MEET OUR TEAM
Coaches

Performance Coach
Maria Barroso Portella
Born and raised in Barcelona, Spain, I discovered my passion for whitewater racing at Club Cadí Canoe Kayak in La Seu d’Urgell, where I started paddling in 2012. At 15, my family and I moved to La Seu D’Urgell to pursue full-time training, allowing me and my sister to push our limits in the sport.
I competed at the highest levels, earning spots on the Junior Spanish National Team in C1 (2019) and the U23 Spanish National Team in C1 and Kayak Cross (2021, 2022). Beyond the water, I hold a degree in Biomedicine from the University of Barcelona.
When it comes to my favorite training locations Ivrea, ITA and Pau, FRA, always top the list.
Notable Results
🥉 3rd – Junior Spanish Championship WC-1 (2019)
4th – 3xWC-1, ICF Junior & U23 Canoe Slalom World Championships (2019)
🥇 1st (Teams) – WC-1, Senior Spanish Championship (2021)
🥈 2nd (Teams) – K-1, Senior Spanish Championship (2021)
12th – WX1, U23 Canoe Slalom European Championship (2022)

Performance Coach
Etienne Chappell
Born and raised in Cardiff, Wales, I practically grew up in a boat, exploring everything from canoe polo to open-boat canoe trips on the weekends. Eventually, I found my true passion in canoe slalom, a sport that has shaped my journey ever since.
I proudly represented Wales from the age of 12, and in 2017, I earned my spot on the GB Team, competing at the highest level on and off for the next eight years. Throughout my career, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to race all over the world, but my favorite places to paddle remain Ivrea, Italy, and Lee Valley, London.
Notable Results
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🥇 Junior World Champion – Kayak Cross (2019)
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🏆 3x World Cup Winner – Kayak Cross (2019)
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🥉 Junior European Bronze Medalist – Canoe Slalom (2019)
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🥈 U23 Vice World Champion – Kayak Cross (2022)
The Board
President
Laura Bohn
Secretary
Anie Roche
Member
Scott Shipley
Member
Crystal Delker
Vice President and Treasurer
Matt Spencer
Member
Nick Sutcliffe
Member
Caroline Coggan
Member
Alli Gober