Mark-Jan Dielemans

Originally from the Netherlands and now living in Bristol, Great Britain with his wife and two young children. Mark bought his first 'expedition' kayak when he was seventeen and paddled through the canals of Amsterdam. Soon did bigger trips on the IJselmeer, Waden- and Northsea and became a sea kayak coach. Mark organised the first European Canoe Symposium in 1998, which he ran for over 10 years. He became the first British Canoeing level 4 open canoe coach in the Netherlands and also became an American Canoe Association instructor. He is active as a member of the Open Canoe Association. One of his highlights was paddling the Bliss canoe trail; a trip of 862 miles round England. Mark is always ready with a word of encouragement, just to say; 'yes that's it! Go for it!' Making canoeing more accessible and enjoyable for everyone from beginner to improver, solo and tandem and also families and children. Life is too short!