You gotta meet my friend Ryan!
Back some 7 or so years ago this was a phrase I heard often. I lost count of the times Sam would be looking at his phone laughing at some inside joke, photo, video or message from his friend Ryan. “You gotta meet my friend Ryan one day Kate”. As it happened Sam thought Ryan would be a good fit as instructor at Topsport. If only he could convince this big whitewater adrenaline junkie that multisport paddling wasn’t that bad, he would make a great instructor. Sam often talked about his recent time at Polytech completing his Outdoor Instructing Diploma and the lifelong friends he had clearly made during that time, but one name popped up more than most – Ryan. Sam had told me he was the best instructor to graduate that year and an incredible kayaker. Well that certainly sounds promising I thought.
As the conversations progressed other parts of the story emerged. Ryan was young, he gave some of his tutors a pretty hard time, he still did lots of dumb stuff and I was introduced to the phrase “that’s just Ryan”. Sam sold him well however and I was very keen to meet him. I loved Sam and what he was doing out on the water with Topsport so felt if Sam thought he would be good what could go wrong?
The opportunity finally arrived when Sam and I were in Nelson on route to the NZ Kayak School for work. Ryan was working as a sea kayak guide in the Abel Tasman, so we drove over to Marahau to meet him for dinner. I was under the impression I was meeting a young kayak instructor who might be a good fit for our small tight team. Ryan however was under the impression that he is meeting his good friend Sam for dinner, and Sam is bringing a friend he is travelling with. Little did I know Ryan had absolutely no interest in multisport paddling and even less interest in moving to Christchurch, so far away from the whitewater he craved.
Sam and I pull up, park the car and find a table. We sit outside in a very relaxed beach side atmosphere. It’s a beautiful evening for a burger on the beach. We wait a few minutes before a tall figure appears, he’s walking over towards us. He has a black hoodie on pulled up over his head and dark sunglasses. He looks more like he is off to rob a bank than dinner with a prospective employer. Ryan sits down and the first words that come out of his mouth are “Bro, I have never been so hungover” He drops his head into his hands on the table and proceeds to tell us that he has only just got out of bed. He is too hungover to eat so it’s just me and Sam for dinner. I don’t remember what we talked about as everything after that first sentence didn’t seem to matter. What was Sam thinking? There is no way this guy is coming to run our kayak school.
Driving home Sam knew it wasn’t a great first impression. He pleaded Ryan’s case and said he still thought Ryan would be good. He was just young and doing what young guys do best. I am a reasonable person and was of course young once too. I can look beyond youth and see potential, but nothing about my encounter with Ryan gave me any glimmer of that, so for me he was off the table. End of story.
A few months later my meeting with Ryan a distance memory, Topsport was having a hectic Summer as the Coast to Coast hype was starting to grow. We had more trips than ever before and we found ourselves needing another guide for two weeks in the lead up to race day. Len had been calling round and so had I. All our usual back-ups were doing what they could, but we still had a lot of gaps. “What about Ryan” Sam said after a few days of me getting nowhere and panic creeping into my voice. “Who” I said. “That guy you meet, you know my friend Ryan”. Absolutely not I thought to myself. However, after a few more days trying it was clear we were out of options. We were desperate. Sam called Ryan and asked him to come to Christchurch for two weeks work. He was able to get time off from sea kayak guiding and so he headed South.
The rest is history. Ryan joined the team and quickly became our lead guide running the courses and trips like he’d done it all before. I knew someone like Ryan would need a lot of freedom to be happy at work, so I made sure he had it. I also knew he needed to put his own personal style on the kayak school so in the early days we worked hard together to make that happen.
Six years later and Ryan has been so influential in our paddling community during his time on the Waimak. Like how do you even get a shout out during a Coast to Coast Race Briefing? well that’s just Ryan. He has helped hundreds of paddlers overcome their nerves and fear, many going on to fall in love kayaking like he has. With his big wide welcoming smile and relatable personality you can’t help but feel reassured that this man is in control.
In such a small and unique field Ryan has undoubtably become the best multisport paddling instructor this country has ever seen. He has never stopped learning and fine tuning his skills and will certainly leave some big shoes to fill.
When Ryan arrived, he was the biggest wild card I have ever played. I could never have imagined the friendship that would form between us, the mischief we would get up to together behind the scenes and the overwhelming love that I would have for him. From the 21-year-old boy that arrived into my life I couldn’t be prouder of the man that is leaving.
Comments
Soren Hall said:
Thanks for your patience and expert training. Take care Ryan!
Alex Holmes said:
All the very best for the next mission Ryan!! Thanks so much for all the good times on and off the water you legend!
Phil Wyndham said:
I did a guided Waimak trip with Rhino and it was the best thing I could of done to give me the extra skill and confidence I was looking for.
I figured out real fast that this big casual dude was insanely skilled as a paddler and even more so as a teacher. Thanks Rhino for sharing your knowledge and all the best with your next adventure.
Cheers legend
Phil
Jack O said:
It’s a pretty proud parent who gets to read this about their son and the positive impact he has on those around him. His time at TSK has been a great for his personal growth and experience with such a wide range of clientele. But most importantly he a great guy to be around. Thanks Kate & Len for investing your time into him.
