Founder & Head Surfski/Kayak Coach

Chris is a USA Canoe Kayak Olympian who competed in the K4 1000m in 1992 in Barcelona, Spain. Chris is certified as an ICF Level 3 Sprint Coach as well as a USA Canoe/Kayak Level 3 High Performance Coach. Chris founded the team in 1997 as a way to give back to the sport he loves.

He found his true passion in coaching young paddlers and athletes from beginners to USA National Teams. Chris has been Team Leader for the USA National Team at Junior & Senior World Championships, Pan Am Games and helped coach athletes to multiple USA National Youth Olympic & Olympic Teams. He was awarded USA Coach of the Year in 2010 & 2014 and was awarded the 2018 Havens Leadership Award, and the 2019 Athletes in Excellence Award from the Foundation for Global Sports Development. This award recognizes high-performance athletes who have also dedicated themselves to community service and mentorship.

Head Canoe Coach

Coach Joseph is a USA Canoe Kayak Olympian, competing in the men’s single canoe 1000 meter race at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. He has been involved in the sport of sprint canoe for nearly 50 years as a national team athlete or a canoe coach.

Coach Joseph is certified as an International Canoe Federation Level 1 Coach and has coached athletes to multiple national championships, national teams, international regattas and medal winning performances. His passion for women’s canoe continues to drive the sport here in the USA!

Paddle Academy & Membership Coordinator

  As Paddle Academy and Membership Coordinator, Coach David leads the development of curriculum and skill pathways designed to help every Academy member grow on the water. Together with a dedicated team of volunteers, he is committed to teaching paddling technique, water safety, and a lifelong love of being active outdoors.

     Growing up in San Diego, David spent countless hours in the ocean and bays surfing, swimming, paddleboarding, and rowing. He went on to compete as a Division I lightweight oarsman at Temple University and also played Division II lacrosse at California State University, Chico. Drawn back to his roots, he joined the San Diego Canoe and Kayak Team, where he now shares his passion for water sports with the next generation.

     With a background in Exercise Physiology and Youth Coaching, Coach David brings both expertise and enthusiasm to SDCKT’s Youth Programs helping kids not only improve their paddling but also build confidence, teamwork, and respect for the water.