Caroline Dawson, aka Caz, is the owner of SUP Lass Paddle Adventures, a stand-up paddle boarding business located on the edge of the Clwydian Range AONB in North East Wales. Here she has doorstep access to the majestic River Dee, the world-famous Llangollen Canal, plus an array of lakes and coastlines. The company offers high-quality stand-up paddle boarding adventures and tuition, along with professional advice and guidance on equipment and water safety. Caz's personal strength and passion lie in coaching and encouraging women to get out on the water and explore all that SUPing offers.
Caz holds a vast breadth of qualifications and accreditations through Water Skills Academy: WSA Water Safety and Rescue, WSA Ocean Navigation, WSA Adventure Guide, WSA Adventure SUP-er Trainer, Leave No Trace Trainer, WiSe Accredited Adventure Operator WRT Pro Rescue 3 Technician, RYA Marine Radio Short Range Certificate, REC Level 4 Expedition First Aid, BC SUP Sheltered Water Award, and BC Mentoring in Water Sports.
In 2021, she became the 2nd fastest female to complete the GB SUP Series Great Glen Challenge on an iSUP. She has also taken on the Trent 100 team race and notorious 'Swellies Challenge,’ plus the Conwy Ascent and Loch Awesome Challenge.
A regular paddler of the Dee Bore, which BBC Wales has featured, she is a keen adventurer and guide and has paddled in various environments across the UK and overseas. Additionally, Caz has recently been appointed a Trustee for the Welsh Dee Partnership (the first female in its history.) This charity helps improve and protect habitats and biodiversity on the River Dee.
Previously, Caz used to run the award-winning outdoor kitchen 'Fodder in the Field', where she served up local and seasonal ingredients in wild locations, including mountain tops and forests. She now enjoys delivering SUP + Cook workshops, which she offers to clients. And her trusty Kelly Kettle is often strapped to the front of her paddle board so she can treat clients and friends to a secret recipe of hot chocolate or a mug of hearty soup.
When not on the water, she is a freelance Agri-Food Consultant, supporting food and farms across the UK to develop their businesses and identify new markets. She is also a longstanding judge for the Great Taste Awards and a global mentor for Women in Food and Agriculture.
You can find Caz and all her adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
Fast Facts (and Personal Achievements):
- Holds a post-grad in leadership
- Stand Up Paddle Boarding Great Britain recently featured her three favourite paddles
- Owns a paddle board-loving Border Terrier called Spud
- Recently featured on the Joy of Sup podcast
Caz’s gear of choice: Women’s Helix CCS Dry Suit and Callan waterproof shorts
