Benjy Rowlands

  • International Rafting Federation Guide

  • Paddle UK Advanced WWSR

Benjy grew up on the River Thames in South London, where weekends spent paddling with his dad and local club friends planted the seeds of a lifelong passion. Those early days weren’t about racing or extremes — they were about time on the water, learning from those around him, and experiencing the support of a tight-knit paddling community.

University in Aberystwyth opened new horizons. Surrounded by experienced UK paddlers, Benjy learned the value of mentorship, collaboration, and shared adventure. They encouraged him and his friends to explore beyond familiar rivers, to travel further, and to test themselves in new environments. Those lessons shaped the way he approaches paddling today: with humility, patience, and a focus on helping others grow.

Since then, rivers have taken him across the globe - guiding in Iceland, New Zealand, Austria, and Switzerland, and paddling some of the world’s most committing expeditions, including the Stikine (BC), Indus (Pakistan), Baker (Chile), and Saryjaz (Kyrgyzstan). Through it all, he has learned that preparation, sound judgement, and community support are just as important as skill.

Benjy’s philosophy is simple: safety first, ego off the river, and a love of learning that never ends. Through River People, he shares those values — helping paddlers develop real confidence, skill, and understanding in every environment.

Tom Rainey

  • Paddle UK Advanced Whitewater Leader

  • Paddle UK Advanced WWSR

  • Paddle UK Core Coach

As a kid my Dad would spend hours with me in the Devon rivers searching for fresh water prawns and building small dams.

I became fascinated with rivers, and when my parents moved to the River Dart when I was 15, I found out about kayaking. I joined the school kayak club and realised this is who I am and what I want to do with my life.

I then spent 17 years travelling the globe with my kayak, working month on month off in the North Sea to fund my trips abroad chasing rain and snow melt.

I found a crew and had a plan, and together we embarked on a mission to paddle the worlds most notorious rivers. The list included:

  • The Rhondu Gorge of the Indus

  • The Stikine

  • The Baker

  • The Bashkaus

  • The Saryjaz

Now I want to give back to the community that has forged who I am today through guiding and coaching, with emphasis on:

  • Inspiring young people to get into the sport

  • Opening peoples minds to more adventurous kayaking

  • Enabling people of all ages to reach their true potential and lift the perceived boundaries restricting them

Contact us

Interested in joining a trip or creating your own bespoke adventure? Then contact us to get scheming!