Oliver Cock (UK)

Oliver J. Cock’s contributions to whitewater kayaking became an integral part of the foundations of the British Canoe Union (BCU). His whitewater films, many from the 1940’s and 1950’s provide a valuable documentation and history of early whitewater paddling and training.

Oliver J. Cock’s many contributions ranged from filming and documenting whitewater expeditions and training to developing the proficiency program and tests that became the foundation for BCU’s certification and training programs. From the 1940’s through 1963, he filmed numerous expeditions and training sessions for whitewater kayaking.

As the first slalom coach for the BCU team in 1953, he successfully developed the slalom program through his coaching efforts that enabled Britain to win its first World Championship medal in 1959. His appointment as the First Director of Coaching in 1962 gave an added drive to what was to become a very powerful teaching program, particularly for whitewater paddling. Cock later became the BCU national coach teaching schoolteachers across the country to teach canoeing safely. He led efforts in developing safety equipment (life jackets/buoyancy aids) in the early years of whitewater development.

Beyond his work in filmmaking and slalom coaching, he invented kayak (canoe) polo in mid-1940’s, post WWII. He was the first president and long-time supporter of British Dragon Boat Racing Association, and is a member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). His autobiography, I Paddled My Own Canoe, was published in 2001, detailing his many contributions to paddle sports and beyond.