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Graeme Martin (Owner)
- Position:
- Owner
- Length of service:
- Opened PaddlerZone in 2001 and completed the first part of his dream - to open a kayak shop before his 50th birthday.
- Favourite trip:
- Blue Duck on the Grey River because it scared the **** out of him. It's so beautiful and pristine that nothing else compares.
- Favourite boats:
- Olymp 5 because of the amount of time put into making and repairing them (he destroyed at least 4). The one on display in the store was handmade by Graeme. He currently paddles the Fluid Spice Large, Necky Eskia and a Fluid Synergy with his wife Margaret.
- Favourite paddles:
- Old wooden paddle made by Harry Lichark - it may be old but that's what happens to things when they're made to last.
- Countries paddled:
- New Zealand & UK.
- Qualifications:
- More than we have room for here, and we'd like you awake for the next bit.
- Conservation:
- We need to use it or lose it. Anything with gradient is open for exploitation and not enough people appreciate what we have - they assume it will always be there. It won't unless you do something.
"The PaddlerZone name took 3 months of hard thinking to decide on in the end. Its a nice pun. Is it 1 word? or 2?". Over the years Graeme has taught hundreds of people to kayak, both through the UCCC and independantly.
Photos on this page are courtesy of Doug Rankin - thanks!