Pebblespaddles said:
Ryan’s remarkable sleep schedule combined with his fantastic work ethic was a pleasure to be apart of. I learned some great skills such as intermittent fasting and the daily requirement of a steak/or a Mexican pie!
Cheers DK2 and I’m really excited for more @eastcoastbiking action!
#couldntfigureouthowtoaddphotos
#soillsendthemtoyou
Ryan said:
Unreal words, thank you all so much I’m so appreciative of all of you and those kind words. Im gone for now but see what the future holds. Love you all #hotelcalifornia
Lachie Brownlie said:
West Coast’s finest – You’re the loosest of units and life of the party. You’ve always got backs and your hype and support was unmatched for Coast. Your irreplaceable, but if there’s shifts going I’d be keen.
I’m sure there’ll be many more dusty days to look forward to here yet, in the meantime your relentless xmas spirt will be missed.
Daniel Jones said:
Ryan, the first time I met ya I knew you weren’t the kind of guy to do things by halves. Since then I’ve gotten to share a good few times with you and gotten to happily watch from the sidelines as you did some pretty epic shit… I hope you have a great trip to the US mate, and yea no doubt, keep doing what you do. Im looking forward to catching up soon mate, on the next adventure or post match party. Cheers Dan
Mini-me said:
Having been part of Topsport for 18 years now I’ve seen a lot. Some big changes to both Topsport and the country we live in that created a lot of highs and as many lows.
One thing that I have experienced and then seen if that Topsport is always on the lookout for fresh young talent to continue the multisport teaching legacy.
And every now and then, there comes along a guide/instructor that stands out.
All the crew are amazing but Ryan bro, you’re the one, that in the recent history of Topsport, has cemented your place as one to remember.
“That’s just Ryan” is entirely accurate for you mate, but when that day of guiding or instructing starts, it’s all business.
I’ve been impressed by the way you have taken to multisport paddling and sitting assessments along side you has only reinforced that more.
Thanks for the awesome times on the Mak bro, it’s been a pleasure.
All the best heading into the next adventure.
Len and I have always said that Topsport is like Hotel California – you can check out but you can never leave.
Remember us when you’re (more) famous 😂
Mr Jizo said:
Oh where do I Start..Maybe with the fact that I have had a lot of good wingmen in the past but none as good as yourself especially when it came to supporting me eating burgers or testing beers. I know you struggled through Lockdown and really didn’t enjoy it as I did. However that because I was locked down with the best bro and I knew that when it came time to fine that last key piece of the jigsaw it would be you.
Also you still hold the record for the best result on C2C kayak course for the lease amount of training and earliest entry after the race into retirement.
I have been asked how and who will replace Ryan at Topsport. I simply have replied he’s still here ( on speed dial ) and anyway big R isnt replaceble …Micheal Jordan wasn’t replaceable and neither is this superstar. Remember Topsport is like Hotel California “you can check out but never leave”
Love ya Like a son and look forward to your return to the Hotel.
p.s Please make sure if you meet a girl of your dreams in the U.S that she’s got pony tails and a pickup.
p.s.s Some say you put the Christmas tree up too early in the year but I don’t think mid Sept is really too early.
Julia Chamberlain said:
Big man Ryan. Not only have you taught me to paddle, but to simplify life. Your wise, yet simple, words never fail to take me by surprise – “Coast is easy, you just need to run, bike and paddle from one side of the country to the other.” You’re a legend on and off the water, and I’m excited for your new chapter to begin! Go get after it.
Stoney Dericson said:
crazy how nature do that.
Whats a few years it’s been!! You will be missed!! keep up the charge and lets hit up the Zam!!!
Understandable have a nice day
Rod said:
What amazed me about Ryan was our generation gap meant nothing to him which was brilliant, for me anyway. He would always look out for me and always include me in things outside of TSK.
I am looking forward to his return. BeReal ❤
Kristin McNaughton said:
Ryan
You are a true gem and I am so lucky to have been able to get to know you over the years, thanks to you I managed to get through my kayaking 2.0 career and I am grateful for everything you taught me and the support you gave to get me through
LGR and I will both miss you but as you know topsport is for life so it’s not goodbye it’s just see you soon
Lots of love Special K & LGR
Ps I will forever be in awe of your grocery packing title xx
Sam Manson said:
Farewell big man. Thanks for showing up. You’re forever a multisport paddler now. I’m mostly sad because I’ll have to pull more shifts now. Good luck, be healthy, and see you soon. You’ll be back. Dream job. Xx
Michelle cambie said:
Well said Kate, bought tears to my eyes, when I realised at the end, this is a farewell for now.
To me Ryan is like that piece of Ponamu you find wandering on Serpentine beach and just cannot believe your luck!!!!!
A piece that you always keep with you because you know it’s special and over time it reveals its powerful presence more and more, in a variety of ways.I have had so many conversations with Ryan, that have demonstrated that presence over a wide range of topics, and I have loved being surprised almost every time, and reminded that no one ever fits into my idea of them, especially not Ryan.
Your time at TopSport has enriched all our lives, and to say we will miss you, would be an understatement.
Thankyou for being a part of the glue that has held this great team together.I appreciate all the many ways you have helped us/me. All of our admiration, for your ability and commitment, will travel with you where ever you go.
Much love
Michy