With over two decades of experience, Ian “Dovey” has spent most of his life either in a boat, on a board, or telling someone else how to paddle theirs. Starting in sports coaching, he soon swapped the running track for the river and never looked back.

Now, he coaches everything from whitewater kayaking and sea kayaking to surf kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Through Dovey Coaching, he offers everything from beginner lessons to advanced expeditions, helping paddlers build confidence, skills, and a love for the water. He also delivers a wide range of qualifications for Paddle UK, helping to develop the next generation of paddlers and coaches —one capsize at a time.

Dovey has worked in multiple locations around the world, sharing his passion for paddlesports in different environments and cultures. For him, the best part is simple—being outdoors every day, surrounded by great people, and sharing the adventure. If there’s water, he’ll paddle it (and probably try to convince you to as well).