Cloud9 Pursuits Ltd is directed by James Gay and Kathryn Hall. We run a number of outdoor orientated activities aimed at sharing our enthusiasm for the outdoors with others, in the safest environment possible. This has lead our activity provision from kayaking and walking to a number of activities, specialist health and safety training and water safety cover. Introducing and developing young people and adults to the outdoors is a focus of ours along with increasing accessibility, and being able to equip people with the skills to deal with situations that can occur both on the hill and at home or work.
James has paddled for more than 20 years now, the disciplines in which he has taken part in add to his knowledge of the sport (freestyle, whitewater, canoe touring/whitewater, slalom, marathon and Stand-up paddleboard, also been known to play in whitewater racing and sea kayaking). If you had to give him a discipline it would be Freestyle. In his spare time whilst not paddling James enjoys climbing/ hill walking, powerboating and cycling, you could say James enjoys being Outdoors…
James’ Qualifications: – Mountain Leader (Summer) Bronze Silver and Gold DofE Assessor/ Supervisor, Climbing Wall Award, IRATA Level 1, RYA Powerboat instructor, Swim Event Safety Award, UKCC level 2 Moderate Water (whitewater), EFR First Aid Instructor Trainer, FREC Level 4 and NCRQ Level 6 Certificate in Applied Health and Safety. James is also a Member of the Mountain Training Association and an Associate Member of International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (AIIRSM) a Technical member of Institute of safety and health (TechIOSH), British canoeing paddle sport instructor & leader provider, Level 3 certificate in assessing vocational achievement, Level 3 Award in education and training
KATHRYN HALL (DIRECTOR):-
Kathryn has been in boats since before she could walk, she’s paddled marathon and sprint, freestyle, white water racing, slalom, whitewater kayak, canoe touring/whitewater and stand-up paddle boarding. She has also been known to go sea kayaking. If you had to give her a discipline it would be Marathon (you only have to look at the trophy cabinet to work this out). Kathryn has completed the Devizes to Westminster canoe race 3 times. Kathryn can also be found climbing and hill walking. she enjoys being outside pushing herself.
Mountain Leader (Summer), Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE Assessor/ Supervisor, Climbing Wall Award, Swim Event Safety Award trainer, UKCC level 2 Moderate Water (Whitewater), FSRT Provider, RYA Powerboat Instructor First Aid Instructor, FREC Level 4, ARA Level 2, British canoeing paddle sport instructor & leader provider, Level 3 certificate in assessing vocational achievement, Level 3 Award in education and training, level 3 NCRQ safety for managers.Kathryn is also a Member of the Mountain Training Association .
AARON THOMPSON (INSTRUCTOR):-
Having recently completed his degree; BA(hons) Outdoor Adventure Education, Aaron has joined the team full time as a senior paddlesports instructor. Aaron also started his career in paddling, competing successfully with team GB Dragon Boating being part of the European Championship Winning team. He is also an avid climber and mountain walker and enjoys introducing people to the outdoors. With his experience and depth of knowledge, we welcome Aaron as part of the team.
Aaron’s Qualifications: – Mountain Leader (Summer) Training, Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE Assessor/supervisor, Climbing Wall Award, Climbing wall abseil award, Single Pitch Award Training, First aid at work, UKCC Level 2 paddle sports coach, Moderate White-water Kayak Leader, Stand up Paddleboard Discipline support module, Foundation safety and rescue provider orientated, RYA Powerboat Level 2, RYA safety Boat, RYA VHF short range license, FA Level 1 Coach. Aaron is also a Member of the Mountain Training Association
PHIL REDRUP (COACH):-
Phil has been a coach for more years than he would like to own up to! He has a wicked sense of humour and a diverse range of hobbies. A passion for all things outdoors and great enthusiasm to share it with others. A valuable member of the team Phil always has your best interests at heart ensuring all of his sessions are run to his high standards.
JULIE HALL (OFFICE MANAGER):-
Julie has 38 years of experience in the financial services industry and can often be found dealing with large amounts of paperwork. She has supported canoeing for many years (too many if you ask her), joined us in April 2017 we welcome her experience as a valued member of the team.
RIVA – (THE REAL BOSS) : RIva joined the team at 3 months old and has loved every minute of it, She loves nothing more than to chase her tail in meetings and enjoy being outdoors watching the world pass her by. She can be found regularly on the bow of her teams canoes wondering weather its worth going in for the tennis ball she just dropped or in front of the fire snoozzzzzing.
Riva’s Qualifications: Woofing, Wagging, Tailing chasing grand master and Snoring.
