Derek Hairon is a British Canoeing level 5 coach (sea) and sea kayak leader guide and assessor.

Derek is the first nationally endorsed British Canoeing accredited guide in Jersey. The British Canoeing kayak guide endorsement supports and recognises the additional skills required when fulfilling a guiding role on sea kayak tours and expeditions worldwide.

Derek has first aid certificates, Mencap and Autism training. Institute for Outdoor Learning approved training courses: Introduction to Disability & Inclusions, Working with Disabled People in the Outdoors. Wildlife Safe (WiSe) and Jersey Heritage Trust Seymour and La Rocco Tower accredited guide. Jersey Tourism Bronze badge guide. Food hygiene level 2.

Over 48 years of sea kayaking experience. Expeditions to circumnavigate Ireland by kayak, Outer Hebrides, Aland Islands, Faeroe Islands and Alaska. Plus, lots of sea and surf kayaking in the UK. White water-kayaking expeditions in Nepal to paddle the Tamur and Marsyandi Rivers.

Derek wrote Sit-on-top Kayak. A Beginner’s Manual (Pesda Press). It is now in its second reprint and is also translated into French. Derek also writes articles for kayaking magazines.

He regularly presents training/safety clinics to enable people to enjoy the coastline of Jersey in greater safety.

Derek Hairon is the author of the Channel Island and South East Coast Sea Kayaking guidebook (Pesda Press).