Meet The Team

At Nookie, we’re more than just a brand—we’re a crew of passionate paddlers, adventurers, and industry professionals dedicated to pushing the limits of paddlesports. Our team includes world-class paddlesport coaches covering all disciplines, from whitewater safety & rescue to sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. We also collaborate with leading experts offering professional services and technical advice to outdoor centres and organisations.

Beyond coaching and consultancy, we work with elite kayakers and photographers who capture the thrill of paddlesports in the most extreme environments—whether it’s charging through the biggest surf, navigating raging rivers, or exploring remote coastlines. We support them by providing the cutting-edge equipment they need to perform at their best while receiving invaluable feedback that drives the development and innovation of our products.

Together, we live and breathe the spirit of adventure, ensuring that every piece of Nookie gear is tested and trusted by the very best in the industry. Meet the team that makes Nookie the trusted name in paddlesports.

Laura Wynne 

Wynne Outdoor Adventures 

Laura lives on Dartmoor, Devon, with her Springer Spaniel, Bradley. Originally from Cheshire, she discovered her passion for paddling while studying Adventure Sports and worked as an outdoor instructor across the UK, specialising in white water paddling. She became deeply involved in the sport after moving to Devon in 2011, working at River Dart Country Park and running Ducky trips for beginners.

With numerous qualifications, including 5 Star WW Kayak Leader and 4 Star WW Canoe Leader, Laura has paddled in locations like the Alps and Slovenia. In 2020, she transitioned to truck driving but continues her passion through Wynne Outdoor Adventures, coaching and guiding trips on the Dart. She also contributes to She Paddles events, working with Plas y Brenin and Glenmore Lodge to inspire more women to take up paddling.

Contact

Tommy Hatwell

Photographer & Heads Up the Nookie Team & socials

Tommy is undoubtedly a man of many talents, kayaking might’ve dropped down the list below photography, travel and adventure but alongside running his social enterprise Think People Think Story he can still throw down a zero to hero with his eyes shut.

Everything begins with a passion and progresses with a consistent creative energy that keeps Tommy delivering inspiring images, projects, education and adventures around the world.

Tommy works to bring the team at Nookie together and is always on the look out for new coaches and great humans to join the team!

Think People Think Story Website

Chris Hobson

Owner Hobson kayaks
3 x Surf kayak World Champion

Without doubt the highest maintenance member of the team, Chris Hobson is a three-time Surf Kayak World Champion and the founder of Hobson Kayaks. Over the past two decades, he has competed on the world stage, representing Northern Ireland and claiming multiple international titles including Open High Performance Class World Championship in North Carolina. His passion for surf kayaking has taken him across the globe, pushing the limits of performance in some of the biggest waves.

Beyond competition, Chris has played a key role in the evolution of surf kayak design. After working with Mega Performance Kayaks and Ride Kayaks, he launched Hobson Kayaks in 2019, bringing his expertise and innovation to the craft of high-performance kayak design. His mission is to push the sport forward by creating world-class surf kayaks that enhance paddlers’ experience on the water. Whether competing, designing, or riding waves, Chris continues to shape the future of surf kayaking.

Hobson Kayaks Website

Richard Taylor

Taylored Outdoors

Richard is a man of many talents—not only can he paddle a variety of craft, from canoe to kayak and stand-up paddleboard, but he is also a skilled Adventure Sports Photographer with a passion for storytelling through the lens.

Born in Nottingham, just ten minutes from Holme Pierrepont, he didn’t discover paddling until moving to Worcester to study Outdoor Adventure Leadership and Management. It was there that he truly immersed himself in the outdoor world, paddling, climbing, and mountaineering across the UK.

Eight years later, he now runs Taylored Outdoors, creating bespoke adventure courses for those looking to step into the world of adventure. He also works alongside brands and athletes to capture the raw essence of the adventure sports culture.

Contact Taylored Outdoors

Want to Join the Nookie Team?

Are you a passionate paddler, coach, photographer, or industry professional pushing the limits of paddlesports? Do you want to work with top-quality gear, help shape product development, and be part of a team that lives and breathes adventure?

If you think you’ve got what it takes to be part of Nookie, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch and tell us how you’d be a great fit. 🌊🔥

info@nookie.co.uk