Ben Haylett

Name: Ben Haylett

Best known as: Ben “soupy” Haylett - don't ask :)

Hometown: Breaston, Derbyshire

Living now: Waltham Abbey, Essex

Discipline: Canoe Slalom / Kayak Cross

Class: K1m

Current boats: Galasport Caipi Fins , Ripper evo 2

Shaft of choice: Stiff Carbon

Big volume or tight and technical: Tight and technical!

Favourite paddling spot: Pau, France

Why should you be on the Peak PS team?:

I love canoeing, the community around all aspects of the sport and wish to see it grow further in the future. Nobody is entitled to anything so “should” is a hard question but I think that I embody some of the aspects that Peak PS as a company and brand stand for and giving back to the community and future of the sport is really important to me.

What can you bring to the party?:

I feel I can bring a good insight into the younger side of the Performance Squad and also within that offer my coaching services and time spent on the river bank with all age groups. Try to bring some energy, blogs and feedback on products to help supply the consumer with the highest possible quality products

How did you get into paddling?:

Strange one but I picked up a leaflet on the floor of Bramcote Swimming baths and started a 6 week course off the back of reading it. Rich Ramsdale and Louise Ramsdale coached in the pool and then after 2 blocks of these paddling sessions we were invited down to HPP. This then progressed to twice per week and then gradually made my way through the regional pathways over the years.

Achievements:

U23 European Champion 2024

U23 Teams European Champions 2024

U23 World Champs 5th

2x British Champion

GBR Senior team 2024

What's your paddling goals for 2025?

Retain my place on the KX Senior team and Earn my place on the Slalom Senior team. Then to go on and deliver at the Australia World Champs should I get the opportunity to do so. im looking forwards to getting going again

Do you have any paddlesport qualification?

Canoe Slalom Performance Coach

Paddle sport instructor

Slalom discipline specific level 3

White water safety and rescue

First aid

Best things about paddling: Travelling to some of the best parts of the world with good people and enjoying the water

Best boating moment: Crossing the line and seeing the scoreboard go green in the 2024 U23 European Champs final and just staring at it as I realised I was winning with one athlete to go…

Worst boating moment:

Top blade touch costing me the 2024 U23 World Championship

Having shoulder surgery and missing months of being on the water leading into 2023 Selections.

Any other Hobbies:

Coaching whenever I can

Fishing with Dad when I get time to go and see my parents

Extras / Favourites:

Ultimate worldwide destination: Maldives

Food: Lots of anything or a good steak

Drink: Strawberry mojito

Music: Anything goes really

Movie: Gladiator