About the Authors

About the Authors:

Nathan Garnett:

At 20 years old Nathan is new to the world of expedition travel. He has been kayaking for the last six years and has more recently taken on the roll as a Level 1 coach, as well as a 4* Kayak Leader. As an Undergraduate Outdoor Leadership student at the University of Central Lancashire, Nathan has spent time developing his canoeing skills thanks to the universities partnership with Plas Y Brenin. From here Nathan has worked his way through his 3* assessment and went on to work as a canoe instructor on the Ardeche in southern France. Since his return to the UK Nathan has completed his 4* Open canoe Leader award and is also in the process of working towards the level 2 award in coaching. Based in Preston, Nathan splits his time between academic work, work with local canoe and kayak clubs as well as the odd piece of freelance work.

Ray Clarkson:

At the age of 36, Ray is a late-comer to University but comes from a background of Sport Science at North Lincs College. His years post BTEC include working for the School Travel Service leading staff and students in adventurous activities and progressed to Personnel Manager in later years. He also served in the Army Air Corps. The last 13 years have seen him in the Haulage Industry where, while enjoying seeing the countryside, he would have preferred to have been walking in it than driving through it. Since starting a degree in Outdoor Leadership, Ray has discovered a passion for Canoeing as well as continuing his love of Mountaineering. Furthering weeks of instruction at Plas-y-Brenin, Ray has completed his 3 star canoe and Level 1 coaching. Ray has also joined the Army Cadet Force as an Adult Volunteer and aims to specialize in Adventure and Expedition Training.