About

My name is Benjamin Rowlands, but everyone calls me Benjy. I am 27 years old from South Greater London. I am a international whitewater kayaker, adventurer, river guide, rafting guide, safety kayaker, videographer, published writer, published photographer and conservationist.
I first discovered my passion for kayaking through the Scouting Association and developed my skills through play boating on the River Thames. From a young age my Dad and I would escape the city by heading to the national parks to pursue rivers. As I grew older I adapted my lifestyle to be around the river and the outdoors. At 19 I moved to university in Aberystwyth. Living so close to Snowdonia national park, combined with university life, was a catalyst to my river career.
Becoming a professional river guide has enabled me to travel the world and develop my skills on and off the river. From being highly trained in river safety to meeting bespoke needs for high value customers.
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For the past 8 years I have been able to travel with my kayak and my camera to some of the remotest places in the world, seeking rivers! Documenting and sharing these adventures has been a creative journey; from magazine publications to adventure talks around the UK as well as getting involved with film projects.
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I am excited to continue sharing my love and passion for the river. Spending time on the water with new people, family and friends. Exploring new places and experiencing new cultures. Helping protect river systems and its communities. To more adventure!
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“The only way I knew how to live the best day ever was on an expedition.”
― Hendri Coetzee
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Experience
Safe and Sound Outdoors, North Wales
Rafting Guide, Safety Kayaker
JUNE - SEPTEMBER - 2018
Area 47, Austria
Rafting Guide, Safety Kayaker
JUNE - SEPTEMBER - 2019
Bochinche Expediciones, Futaleufú, Chile Safety Kayaker
JANUARY - MARCH - 2022
'I Follow Rivers' Film Project, Iceland
River Guide
SEPTEMBER - 2022
Viking Rafting, Iceland
Trip Leader, Rafting Guide, Safety Kayaker, Photographer, Social Media
JUNE - OCTOBER - 2021
MAY - OCTOBER - 2022
MAY - PRESENT DAY - 2023
New Zealand Whitewater Academy (NZWA), New Zealand
Whitewater Kayak Instructor
MARCH - 2023
Qualifications
Aberystwyth University
BSc Business Managament
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Internation Rafting Federation
Raft Guide 4
Raft Trip Leader 3
Safety Kayak 4
Rescue 3
Whitewater Rescue Technician Advanced
Wilderness Medical Training Advanced Medicine (4 days)
British Canoe Union
Whitewater leader