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 the SDCKT Paddle Academy and Membership Coordinator, Coach Sean oversees the development and implementation of curriculum and paddling skill pathways for all Paddle Academy members. Along with a dedicated group of volunteers, Coach Sean is passionate about developing the paddling and aquatic safety skills of San Diego’s youth. 

As a member of the San Diego Canoe and Kayak Team for over 20+ years, Coach Sean, in the sport of Sprint Kayaking, represented the USA as a member of the 2011 Junior World Championships Team and is a 2018 National Championship Silver Medalist. Later in his career, he became a California State Champion and 2x California State Silver Medalist in the sport of Surf Racing.  

With over 10 years of coaching experience in numerous sports, such as: Swimming, Water Polo, Rugby, Football, and Paddling, and with experience as a High School History Teacher and Administrator, Coach Sean brings an extensive level of experience to SDCKT’s Youth Programs.