5 minutes with… Bethany Wheldon

Bethany is the Customer Service Team Lead at Paddle UK, supporting a small team of customer service advisors. Bethany works closely with the coaching team to provide efficent course information and support to our Instructors, Coaches and Leaders, as well as works on retaining our members.

1. How did you start your career in paddlesports?

I started at Paddle UK in May 2023, however, I worked at the 2019 World Champs at Lee Valley which I thoroughly enjoyed and have always looked out for an opportunity to work for Paddle UK permanently.

2. What do you love most about your role?

I love my team and how we are well-connected, have a laugh and work hard. We regularly boost the energy across the office along with our snack/treat corner.

3. What’s a typical day look like for you?

I start with a morning swim, but once I get to work, checking up how we are doing with membership, check how my team is, a few meetings but mostly support my team and our customers.

4. What’s been your most memorable moment in your paddlesport career?

Having a chance to go to the 2023 world champs at Lee Valley to share my knowledge about membership and get to see some pretty awesome competitions and see many of the GB athletes winning!

5. What are you most proud of in your career?

My career as a whole is I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to officiate in wheelchair basketball at the London 2012 Paralympics.

6. Tell us something surprising about you.

I have been involved in basketball for 27 years as a player, official and more recently a coach but took a few years break to be a powerlifter.

• Canoe, kayak or SUP: Tough one as I’ve not done any, but I plan to try SUP in the summer (my team are encouraging me to get out on the water)
• 3 items for a day out on the water: Not sure about on the water but by the water hoping it’s a beach… suncream, water and a ball!
• Favourite book: Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher
• Favourite film: Love at first sight
• Favourite food: Pizza and yes with pineapple!