The team

The Clearwater Paddling team is enthusiastic, professional and above all we love what we do. Our aim is to make every trip as memorable and enjoyable as we possible can.

Chris Denehy. I set up Clearwater Paddling in 1996, and from small beginnings we now run twenty tours a year from Scotland to Oman and Trinidad. I have worked in the outdoor field for over 20 years, whislt my love of paddling has taken me to Norway, Wales, Scotland, Canada, and the Outer Hebrides. In addition to being a qualified sea kayak coach I am also a river canoe coach, mountain leader and first aider. I get huge enjoyment from our leading kayaking tours, and when I am not found on the high seas I like to head to anywhere there is snow and mountains.

Katie Denehy. Katie was brought up on Barra and left the island when 18 yrs to pursue a career in social work. We both met up in 1992 whilst studying in Edinburgh and after a few years of working, we both travelled extensively around Canada and Alaska; ski-ing, climbing and biking through Alaska. We returned to Barra in 2001, to bring up our five little children. Katie works as a youth and community worker and also keeps Clearwater Paddling running smoothly by organising the bookings and keeping on top of all the emails. Her favourite means of escape is to head off in her running shoes, spend any spare time climbing mountains, and sharing wine with friends!

Ben. This is Big Ben's 4th summer as lead guide with Clearwater Paddling. On expedition expect to eat as well as you do at home, for he enjoys nothing more than foraging for wild foods to add to his already renowned camp cooking. Ben has lead trips for us through out the Hebrides and seems to have the canny knack of spotting wildlife wherever he goes. When he is not out kayaking you will find him out surfing, coasteering or climbing the hills of Barra. Be warned. When it comes to the annual hill race he is the man to beat!

Mick. Mick, king of breakfasts and chief bed maker. Mick is breakfast cook on our Lodge based trips, so enjoy a great breakfast with the latest of the island news. Once breakfast is cleared away Mike is busy with hospital corners when making up beds in the Lodge and Hostel. Once duties are done Mick loves nothing better than heading our for a paddle, biking the island or simply losing himself on a beach.

Shaz. Shaz is the other half of the hostel/lodge team. Her most important role is baking cakes for tea time one the Lodge based trips. From lemon drizzle cake to rich chocolate brownies, there is always a surprise waiting on the table. To escape form it all Shaz loves nothing better than heading out around the castle on her Stand Up Paddle board (SUP), or running Yoga sessions for the islanders.

Sarah. Sarah, our cook on all Barra based trips, produces wonderful evening meals using local produce from her own croft and from the sea (her husband John Paul is a fisherman). Sarah is a crofter, gardener and local food enthusiast. When she is not in the kitchen she will be found creating the worlds longest bunting with help from anyone who has ever stepped foot on Barra. http://www.barrabunting.net/

Jake, Millie, Callum, Ben and Ellie. The the five Denehy juniors can be found hanging out on the trampoline, biking or heading down to the shore for a spot of crabbing. They can easily be recognised by their dog Kipper who herds them like sheep.

Kipper. Kipper is the Denehy dog.
If you head out walking, or
set off on a bike you can
be sure Kipper will be
hot on your heels,
if she is not busy
herding her five
young owners.