Published at 05:21, Friday, 30 January 2009

A WIGTON headteacher paddled his way to become England’s volunteer canoe teacher of the year.

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After 30 years of giving up his spare time to coach for Canoe England, Doug Hardie, of Thomlinson Junior School, was honoured for his “unsurpassed” commitment to the sport.

He was presented the award by Olympic gold medal-winning kayakist Tim Brabants at a ceremony at the organisation’s Nottingham headquarters.

Mr Hardie said: “I was very surprised to win – I didn’t even know I had been nominated.”

A sea kayaking fanatic since boyhood, Mr Hardie has passed on his love of the sport to youngsters from Thomlinson School and to children and adults at Netherhall School in Maryport.

Linda Borthwick, development officer for Canoe England, nominated Mr Hardie for the award.

She said: “Doug’s level of commitment to his sport, young people and adults is unsurpassed.

“His positive impact at local, regional and international level is exceptional.”

Mr Hardie told The Cumberland News he first picked up a paddle at the age of 16.

“I was at school in Stranraer and it was a teacher that introduced me to it first.”

His kayaking adventures seen him compete in Arctic distance races covering up to 125 miles.

They have taken him as far afield as Alaska, Canada and Norway and have led to some unusual encounters.

“Around the west coast of Scotland you see seals all the time – otters, dolphins and basking sharks too. Once, I was kayaking with a friend and a 40ft minke whale surfaced inbetween us. That was special.”

Mr Hardie holds a string of coaching qualifications and regularly takes pupils on canoeing trips to Bassenthwaite and Derwentwater lakes.

He believes the sport has much to offer youngsters. “There’s a physical and a skills element.

“It takes them to new places, teaches them a respect for the environment and teamwork.

For more information about canoeing and coaching, visit www.canoe-england.org.uk.

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk