Congratulations to Geoff Emery who was recently selected as the PWA Instructor / Guide of the Year for Western Australia. As the WA winner Geoff has also been nominated for the Australian Award.
Through the Swan Canoe Club (SCC), in the past year Geoff Emery has taught dozens of people to paddle flat water, white water, sea kayak and Eskimo roll. He has taught members and non-members alike, ranging in age from ten to well over 80. He has guided sprightly seniors down rapids on the Blackwood River, instructed novice paddlers how to navigate the swell off Penguin Island and led experienced sea kayakers on expeditions around Albany. With patience, clear instruction and good humour, he has helped newbies discover the joy of paddling and more experienced paddlers develop their skills.
When he isn’t nurturing novices, he’s guiding future guides. This year he trained five people as Flat Water Kayak Guides (three have qualified so far) and in the process, qualified as an Assessor. He is currently a Flat Water Instructor and Assessor, a Sea Instructor and Assessor and a White Water Instructor and Assessor.
Geoff gives freely of his skills and time. He is a member of the SCC committee and has previously served as secretary and chairman. He also chairs the SCC Training & Development committee and ensures the club offers a year-round calendar of courses and trips to further skill development.
Somehow, he has managed to find the time to do all of this while working as a GP in his own medical practice. He recently retired in May 2020, just after his 70th birthday, freeing him up to spend even more time on the water.