Vernetta Hillen

Vernetta has been involved in paddling for over 14 years through the BCU club system. A committed club paddler she has served on Newry & Mourne Sea Kayaking & Canoe Club in a variety of roles over the last 14 years including secretary, registrar, development officer, volunteer co-ordinator, events officer, training officer and women’s co-ordinator. Vernetta previously served on the CANI board as a club representative 2017-2018 and was an active participant in the Paddle4Sport initiative and served as a committee member of ISKA and is a Paddlesport Instructor and 4 Star Touring Leader.

Having started kayaking in her early 50’s she enjoys encouraging and training older people to take up the sport, both for exercise and to promote good mental health. She also knows the value and shares her joy of getting people on the water to experience the beautiful scenic paddles along our coasts and our extensive lake systems. Vernetta is keen to bring her experience and knowledge to the Paddle Northern Ireland Board particularly as she feels the organisation is currently going through a period of change and would like to be part of that. Her focus will be around increasing the support and participation of smaller clubs.