Meet The Team:
BEN- Guide/Watersports Guru/Boss Man
Ben is originally from the UK but has called Queenstown home for the better part of 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 be out on the lake. He’s got great recommendations for local food and wine opportunities that are definitely not biased!
Ben’s Pro Tip: Do things that make you happy- simple!
KAT- Guide/Assistant to the Guru/Staff Mom
Kat ditched her job in the UK as a teacher to play in New Zealand, exchanging the classroom for an office with a view. She paddle boards on calm days, kayaks on rough days, and wind-surfs on stormy days; any time in between, she’ll be out riding horses (or quite possible napping.) Don’t let her petite appearance fool you, she can paddle with the best of them!
Kat’s Pro Tip: If it looks difficult, it’s probably worth it.
HELEN- Guide/Vocalist/Whitewater Junkie/Professional iPhone Photographer
A whitewater kayaker, Helen has traveled the globe in search of the pourover of dreams. You’ll always catch her humming a tune and laughing at jokes, even when they’re not funny because she’s just that nice. Helen moved here from the UK and is an experienced emergency milk delivery driver. Ask her for the coolest local surfing spots. She’s also an iPhone photographer.
Helen’s Pro Tip: You’ll only regret the chances you never took.
KALI- Beach Staff/Sales Extraordinaire/Token Ozzie
Kali is best known for her bubbly personality and infectious smile- but don’t ask her if she’s a Kiwi! Not from the UK or the US, she’s our token Ozzie. In her free time, you’ll find her exploring the local outdoors scene and chatting with the tourists- or wandering around town updating our brochures. She may live in New Zealand, but her heart is in the ocean off the coast of Byron.
MAL- Beach Staff/The Muscles/Smooth Talker
Mal enjoys long walks on the beach, good food, and tasty brews. He prefers warm sunny days and catching massive fish, but he’s willing to trade the sunshine for a snuggle on a cold rainy day for the right person. He is best known for being an American, but don’t fret, ladies- he earned a 4-year degree and is definitely down open to commitment!
JEFF- Beach Staff/Knots Master/Dirtbag Raft Guide/Jokester
Jeff is a temporary kiwi-convert from the mountains of Colorado. He teaches snowboarding in the winters and guides whitewater rafting and fly fishing in summer. He prefers everything outdoors and always has a helpful suggestion. He is really good at telling bad Dad jokes, but Helen’s always there to laugh at them when nobody else will. Which is often.
JANE- Beach Staff/Technical Support/Official Organiser
Another American transplant, Jane moved here from Colorado and is best known for her organisational skills and get-it-done attitude. You will usually find her organising something and making sandwiches for Jeff. She’s the best skier on the mountain and crushes it at the bike park in her free time. She may be small but she packs a sassy punch. Did we say she’s really organised?
Jane’s Pro Tip: Work smarter, not harder.
