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Meet the Team

BEN

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WATERSPORTS GURU / BOSS MAN

Ben is originally from the UK but has called Queenstown home for well over a decade. His energetic zest for life and a love for the outdoors inspired him to create Paddle Queenstown. When he’s not out on the lake you’ll find him……. Well you won’t, he’ll probably be out on the lake fishing, unless he’s skiing or taking his little boy – Otto out on an adventure!

Ben’s Pro Tip: Put your cell phone down and look up around you!

MCKENZIE

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ASSISTANT TO THE GURU

Born and bred in the South Island, McKenzie has been lucky enough to call Queenstown home for the past three years. Spending her winters in Wanaka, Mckenzie switches her paddle for a set of skis! If she’s not running around after Ben you’ll probably find her on a roadie with her mates!

Mckenzie’s Pro Tip: Carrying things makes you look busy!

MONTANA

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BEACH STAFF

Montana is an honorary Kiwi from the sunny beaches of southern California who’s traded her surfboard for a summer spent on the lake! When she’s not out paddling you’ll find Montana tramping, taking pictures of New Zealand’s nature, writing about environmental issues, and convincing Ben to teach her how to fly fish.

Montana’s Pro Tip: when you go into the backcountry, sand fly repellent is a must!

GRANT

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BEACH STAFF

Grant has traded in the tall skyscrapers of his home in NYC for the beautiful mountains surrounding Lake Wakatipu. He is an awesome kayaker and can help you get that perfect form while out on the lake! When he isn’t messing around on a paddle board, he can be found making pizzas and looking for the best trail runs around Queenstown.

Grants Pro Tip: When in doubt doing something is always better than doing nothing!

LILY

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BEACH STAFF

Lily
Lily is another english runaway from the Jurassic Coast of the UK. Coming from the French Alps she’s found herself in Queenstown after back to back winters. She’s outstayed her welcome in Australia so we are stoked to have her for the summer. Lily has a degree in photography and can help you get that insta worthy shot on the lake! She is an avid snowboarder and has a zest for the outdoors. You’ll probably recognise Lily from Yonder/World Bar pulling your pints!

Lily’s Pro Tip: It’s all about the balance baby!