Our Coaches & Staff
Emily Carty, has had a rich and rewarding paddling career throughout her youth at the renowned Balmy Beach Kayak/Canoe Club in Toronto where she raced all types of kayaks and canoes including the war canoe. She then moved into whitewater and traveled to South America for whitewater adventures and has recently started marathon canoe racing entering competitions in the past couple of years. Her breadth of experience and qualifications are very welcomed in our young club. She mentors our young staff, assists with the adult program and plans to run a program for 'marathon training' this season.
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Glen Dawson is a well-known Muskoka paddler and competitor. He has lead our paddlers since the club's inception. Glen is a former Canadian marathon champion who continues to compete in marathon events like the Muskoka River X. He owns a successful plumbing business and, while he is busy, he volunteers to coach our youth and adults. One of his daughter's, Cecily, was our first youth coach in 2017.
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Liz Hawke-- businesswoman and adventure seeker! When you meet Liz, her personality and enthusiasm for kayaking is captivating. She has kayaked for 20 years and will join her friends anywhere for a kayak trip--Grand Canyon, Florida, east coast and more. A cheerleader for our club since the beginning, she has given freely of her time. Liz has her level 2 instructors and several safety courses under her belt. While she is an adventurer, she has developed a respect for Mother Nature and shares her knowledge. Sunday mornings--our guided trips--are something to look forward to. Liz gives tips on technique, has time for everyone and leaves you looking forward to your next Sunday morning paddle!
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Nick Ghikadis is a senior at Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School. Nick has been an avid paddler for most of his life. He has participated in competitive high school canoe races and was a member of the BMLSS high school kayak/canoe club. He is looking forward to stepping into his new role as a coach after recently receiving his ELCC qualifications on top of his Red Cross swim and first aid courses.
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Chris Lammers is a graduate of Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School. He has raced the past couple of years at the Holland Marsh spring high school race event. He has taken the initiative of increasing his qualifications to share his love of paddling. This year, Chris has added sprint coaching ELCC level 1 and Bronze Medallion credentials to his Canoe Kids Instructor. His easy-going disposition makes our members feel relaxed and welcomed which eases some anxiety for our novice paddlers.
Taylor French has achieved success as a competitive swimmer with MUSAC and will bring her cheerful disposition and analytical skills to our day campers. Taylor's energetic and cheerful personality will welcome every camper each morning. She grew up on the river paddling and enjoyed going to summer camps and taking trips where she developed her paddling technique and skills. Taylor comes to the Muskoka Paddle Club with her ELCC level 1 coaching, the Bronze Star, First Aid and lots of ideas for games and crafts for our campers.
