Hightide Kayak School

Hightide Kayak School is a small business based in Interlaken, on Lake Brienz and Lake Thun.

They deliver kayak coaching for all levels on flat water, rivers, the sea and in the surf and are passionate about kayaking in all its forms. Whether on the peaceful Swiss mountain lakes, the adrenaline packed alpine white water rivers or at the camps by the sea, they’re here to make your experience an unforgettable one and leave you wanting more.

The team looks forward to welcoming you to Switzerland or onto one of their trips abroad.

Meet the team
Dave Storey: BCU L3 & UKCC L2 Sea, Surf and White Water Kayak Coach, BCU 5 Star Sea Kayak, 4 Star Surf & 4 Star WW Leader
Dave has been paddling for many years in all disciplines and is passionate about coaching, kayaking and the sea. His favourite thing about paddling is its diversity, with beautiful still days on the lake calming the soul to the adventure of the wind and waves when the weather gets lively.

He decided to fulfil a long held dream by setting up his own school in order to share his love of being on the water and of coaching. For Dave, there’s no greater feeling of satisfaction than seeing that telling smile when someone feels that click and and discovers the love and that need to get out onto the water for more. Dave feels that kayaking is more than just a sport, it’s a lifestyle…

Olivia Storey: EIDG.DIPL. Physiotherapist, BCU / UKCC Level 1 Kayak & Canoe Coach
Since completing her training as physiotherapist, Olivia has been fascinated by the movement theory. She likes to train movements and make them more efficient or painless for her patients. In the winter she helps people as a ski instructor and in summer she practices paddle sports.

Olivia particularly enjoys working with people with special needs and will devote herself to the project PaddleAbility this season.

Maria Mäenpää: Sea Kayak Instructor, Finnish Canoeing Federation, BCU 3* Sea
Maria grew up in a country of thousands of lakes and a lot of seaside so water has always been the most familiar element for her. Maria's been travelling and working in many different countries over the last few years, but found a recent home in Switzerland. She feels that kayaking here all year round lets you experience both the beauty of the misty winter days and hot, sunny summer days.