Paddlers that choose Tiderace kayaks are as varied as the communities we’re part of: coaches, distance demons, island lovers, journeymen, new and old hands.
Tom Thorpe
Kayak Model: Pace Tour carbon
Years Paddling: 27 years, 17 years sea kayaking and 6 years surfski
Approx height and weight: 180cm / 72kgs
Location: Outer Hebrides / Fort William
The Pace Tour is a serious machine and performs extremely well. The Pace catches downwind runs and carries speed very well.
My sea kayaking is focused towards three main styles:
Classic style sea kayaks and sticks:
This is my favoured style for guiding, wildlife spotting, or cruising with friends. I love these kayaks and the technical skills required to paddle in conditions. Exploring wild areas is just so much fun.
Fast Sea Kayak (FSK):
It has been a fun process to build the skills and fitness for FSK, and then find a boat which performs well.
I started paddling FSK because I reached the limit of what I could do in classic sea kayaks, and FSK gave me the pace to cover bigger distances and complete bigger crossings within my time constraints. The Tiderace PACE is my boat of choice for expedition paddling.
As I progressed within performance paddling, I was eager to learn more, and gain more skill. I found that I needed to look beyond the knowledge within the sea kayak world and turned to surfki.
Surfski:
I literally love surfski and how progressive the sport is. Of course a surfski is still a sea kayak, but the fitness, technical ability and the exhilaration, is next level. I have met some amazing paddlers and coaches. In general, accomplished surf ski paddlers find joy in sharing knowledge and helping others. My paddling has really progressed in the last six years.
I’ve had great times on my time-trial circuits, here on the Outer Hebrides, and the insane downwinders here!
I also really enjoy the offshore islands and bigger crossings. I paddled to the Flannan Isles in 2025 where I sat and ate dinner whilst watching a lone bull orca, and a pod of risso’s dolphins. I love the commitment and planning around open water.
I have paddled a lot of FSKs and product tested lots of surfskis.
The Pace I have is full carbon and I love how stiff and solid it is. The rocker profile is where it needs to be. I also like the swede form hull shape.
An important thing for me is the team and community behind the scenes at Tiderace, notably the support I get from Alice McInnes.
I have raised the seating position. I like to have a higher seating position. Many sea kayaks are supplied with a low seating position which is great for stability, but sacrifices power transfer and long term comfort.
About Tom: Tom has worked and lived in Cornwall, Outer Hebrides and soon to be living in Fort William. Tom started his outdoor career in 2004, working in outdoor centres across the UK. He also coordinated outdoor departments in schools for over 15 years. He has recently spent two years managing an outdoor centre on Harris. Paddling for work is very different to personal paddling, luckily he still gets to paddle to amazing places with clients.
Chris Wade
Approx height and weight: 185cm / 75kgs
Usual style of paddling:
Tell us something about a recent notable paddle:
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Hazel Marsh
Kayak model: Xceed XS
Years paddling: About 8 years
Approx height and weight: 5’5″ / 55kg
Usual style of paddling: Sporty and dynamic
Tell us something about a recent notable day out: It would be at the Falls of Lora at which my new Xceed XS has changed my experience of the Falls due to the lively response of the kayak which allows it to be easily positioned for the moving waters.
“The range of sizes in the Xceed has allowed me to be in a kayak that fits me the best, which allows me to gain the most out my kayak.”
About Hazel: After accomplishing her goal of being the youngest to pass the Advanced Sea Kayak Leader award on her 18th birthday, her new target is to work towards achieving her Advanced Sea Kayak coach whilst venturing into river kayaking to learn new skills and have more adventures.





