Allana Bold has worked with the Anglican Church Grammar School on our Year 10 Outdoor Education Programme taking 16 students sea kayaking through the Pumicestone Passage over five days. Her professionalism combined with a larger than life enthusiasm hits you straight away. This programme is designed to allow students towards independence, where they are to take on more responsibility as they progress. We were impressed by Allana’s preparation, knowledge of paddling and commitment to engage the students to make for a smooth journey filled with excitement, age-appropriate challenges and education-focused learning outcomes. Her ability to mentor and teach these students was noted in the student’s feedback, who repeatedly thanked her for the experience, her knowledge and for allowing them the freedom to learn for themselves. We look forward to this years programme and are delighted to have Allana involved again this year.

Allana has trained all the entire team of Occupational Therapists at Jump Up For Kids. She was patient and knowledgeable and was really able to tailor our training based on our previous experience and also what we were aiming for in terms of service delivery. Not only that but Allana made the training fun (so many laughs) and worked with the equipment we had available. Everything Allana demonstrated, all the knowledge she shared and her encouragement to get our practical hours done, now means we are able to offer a canoeing program to many children with a broad range of diagnosis and disability). There are already so many positives from this program...increased strength and endurance, better ability to calm and focus, improved social skills and improved resilience. Allana continues to provide advice and support as we need it. Without Allana the canoeing program at Jump Up For Kids would not have got off the ground!

Allana translates her passion and love for kayaking through her guidance as an instructor. She continuously encourages students and challenges them to try their best. Her kind-hearted nature allows people to feel comfortable to participate and gives them a willingness to extend their abilities. Allana's knowledge - from race kayaking techniques, to using weather charts for sea kayaking, allows all to experience a variety of paddling and most importantly lets them have fun. Personally, Allana is the best instructor that I have ever come across and been trained by, she constantly is enthusiastic about the sport and always has something new to share. I am now developing my paddling leadership skills by being mentored by Allana as an assistant coach at Lourdes Hill College.

If you want to learn the basics or become a pro, Allana has the skills and abilities to assist. This shows in the way, paddles, boats and accessories can, have and will be adapted for best fit for you. Allana has a humorous personality that enables the “skill sets” to make you feel comfortable, but uncomfortable enough to want to perform at a higher standard. I still think if Allana told me I could walk on water I would be able to. Safety is a key factor in the way active participation is encouraged; both on and off the water. Allana was on the water before she was born. This shows with the wealth of knowledge that is readily imparted, and her willingness to do the same. I am keen for the next chapter to start - theory and improving my skills.

Allana Bold has been part of the LHC program for past 7 years and has lifted our program to the strength and calibre that it is today. Allana is an extremely qualified, knowledgeable and passionate paddler who encourages our students to enjoy the waterways, increase their knowledge of the surrounding environment, but most importantly, relax and enjoy their paddling experience. Our students are engaged and dedicated to both recreational paddling and racing, and Allana has been an integral part of the growth and quality of our program.

Allana is an amazing instructor We came to Allana over 12 months ago with no experience at all. My wife Popi has a disability; having limited strength in her left side and left foot. Allana took on the challenge and has developed us both to be safe and confident on the water and to plan our own trips. With her guidance we have been able to select modified kayaks to compensate for my wife’s disability allowing Popi to solo control and paddle her own kayak. What a joy and what fun that is for us.

Allana Bold is a wonderful instructor. She ensures that everyone feels comfortable and has a clear understanding of what is required for both the theory and practical sessions. Allana makes all her students feel welcome and keen to learn. She is extremely knowledgeable and approachable which made the course enjoyable. There was a good variety of theory and practical throughout the day. I walked away from the course feeling more confident in my ability to teach Kayaking to my upcoming groups as a direct result of Allana’s teaching style. Thank you and I highly recommend her as an instructor.