Meet Our Female Founder, Caroline Dawson aka SUP Lass
|
SUP Lass Paddle Adventures was founded by Caroline “Caz” Dawson, a dedicated paddle board enthusiast and adventure foodie. As a qualified Paddle UK SUP Coach and Guide, Caz is passionate about making stand up paddle boarding accessible to everyone. Her mission is to deliver affordable, inclusive, and unforgettable paddle adventures that connect people with the water and the outdoors.
Located on the edge of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape, SUP Lass Paddle Adventures enjoys access to an incredible variety of paddling destinations. From the majestic River Dee and the iconic Llangollen Canal to tranquil Welsh lakes and stunning stretches of coastline, every adventure offers something unique. We also collaborate with trusted partners overseas, particularly in Scandinavia, to bring you world-class paddle experiences further afield. Caz is no stranger to adventure. She has embraced some of the most demanding long-distance paddle challenges, from the Great Glen and the Trent 100 to the Loch Awe Challenge, SUP Twelve, and the Spey Descent. Always seeking to push boundaries, in 2024 she made history as the first woman to complete the 337km Amazon Challenge on a SUP — a feat that reflects her determination, resilience, and love of exploring the world from the water. |
Qualified and Experienced
|
Backed by years of experience on and off the water, Caz holds an extensive range of professional qualifications in paddlesports, safety, rescue, outdoor leadership and environmental education, including: ~ RYA Marine Radio VHF Short Range Certificate ~ REC Expedition First Aid ~ Enhanced DBS Certificate ~ BC Advanced White Water Safety and Rescue ~ BC White Water Safety and Rescue ~ BC Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning ~ BC White Water SUP Coach ~ BC SUP Coastal Leader ~ BC Core Coach ~ BC Raft Guide G2 ~ WiSe Accredited Adventure Operator ~ UKAD Compete Clean+ Programme ~ WRT Pro Rescue 3 Technician ~ Leave No Trace Trainer ~ BDMLR Marine Medic ~ NCFE Level 2 Bush Craft Instructor ~ Level Three Food Hygiene Certificate ~ BSc (Hons) Environmental Science ~ PGc in Leadership ~ WCF Rural Leadership Award |
|
|
Caz has led multi-day expeditions from Sweden and Norway to Albania and Scotland. Her expertise in campcraft and open-fire cooking — combined with a love for local cuisine and foraging — ensures every adventure is immersive and unforgettable. Under Caz’s guidance, participants don’t just paddle; they connect with nature, explore hidden corners of the landscape, and enjoy authentic outdoor experiences. In 2027, Caz will once again be teaming up with SUP Driven to deliver further Swedish paddle expeditions. SUP Lass Paddle Adventures was awarded the Royal Countryside Fund Rural Business Start-Up Award in 2023, helping the business to expand its adventurous offerings. Beyond her business, Caz is a Trustee and Director of the Dee Trust and volunteers as a Water Safety Advisor for the RNLI, regularly visiting schools and community groups across North Wales to share her expertise and inspire safe, enjoyable experiences on the water. |
Our Accreditations
|
SUP Lass Paddle Adventures is a Paddle UK Delivery Partner and affiliated with Paddle Cymru, ensuring that all coaching and sessions are professional and delivered to the highest standards. We are also a proud #ShePaddlesCymru partner, celebrating the fact that over 90% of our clients are female.
We are providers of the Start, Discover, and Explore Awards, as well as the White Water SUP Awards. Caz is continually developing her skills. She is currently undertaking several trainer orientations, working towards becoming an accredited SUP qualification provider in the near future. SUP Lass Paddle Adventures is verified by Visit Wales and Wales Adventure Tourism Organisation, as a safe and high-quality adventure activity provider. We are also active members of the Clwydian Range Tourism Group. |
Adventure Cooking
|
In a previous life, Caz ran an award winning outdoor kitchen 'Fodder in the Field', where local and seasonal ingredients were cooked up in a range of wild locations, including mountain tops and forests.
On most paddle sessions you'll find her carrying her trusty Kelly Kettle, where she'll treat clients to a warming brew or mug of hearty soup. One thing that people don't know about Caz, is that she is a longstanding judge for the Great Taste Awards, helps farmers with diversification projects and champion for local produce. When she is not leading paddle sessions she is a free ranging Agri - Tourism Consultant and runs a second business called 'Fodder Lass Consulting'. |
|
Our Commitment to the Environment
|
As true outdoors enthusiasts, SUP Lass Paddle Adventures are committed to protecting paddling environments for generations to come. Through ongoing education and a dedication to Leave No Trace principles, they ensure every adventure is environmentally responsible. In 2024, SLPA was proud to receive the Paddle UK Delivery Partner 'Commitment to the Environment' award. As a qualified Leave No Trace Trainer, Caz brings her local knowledge, expertise, and stories to every paddle session, creating adventures that are both enjoyable and mindful of the natural world.
SUP Lass Paddle Adventures is an accredited WiSe operator and, as part of this accreditation, is committed to adhering to national and local laws regarding wildlife protection and conservation. SUP Lass Paddle Adventures regularly works in partnership the Dee Trust to support the delivery of SUP river cleans as part of their award winning #itshouldntbeinthedee campaign. They have helped remove thousands of pieces of litter from the River Dee. Caz has also worked with the North Wales Wildlife Trust to spread the message about invasive species and to date has helped distribute over 50 board cleaning kits to clients and volunteers. |
Our Chosen Charity - North East Wales Search and Rescue
|
SUP Lass Paddle Adventures are proud to support NEWSAR, a local charity who provide valuable search and resuce services, including water resuce, across North East Wales.
We have donated over £1000 towards the new NEWSAR incident support vehicle. This total was raised through raffles, board hire fees and rescue strap sales from our Friday night SUP Club sessions. We have further worked with NEWSAR to deliver water safety messaging - both on and off the water. We have also raised funds through our winter webinar series, where participants have made voluntary donations. |
|
