Every year, our paddling community comes together to help shape the future of Paddle Cymru and this year is no different. As we head toward our 2025 Annual General Meeting, members have the opportunity to vote for the passionate, skilled individuals who have stepped forward to represent you on the Board. These nominees come from across our vibrant paddlesport community, bringing a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to strengthening and supporting paddling across Wales.



MILES BURROWS

Miles began paddling in North Wales, progressing from local clubs to the Welsh Slalom Squad. He has experience across many disciplines slalom, playboating, white water, SUP, open boating and sea kayaking, and has coached and raft‑guided in commercial centres. He now paddles recreationally at CIWW, on the River Wye and on local reservoirs.

Beyond paddling, Miles has contributed to youth sport as a qualified football coach and referee and holds DBS certification. As a parent of teenage boys, he is passionate about supporting young people’s sporting development.

Professionally, Miles has held executive leadership roles in the pharmaceutical and medical diagnostics sectors, overseeing multi‑country operations and teams of over 300 staff. His strengths include commercial delivery, governance, compliance, operations and strategic planning.

He holds a PhD in Chemistry from Cardiff University and recently completed a University of Cambridge programme on Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies, reflecting his commitment to sustainable practice.

"I believe in the power of sport to build confidence, resilience, and life skills in young people. Having paddled the Wye for more than thirty years, I’ve seen first-hand how much it has changed. I am committed to advancing sustainability and supporting opportunities for Welsh talent to develop and succeed." - Miles

LISETTE NIXON

Lisette has spent over 40 years in paddlesport as a coach, competitor and parent of a high‑performance athlete. For her, paddling is a lifelong passion that brings community, wellbeing and lasting friendships.

She began coaching just a year after taking up the sport and has supported countless paddlers since. Lisette represented Wales in slalom and polo, competed internationally, and took part in the 2025 World Freestyle Masters. After helping her son reach the GB Freestyle team, she’s now progressing her own freestyle journey, proof that learning never stops.

A UKCC Level 2 Canoe and Kayak coach, slalom coach, and active Seren Dŵr volunteer, Lisette has helped revitalise club engagement and enjoys supporting paddlers of all ages and abilities. She is committed to shaping a paddlesport community in Wales that is inclusive, sustainable and accessible.

Professionally, Lisette works in clinical trials as a Deputy Head, bringing strengths in project management, governance, risk, financial oversight, grant writing and safeguarding, including supporting paddlers with disabilities.

"Paddling has given me so much, from lifelong friendships to unforgettable challenges. I want to make sure everyone has the chance to experience that same joy, no matter their age, ability, or background." – Lisette

ANT MORGAN

Ant is a pivotal figure in the canoe clubs of Wales and a passionate advocate for paddle sport. A keen kayaker, paddle boarder and canoeist with a background in competition, primarily Canoe Polo, undertaking competitions at a variety of levels and continues to inspire others through his coaching and leadership. 

As a current provider and national trainer of Paddle Cymru awards and qualifications, Ant plays a vital role in developing providers and coaches in skills across a range of disciplines, safety & rescue, coaching and leadership. He also serves as a Paddle Cymru Standards Officer, working closely with providers across Wales to uphold best practice. 

Beyond volunteering as a coach for Rhondda Canoe Club, Ant manages his own business, Ant Morgan Coaching, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone he trains. His expertise spans coaching, organisational development, and business management, all underpinned by a commitment to growing paddle sport for future generations. 

“Being an active coach, provider and volunteer with multi discipline knowledge I feel I represent a wide audience within Paddlesports and feel I am well connected to many people paddling in Wales and can share their voice. I am a passionate active paddler and feel my experience as a paddler and my wider experiences in life can assist the board.” - Ant

RHYS GREEN

Based in West Wales, Rhys is a passionate paddler and community leader whose journey has taken him from committed club member to founder of his own successful paddlesport club. He has helped countless paddlers discover and progress in the sport, creating welcoming pathways from first strokes to confident adventures.

As a coach and accredited provider, Rhys is known for his practical, encouraging approach and his ability to support paddlers at every level. Skilled across multiple craft, he combines enthusiasm with clear, confidence‑building instruction. His strong safeguarding practice and solid understanding of legislation ensure safe, inclusive environments for all.

