. Passion for the sport of kayaking has led to a lifelong mission to grow my knowledge and skill on the water, and to take as many others along for the ride as possible.
​
In 2016 I began as an advanced whitewater kayaking skill development coach with the brand Paddle365.
​
Paddle365 is there to help passionate kayakers to develop their skills so they can have amazing successful river adventures. It isn't enough just to work with athletes and enthusiasts though, I want to help make river paddling accessible to everyone. That is where Paddle the Dee fits in.
Paddlesports Coach & Guide
Nic Pearce
Having discovered kayaking over 30 years ago as a young child, it quickly became completely integral to my life and the source of friendships, career aspirations and worldwide exploration.
Paddling to me, first and foremost, means 'community' and I feel incredibly privileged to be able to share this, and the wonderful places you can only see by kayak with others.
​
Operations, Coach & Guide
Joe Harbour
As soon as I hit the water for the first time, I knew it was something that was going to be a part of my life forever.
​
Fast forward 15 years and I have been lucky enough to work with incredibly passionate guides and coaches all over the world, only making that love for the water even stronger.
Having been given so many incredible experiences, I can’t think of anything better than taking people out for their first experiences and share that passion and enthusiasm for the best sports in the world.
​
Paddlesports Coach & Guide
Joe Halliwell-Dykes
I grew up in Chester and starting paddling on the river Dee around the age of 12. Kayaking and Paddleboarding has shaped my life ever since, taking me on amazing adventures around the UK, Europe and further afield, meeting amazing people and seeing beautiful place along the way.
​
I now work full time as a paddlesports coach and guide. For me it is a privilege to introduce people to paddling on the river Dee, the same river that sparked my love for the sport all those years ago.
​
Our Partners
Paddling brands that we recommend
 Our sister brand, offering professional whitewater kayaking tuition to help improve your adventures! |  NRS Europe makes quality equipment from spray jackets to boats! |  This North-Wales based environmental advocacy pressure group made a name for themselves by saving the River Conwy from being bulldozed by money hungry energy companies. SOR can be relied upon to give simple ways to help advocate for our natural waterways. |
|---|---|---|
 Radical Rider is a one stop shop for all your whitewater kayaking gear needs! These guys are the real deal: passionate white water kayakers dedicated to good customer service to make sure you get what you need to enjoy your time on the river. |  Pyranha are manufacturers of specialist whitewater kayaks designed by an international team and built in Britain. |