Name/Nickname: Hynser 

Hometown: Garrettstown, Kinsale, Ireland. 

Living now:  Garrettstown Beach, right on the Wild Atlantic Way. 

Discipline: Sea Kayaking

Current Boats: NDK Explorer HV / Romany Sport / Taran 18. 

Shaft of choice: Love my Epic Mid wings on straight. Fast and effortless. 

Big volume or tight and technical: Both really in Sea Kayaking, I love Open spaces and long crossings but I also love Rock Hopping in Gullies and surfy conditions. 

Favourite Paddling Spot: Roaring Water Bay, West Cork, Ireland. 

Why should you be on the Peak PS Team?: Hmm, I have a very deep passion for the sport of Sea Kayaking. I work with a lot of people in supporting them to maximise their paddling opportunities and develop themselves and their skills. I also really like Peak’s approach to running their business in a very environmentally conscious way. I am also very interested in developing new gear and focused on what can allow people to have safer, more adventurous experiences on the water. 

What can you bring to the party?: Enthusiasm , lot’s of it. I have studied and experienced so much adventure in my life and I hope my values in the sport of Sea Kayaking can have and will continue to positively impact others. 

How did you get into paddling?: I was very fortunate to have a cousin who was into it, I thought he was so cool and loved watching the races.  Finally, I joined our local Canoe Club in Limerick(Long time ago now!). From then on I have always paddled with some fantastic people who were willing to guide me, share knowledge and help me develop as a Paddler and Instructor. 

Whats next…..ambitions/plans: I am soon departing on a retro Sea Kayaking trip using all 1980’s kit, low tech, no tech and I look forward to recreating what it was like when I first took up the sport. I have gathered some pretty funny kit. I am also going to document it. 

 Do you have any paddlesport qualifications: Yes, I am a strong advocate for Paddlesports training. Many years ago I achieved my BCU L5 Coach in WW and since then I have also achieved my Canoeing Ireland L5 Instructor qualification. But I am always up skilling and doing my best to stay sharp. I am currently studying a Masters in Outdoor Education, Sustainability and Wellbeing. 

Best things about paddling: Nature! Just being free from the pressures of modern life and experiencing the Well-being factor that we can benefit from being in nature. 

Best boating moment: Completing my Round Ireland Circumnavigation with my best friend Sean Cahill. 

Worst boating moment: Thank fully there are not too many of those. Can’t think of one that is publishable! 

Any other hobbies: Kitesurfing! I absolutely LOVE it! 

Ultimate worldwide destination: West Coast of Scotland, Sea Kayaking Mecca. 

Food: Pizza and I am a recent addition to the Vegetarian community. 

Drink: Pale Ale’s! 

Music: Depeche Mode. 

Movie: Gladiator and can’t wait for the new one! 

Read: Anything Outdoor Education or Adventure. Just finished reading “Moderate becoming good later”. 

Piece of Peak PS kit: The Explorer Zip PFD, best