Beyond the water, Rhys contributes deep governance experience, funding knowledge and valuable insight into provider pathways that help clubs and organisations operate effectively. As a long‑standing business owner, he brings leadership, integrity and a community‑focused mindset to collaborative projects and strategic initiatives.

Fluent in Welsh, he strengthens bilingual engagement, an increasing priority for the Board and the wider paddlesport community in Wales. Rhys pairs lived local experience with a commitment to good governance and safeguarding, consistently turning ideas into meaningful action.

KARL MIDLANE

Karl is a lifelong paddler with roots in slalom and a passion for white water kayaking, sea kayaking, and open canoeing. His paddling adventures have taken him across four continents, proving how far the sport can lead.

Now a freelance coach, he delivers a wide range of coaching, leadership, and safety awards, helping paddlers build confidence and skill. Karl also volunteers with SEAS All Afloat, supporting inclusive sailing and watersports opportunities for people with disabilities and those facing financial or social barriers.

A committed advocate for sustainability, Karl previously served on the committee for Sustainable Use of Snowdonia, helping protect wild spaces for future generations.

“Paddling has shaped my life, from slalom racing to global expeditions. I’m passionate about sharing that experience, making the sport accessible to everyone, and protecting the places we love to paddle.” - Karl

EMILY KING

Emily brings a unique blend of competitive experience and organisational insight to the Paddle Cymru board. As an internationally ranked SUP athlete and British champion across distance, mid-distance, sprint and whitewater, she understands the full pathway from recreational paddler to high-performance athlete. 

Her involvement goes beyond competition. Emily has coached and mentored paddlers at all levels, contributed to safety planning for events, and worked closely with clubs and athlete pathways. She’s also the patron of Aqua Paddle charity, championing river health and environmental access, and serves as vice-chair of governors at her son’s school, a testament to her commitment to community leadership. 

Professionally, Emily has worked for Paddle Cymru and reported directly to Sport Wales, giving her a clear grasp of governance, safeguarding, and strategic expectations for national governing bodies.

"I’m passionate about the growth of SUP in Wales and strengthening its place within the wider paddlesport family. With my mix of competitive experience, governance knowledge and commitment to the sport’s future, I can bring a constructive voice and practical insight to the board." - Emily

DAN EVANS

Dan has been part of Maesteg Canoe Club for over 26 years, joining at eight years old. Since 2008 he’s volunteered as a grassroots coach and long‑standing committee member, helping drive the club’s success and ensuring paddlers and volunteers are always supported.

He also contributes nationally through the Paddle Cymru Coaching, Safety and Leadership Subgroup. His paddling experience includes sea and river kayaking, multi‑day expeditions around Mull, Skye and the Small Isles, and an early background in slalom.

Professionally, Dan works in marketing and behaviour change for NHS Wales, leading national health campaigns. His previous private‑sector leadership roles add strengths in compliance, communications and strategic planning.

With a young family and lifelong passion for paddlesport, Dan wants to help Paddle Cymru grow inclusively and remain shaped by the voices of local clubs and volunteers.

“I’ve spent nearly three decades volunteering at grassroots level because I believe paddlesport should be accessible to everyone. Joining the Board is an opportunity to make sure local voices, clubs, members and volunteers shape the future of our sport.” - Dan

SUE COULING

Sue has been involved in paddlesport for over 40 years, exploring disciplines from slalom and polo to sea kayaking, SUP, canoeing and surf. Alongside her own paddling, she has spent decades coaching, supporting clubs, and helping paddlers develop their skills.

Her experience includes high‑level competition, coaching and leadership delivery, and coach education. She now works as a Standards Officer for Paddle Cymru and Paddles Up Training and serves on the Sea Kayak Technical Committee, reflecting her expertise in compliance, safety and supporting a largely voluntary workforce.

Sue has held numerous club and committee roles across England and Wales, leading training and safety initiatives and helping Snowdonia Canoe Club work toward Standards for Deployment. She is also a strong advocate for women in leadership, delivering women‑only events, mentoring coaches, and supporting more inclusive club environments.

Though she worked for many years in England, Sue was raised in South Wales and has always seen Wales as home. Now living in North Wales, and learning Welsh, she is standing for the Paddle Cymru Board to help ensure paddlesport in Wales remains safe, inclusive and thriving.

"I’ve spent my life helping people enjoy paddlesport and develop their skills. Joining the Board is an opportunity to make sure our sport remains inclusive, safe and accessible for everyone across Wales." - Sue