The team

The Clearwater Paddling team is enthusiastic, professional and above all we love what we do. Our aim is to make every trip as memorable and enjoyable as we possible can.

Chris Denehy. I set up Clearwater Paddling in 1996, and from small beginnings we now run twenty tours a year from Scotland to Oman and Trinidad. I have worked in the outdoor field for over 20 years, whislt my love of paddling has taken me to Norway, Wales, Scotland, Canada, and the Outer Hebrides. In addition to being a qualified sea kayak coach I am also a river canoe coach, mountain leader and first aider. I get huge enjoyment from our leading kayaking tours, and when I am not found on the high seas I like to head to anywhere there is snow and mountains.

Katie Denehy. Katie was brought up on Barra and left the island when 18 yrs to pursue a career in social work. We both met up in 1992 whilst studying in Edinburgh and after a few years of working, we both travelled extensively around Canada and Alaska; ski-ing, climbing and biking through Alaska. We returned to Barra in 2001, to bring up our four little children. Katie works as a youth and community worker and also keeps Clearwater Paddling running smoothly by organising the bookings and keeping on top of all the emails. Her favourite means of escape is to head off in her running shoes, spend any spare time climbing mountains, and sharing wine with friends!

Sarah. Without a doubt Sarah is the best kept secret on our Barra based tours……she is the cook! Married to a local fisherman, Wallace, Sarah now runs their croft, tends to the hens, tries to keep the pigs in their fields and battles the bees for their honey. Using only the freshest local produce she works wonders in the kitchen and produces the most fantastic food. The crabs and fish caught by Wallace are on your plate within 24 hours.

Tom. Tom has been guiding with us for three years, and is back for more in 2007. Tom was born in Uist and lived all his life on Barra until escaping to Edinburgh University. If you want to learn how to roll your kayak or do some mysterious paddle stroke then Tom is your man.

Jake, Millie, Callum and Ben. The four Denehy juniors can be found hanging out on the trampoline, biking or heading down to the shore for a spot of crabbing. They can easily be recognised by their dog Kipper who herds them like sheep.

Kipper. Kipper is the Denehy dog.
If you head out walking, or
set off on a bike you can
be sure Kipper will be
hot on your heels,
if she is not busy
herding her four
young owners.