Profiles

Mike Shaw

London Kayak School

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About

Mike Shaw is a passionate and experienced paddlesports coach, with over 25 years of expertise in kayaking and canoeing. As the founder of London Kayak School, Mike offers a wide variety of programs designed for individuals of all ages and abilities, from beginners to advanced paddlers. With a strong background in freestyle kayaking and white-water paddling, Mike also serves as the Talent Development Manager for GB Freestyle, helping to shape the next generation of elite paddlers.

SERVICES OFFERED

YOUTH PROGRAMS Youth Canoe Club: A welcoming and inclusive club in Brentford, where individuals are greeted by friendly faces and top-notch coaching. Riders Youth Freestyle Programme: Tailored for beginners to advanced paddlers, this program includes freestyle skills, river running, and boatercross, with opportunities for competition.

ADULT COURSES Adult Canoe Club: A club for adults based in Brentford, offering expert coaching and a friendly, supportive environment.

SPECIALIZED CLINICS Rolling Clinics / Pool Sessions: Learn to roll or perfect your technique with expert guidance, suitable for all levels, from beginners to those aiming to make their roll bomb-proof.

WHITE WATER PROGRESSION PROGRAMME Development weekends hosted throughout the year, focusing on advancing white-water skills and confidence.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMPS Fun and healthy weekly holiday programs to keep kids active and engaged throughout school breaks.

SCHOOLS & YOUTH GROUPS Tailored paddling programs for schools and youth groups, ranging from single sessions to multi-year initiatives.

BRITISH CANOEING QUALIFICATIONS Gain recognized qualifications through British Canoeing with courses organized and delivered by Mike and his team.

COMPETITION SUPPORT Mike actively supports his students’ participation in competitions, offering guidance and coaching to help them achieve their full potential. Mike Shaw and London Kayak School are committed to making paddlesports accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding for everyone. With a focus on fostering skills, confidence, and community, their programs cater to a wide range of interests and goals, ensuring there’s something for every paddler.

Experience

Mike Shaw is a seasoned paddlesports coach with over 25 years of experience, having begun his kayaking journey through the Scouts. He started coaching at the age of 15 and has since dedicated his career to the sport. Mike is the founder and head coach of London Kayak School, where he works with paddlers ranging from beginners to international competitors. He also serves as the Talent Development Manager for GB Freestyle, contributing significantly to the growth and success of freestyle kayaking in the UK.

Qualifications

Testimonials

Amelia Lam recommends Mike Shaw Kayak Coach.

"I would highly recommend Mike and I always feel I'm progressing and having fun during his sessions. He's really good at suggesting new skills/tricks to try, improving previous ones and will more importantly be there to cheer you on and support you through the process. My best memories of this are learning freestyle with Mike on the Thames wiers as he seems to instinctively know when to keep working on the same skills and when to switch to something new. He's great working with all levels of experience and one of main reasons I have started coaching myself!"

Phil Erm recommends Mike Shaw Kayak Coach.

"Mike has been fantastic across many activities and qualifications for Cambridge University Canoe Club. Would highly recommend to any kayaker from complete beginner to advanced!"