Name: Mathew Lamont

Best known as: Mat

Hometown: Dungannon

Living now: Plymouth

Discipline: Surf

Class: Short boat

Current boats: Hobson Spirit and Blade

Shaft of choice: Straight

Big volume or tight and technical: Big volume

Favourite paddling spot: Easky Left

How did you get into paddling?

I got into paddling when I was 11 years old, myself and my dad getting a boat each. We joined a local club where I started whitewater kayaking. After doing this for a while, I joined the development squad for surf kayaking in Northern Ireland. From here it was onwards and upwards, spending a lot of weekends with a bunch of other kids surf kayaking. I’ve now competed in 3 world championships and with this, I’ve had the chance to travel to some great locations.

Achievements: I’ve won 3 consecutive British men’s titles and I came 9th in the 2019  World Championship (Peru) and 5th at the 2022 World Championships (UK). 

What's next... ambitions / plans: I’m aiming for the 2024 World's in Argentina right now. 

Best things about paddling: Being in the flow of a good wave and on the edge of control

Best boating moment: Winning the 2016 Irish open, possibly the best surf I’ve had in a contest and a great group of people on the water

Worst boating moment: I can’t think of a specific one, but getting in as the tide shifts to the wrong sandbar and waves deteriorating instantly always sucks

Any other Hobbies: Climbing, cycling, hiking