About JBC

JBC offers professional paddlesports coaching and leadership courses headed up by Jon Best.

Growing up in southwest London, Jon was introduced to kayaking at the age of 11 when he and his father visited Thames Young Mariners, a local activity centre on the banks of the Thames near Kingston. TYM became the gateway to Jon's paddling journey and after meeting other enthusiastic young boaters, Jon quickly begun exploring the weirs of the Thames Valley.

These urban White Water playgrounds were the catalyst for Jons enthusiasm for Freestyle Kayaking.

 

Jons passion for Freestyle quickly became competitive after crossing paths with coach Andy (Jacko) Jackson at Hurley Weir. Jacko's newly formed Youth Freestyle Program elevated Jons paddling, and at the age of 16 found himself representing Great Britain at the 2003 World Championships in Graz, Austria... an unbelievably trashy hole that handed out as many swims as it did competition rides.

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After the adrenaline of Graz, Jon continued to represent Team GB for a total of 7 years in which time he achieved podium finishes on both UK and European competition circuits. During this period, Jon left London and based himself in Nottingham at the National Water Sports Centre, where he trained for upcoming competitions. Jons commitment to personal development didn't stop with competition, his passion for coaching saw him gain his Level 3 coach award at the age of 17 and his Raft Guide qualification the year after.

 

Jon ventured into coaching kayaking at various levels, providing regular tuition to both competitive and recreational paddlers. Jons coaching and guiding soon took him overseas where he worked and played on some of the best white water rivers in the world.

Jon worked multiple seasons in Canada and Uganda as a Guide, Safety Kayaker and Trip Leader. Travelling and paddling became a year round occupation when he joined the Jackson Kayak factory team. This opportunity saw Jon tour the States, travelling from river to river testing new kayaks, coaching local paddlers and competing in domestic and world cup competitions. 

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After a number of years away, Jon returned to the UK and met his partner Emily who together founded Rapid Horizons, a paddlesport company based in the south Peaks District, offering a range of activities in Canoes, Kayaks, Rafts and SUPs. Rapid Horizons snowballed into a successful company and continues to offer 5 star activities which sees clients take to the water on some of the UKs best rivers.

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Jon now splits his time between managing Rapid Horizons and running paddlesport coaching and leadership courses.

Drawing on his years of experience, Jon is now a British Canoeing coaching and leadership provider for White Water Kayaking, Freestyle and Rafting, he also provides the suite of BCAB Safety awards and works as a British Canoeing National Trainer.

In an additional role, Jon chairs the BCAB Rafting Technical Group and works as a Technical Advisor for a number of paddlesport companies and organisations.

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Jon is available to run courses for your club, centre or organisation.

Please contact Jon via email at jon@jonbestcoaching.co.uk or call 07590 824206