GB Open Men ready to build on ERC success

The GBR Mens Rafting Team has a prolific history of athletes and is well respected on the European and World stages. The Team is made up of a group of passionate individuals, sharing their love for the sport, full dedication to training and desire to gain medals in the process.

The squad has been based at Lee Valley White Water Centre, home of the 2012 Olympics, for the past 3 years where they have prepared for the following competitions:

  • R4 European Championships, Bratislava, 2014
  • R6 European Championships, Bosnia, 2015
  • R6 World Championships, Indonesia, 2015
  • R4 European Championships, Slovenia, 2016

Final preparations at the centre are now underway for the R4 World Championships, Al Ain, U.A.E. and with a new coach and training cycle, the GB men are confident that they will produce a solid result, build on their recent success in Slovenia and improve in the events which have historically proven sticking points for the team.

gbmens-charlieCharlie Lodge

Years rafting: 3 Years
Favourite rafting discipline: Head to Head
Best thing about rafting:   Rafting brings many people and cultures together
Worst thing about rafting: Winter Training
Favourite gym exercise Battle Ropes
Favourite food & drink: Fresh Fish and Milk
Current job: Improvement Co-ordinator – Civil Engineering

 

Alan Beecroft

Years rafting: 2 Years
Favourite rafting discipline: Head to Head
Best thing about rafting: Bringing people together, working as a team to achieve something special (hopefully)
Worst thing about rafting: Early morning starts and constant aches
Favourite gym exercise Single Arm Row
Favourite food & drink: Chicken and Coffee
Current job: Planner – Civil Engineering

 

Pas Blackwell  

Years rafting: 11 Years
Favourite rafting discipline: Slalom
Best thing about rafting:   Seeing different parts of the world
Worst thing about rafting: It is currently self-funded
Favourite gym exercise C1 Ergo
Favourite food & drink: Chocolate & Beer
Current job: Centre Manager – Lee Valley White Water Centre

 

 

Chris Coward  

Years rafting: 2 Years
Favourite rafting discipline: Downriver
Best thing about rafting:   New rivers and great experiences
Worst thing about rafting: Being sick at R6 Worlds in Indonesia
Favourite gym exercise Pull ups
Favourite food & drink: Indian and Jagerbombs (only in the off season of course)
Current job: Captain – British Army

 

Rob Powell

Years rafting: 2 Years
Favourite rafting discipline: Slalom
Best thing about rafting:   Representing my country with pride
Worst thing about rafting: Rafting is not an Olympic sport (yet)
Favourite gym exercise Chin Ups
Favourite food & drink: Chicken & Coffee
Current job: Paddle Sports Coach

 

Toni Demarco (Coach)

Years rafting: 10 Years
Favourite rafting discipline: Slalom
Best thing about rafting:   Finishing a session and still loving the sport enough to want to go again and again
Worst thing about rafting: Injuries
Favourite gym exercise Core and Back
Favourite food & drink: Brazilian BBQ & Red Wine
Current job: Raft Guide

Some of their links: