Mark’s
ability to manage the confident paddlers alongside complete beginners,
making sure we all had a great time, was really impressive.
Hedda & Simon
Staff Profiles
Rob Yates
Rob
Yates, a founder director of Elements,
believes that everyone should have the opportunity to engage in and
with the elements. You will struggle to find Rob at a desk very
often as he is happiest out on the water or the hill, developing
others or himself. A naturally
curious and engaging educator, Rob will work with you to explore
all aspects of your paddling, aiming to give you a solid dynamic
platform for future development and enjoyment.
Over the past 15 years Rob Yates has coached and guided across the globe with highlights being working in Nepal, Uganda, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland and Italy to name but a few. Rob also has a few notable achievements to his name, happily having completed a white water kayak first descent in Nepal, circumnavigated Scotland in a sea kayak and completed the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race in 22hr 30mins.
When not on the water or hill, Rob loves nothing more than spending time with his fiancé Kerry, developing his educational knowledge, reading and cooking.
Mark Dewhurst
Mark
Dewhurst is an associate of Elements. For him the logic and core values
of the company are very simple: canoeing, outdoor adventures and
expeditions have made him happier, healthier and a better person
to know. Why shouldn’t everyone else have the chance to join in?
Soon after qualifying as a teacher, Mark realised that he didn't really like school. Fortunately, he also discovered that many young people (and adults) thrive and learn better away from the classroom. He has gone on to develop and support a wide range of initiatives for young people and adults, most often working with those assigned to the margins of society - excluded from school, homeless, disabled or experiencing mental health problems. Read more in our Extraoridinary Adventures pages ›
For Mark Dewhurst, the rewards of coaching and leadership come on two levels: First there is the satisfaction of enabling people to succeed - whether that be the first tentative step into a canoe or taking strides into competence and mastery of the craft. And then there is the opportunity to share the pleasure of journeying, visiting remote and beautiful places and living outdoors, simply but comfortably at home with the elements.
Mark Dewhurst has a loving wife and three children who periodically express doubts that the lives at home at all. However, they do keep welcoming back even though it makes the house smell like a bonfire.
Ian Flanders
Ian Flanders, is an associate of Elements. He acts as one of our senior expedition leaders, BCU Coach & Leader Educators.
With many years of expedition experience and infectious passion for paddling, Ian is a superb educator and guide. He has lead expeditions across the globe and is most at home knelt in a canoe enthusiastically sharing his ‘office’ with whoever he is on the water with.
Off the water, Ian enjoys nothing more than wood carving and sharing his skills with others.
When not working for Elements, Ian can be found making a steam engine in his workshop or trying to keep up with his partner Claire, whilst paddling, mountain biking and mountain walking.
Espen Holmgren
Espen is the owner of 'Ra Roros' and 'Norsk Mestring' our partners in Norway.
Espen is an ex officer in the Norwegian Army who taught at the Norwegian Military Arctic Warfare and Survival school.
A true expert in his field, Espen Holmgre delivers his knowledge with a passion and enthusiastic drive, allowing you every opportunity to learn.
When not working Espen can be found coaching soccer with the local club, supporting Liverpool FC, relaxing with his wife and daughter or developing his kayaking & canoeing skills.
