The Riders Programme was established as a collective coaching partnership between freestyle practitioners Dennis Newton, Ottilie Robinson-Shaw and Michael Shaw. Their goal is to nurture outstanding, well-rounded whitewater kayakers, within a fun inclusive learning environment where individuals are provided with the support and tools to reach their own goals and aspirations.
About the programme:
The programme is designed to cover beginner to advanced freestyle and river running skills, with opportunities to explore your competitive potential. Whether you’re striving to land your first loop, master a kick-flip, or compete on the international stage, our coaches have the experience and expertise to help you achieve your goals while having fun along the way.
An all-star coaching team will support you every step of the journey. Our methods are founded on helping you discover your best self through outdoor exploration and experiencing the joys of whitewater and freestyle kayaking. We believe that freestyle kayaking is about more than just the results. We emphasise personal growth, foster a sense of community and cultivate an appreciation for nature.
The Riders Programme offers a range of courses, camps and one-day events designed to be suitable for a range of skill levels and experience. This includes one-day coaching events targeting specific freestyle skills, development camps to focus on all-around progression, and essential skill-building courses focusing on aspects of river running and safety. We use the UK’s best training venues for whitewater and freestyle, including Holme Pierrepont Whitewater Centre for world-class hole boating, Hurley Weir and the Thames Valley for big-wave freestyle, and North Wales for reliable, top-quality river running.
About the coaches:
Dennis (Den) is a world-renowned freestyle coach with a proven track record working with athletes at the very highest level, having coached multiple World Champions and numerous international medallists across a number of nations. His technical expertise is unrivalled in freestyle kayaking. Den’s role as GB Head Coach cements him as one of the world’s leading coaching authorities.
Ottie’s accolades speak for themselves – multiple-time Junior and Senior World Champion across multiple freestyle disciplines, she is a trailblazer for women’s paddling and one of the world’s most exciting freestyle talents. Ottie is also an outstanding coach and mentor for team GB. She also travels the UK giving motivational talks to schools and youth groups to inspire young people to live healthily and achieve their full potential.
Mike brings a wealth of coaching expertise that span the full spectrum of abilities. From grassroots and community development to Team GB athletes, across multiple disciplines. Mike has a passion for freestyle and river running. He is committed to breaking down barriers to participation in the sport. Seeking to unlock each individual’s potential and ultimately guide them to success at any level of the sport.
Den, Ottie and Mike will be joined by guest coaches and some of the UK’s leading athletes to deliver the Riders Programme.
Participant suitability:
As a minimum, to get the most out of this programme participants should have fundamental boat control skills to comfortably paddle on Grade 2 / 3 water. This includes basic manoeuvres such as breaking in/out, ferry gliding, and a consistent roll.
If you’re unsure of your suitability please contact us to discuss. We can provide induction sessions that will fast track you to joining the Riders Programme.
Booking Options
RIDERS SESSION
90mins
Quick Overview
Riders’ all-star coaching team provides a fun and inclusive learning environment where individuals receive the support and tools they need to reach their goals and aspirations.
iNCLUDES:
- 1 to 5 Group Ratio.
- Instant Video Analysis.
- Practice Drills.
- Copies of your Video.
- Next Steps Practice Advice.
£30
RIDERS DAY
6 HOURS
Quick Overview
Riders’ all-star coaching team provides a fun and inclusive learning environment where individuals receive the support and tools they need to reach their goals and aspirations.
iNCLUDES:
- 1 to 5 Group Ratio.
- Instant Video Analysis.
- Practice Drills.
- Copies of your Video.
- Next Steps Practice Advice.
£75
Upcoming Riders Dates and Times
RIDERS FULL-DAYS
| Sat 08/02/25, Nottingham, Time: 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Sat 09/02/25, Nottingham, Time: 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Sat 15/02/25, Nottingham, Time: 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Sat 22/02/25, Nottingham, Time: 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Sat 01/03/25, Nottingham, Time: 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Sat 08/03/25, Nottingham, Time: 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Sat 15/03/25, Nottingham, Time: 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Sat 22/03/25, Nottingham, Time: 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Sat 29/03/25, Nottingham, Time: 10:00 – 16:00 |
in partnership with:
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