Mr Steve Wales, the main man, the guru, the chief. Call him what you like, he was the man who started the ball rolling many moons ago...

Steve began paddling forty two odd years ago, in a boat him and his Dad built together for a pound and a shilling. And so the story goes... After doing all sorts of things like starting paddling schools in Austria and Europe, paddling silly stuff in Europe, writing guide books and studying lots, Steve opened a shop selling canoes - but eventually gave it all up to be a gardener:

"One day someone came into the shop and wanted twelve of everything. No discount! So when I delivered them to his nice house for his birthday party, I couldn't help notice his garden was a mess and told him so. He asked me if I wanted to sort it out for him..."

The real Steve loves people, loves watching them grow, gain skills and enjoy life. He hopes that the things he's involved with now make a real and positive difference, both on a small scale and on a wider scale in years to come. The River Legacy is one way by which he'd like to achieve this.

The smiling short-haired chap running about on and off stage, waving his arms around a lot and quite clearly having a wonderful time? That's him. We love him. A lot.

Steve wondering what on earth he started!