Alan Quick

A FORMER student of Crediton’s Queen Elizabeth’s School will this month represent Great Britain at the 2015 IRF (International Rafting Federation) World Rafting Championships in Indonesia.

Rob Powell (28), was selected for the GBR 6 Rafting Team earlier this year and the six-man team took part in the European Championships in May.

Rob, as a child, moved with his family from Cornwall to Stockleigh Pomeroy, near Crediton, when he was aged just four. After a year there, the family moved to Cheriton Fitzpaine, where Rob went to the village primary school.

After leaving Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School Rob went to QE, leaving in 2003.

He was a Crediton Rugby Player for many years and after the family moved to Thorverton, he gained qualifications as an Outdoor Activity Instructor at Bicton College.

He then found employment as an instructor at the Lee Valley Whitewater Centre in Hertfordshire, which was used as a London 2012 Olympics venue.

Rob told the “Courier”: "I was always interested in water sports like kayaking and canoeing while at QE and Bicton and in other outdoor activities.

"Then the opportunity to work at the Lee Valley Whitewater Centre got me back into white water rafting.

"I became a member of the local team and went to the British selection and made the team.

"A combination of fitness is important for rafting, and I compete in four disciplines in the six crew team in a boat which is about five metres long.

"It involves a slalom which consists of going around poles up and down the flow of the river, paddling up a river course and endurance, travelling about 14km in about an hour.

“Team members have to be strong and produce a lot of power. The secret is to be able to sustain long-lasting energy, having not too much bulk to wear yourself out.”

Rob added that on the water practice paid dividends, as well as swimming, cycling and running to sustain fitness.

The team fly to Indonesia on November 25, the competitions starting on November 29 and running for six days, Rob and the team returning on December 10.

Rob explained that the team, which comprises people from a range of jobs, is self-funded because British Rafting has a limited budget, but expressed thanks to kit sponsor, Peak UK, Dewerstone and his local gym, Everyone Active.

He added thanks to friends, family and supporters who had made donations via: https://www.gofundme.com/gbrmensrafting .

Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so via the above link.

Rob’s mother, Helen, said she was very proud of her son and his achievements and wished him well in the World Championships.