My first paddling adventure in the outdoors was on my 16th birthday when I paddled down the Hawqua River with two friends. We felt such a sense of achievement and exhilaration that I just knew that this was going to be my new journey. I had always liked the outdoors but paddling was the ultimate experience. The question was; how could I make it happen?
As in any industry, to be taken seriously one needs qualifications, so I enrolled at Victoria University to complete a Bachelor of Recreation Leadership followed by a teaching degree, Bachelor of Outdoor Education, These courses confirmed my philosophy and belief in Outdoor Education and most importantly made my parents happy!
It is now 10 years that I have been teaching adults and children how to enjoy the outdoors. I believe that safety and skills are crucial to having fun. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 5 years teaching outdoor education at a private school; planning and running day programs as well as extended trips for secondary students. The students have taught me so much.
I would love you to experience my passion for the outdoors by joining us for a sea kayaking adventure at my new venture, EastCoast Kayaking. It is a great way to discover local water ways as well as improve your fitness and quality of life. I love the fact that sea kayaking has a low carbon footprint.
Brent Coviello Instructor, Dip. of Outdoor Recreation
With a diploma in outdoor recreation, Brent Coviello is passionate about the environment and facilitating the benefits of experiencing it. With a love of the outdoors, his all-round experience extends further to:
Bushwalking guide Mountain Biking guide
Youth work Top rope climbing and abseiling
OHS Wilderness 1st aid (32 Hour)
Rafting guide (Grade 3) Sea kayaking guide
Swift water rescue Trip planning and Risk Management
Flat water canoeing guide Community SLS Certificate
Food handling course
Brent also shares the spirit of adventure and travel. His adventures abroad led him to participate in number of outdoor expeditions. He has hiked the mountains and caved on volcanos in Central America. In the Sth Americas, he sailed for four days in the Galapagos islands, hiked in the Andes on the Inca trail to Machu Pichu and the Amazon in Peru. Brent has also travelled to Germany to snow board and hike in the Alps. In Sth Africa, he explored the famous Table Mountain and surfed its beaches. With adrenaline pumping in his veins and an unique spirit for adventure, Brent went to Zimbabwe where he rafted down the Zambezi river, not to mention travelling and surfing the coast of Mozambique and the east coast of Sth Africa (the garden route) !
Peter Costello Instructor
Peter is an active member of the Victorian Sea Kayak Club and a very enthusiastic and patient teacher. He loves to introduce new paddlers to the sport and is a regular Instructor on our Sea Starter Courses at Sandringham.
Conor Mullan Instructor, Dip. of Outdoor Recreation
Conor graduated from Chisholm Institute's Diploma of Outdoor Recreation and currently works in a variety of roles such as bushwalking, kayaking, rafting and sea kayaking guides.
When he's not in the mountains or bobbing around on a river or in the sea he likes to spend time at home resting and recuperating!
Matthew Renshaw Instructor, Dip. of Outdoor Recreation
Matthew graduated from Chisholm Institute's Diploma of Outdoor Recreation. Matt's love of all things water has taken him around the world! He guides a large range of adventure activities and can always be found with a mischievous grin no matter what the conditions!
