Bio:
My journey with kayaking began at the tender age of 4, guided by my father, a proud member of the Blackwater Canoe Club nestled along the River Blackwater. For 8 years, river paddling was my primary focus until, at 12, I ventured into the realm of surf kayaking, igniting a passion that has only flourished since.
Initially immersed in river paddling, I cut my teeth in boatercross river races and slaloms within local club circuits, while also earning a spot on the junior Olympic development squad. Yet, it’s surf kayaking that truly captivates me as my ultimate competitive pursuit.
For over two decades, I’ve journeyed across the globe, proudly representing Northern Ireland in numerous national and international competitions. From junior to senior levels, I’ve been privileged to explore diverse corners of the world through my sport.
Supported by the camaraderie of the Northern Ireland Surf Kayak Club and countless individuals, I clinched my first Junior World Title in 2006 at Peniche, Portugal, followed by the Junior International class World Title in Bakio, Spain, the following year. However, my most cherished triumph came in 2011 when I secured the Open High Performance Class at the World Championships in Nags Head, North Carolina, an experience that left an indelible mark on me.
My kayaking journey has been intertwined with professional endeavors, having worked for and risen to partnership status in Mega Performance Kayaks, contributed to the development of Ride Kayaks’ manufacturing, and eventually founding my own brand, Hobson Kayaks. Through this venture, I’m able to nurture and expand the sport of surf kayaking while crafting top-notch kayaks for enthusiasts worldwide. Designing, crafting, and surfing kayaks across the globe is not just a profession but a way of life that brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
3x Surf Kayak World Champion 