Falmouth Marine School student Lydia Knight has become one of the youngest female kayaking instructors in the UK.

The 17-year-old is currently studying the BTEC extended diploma level three in watersports at the college while working for Lizard Adventure.

When Lydia was still at school she took a six-week introduction to kayaking with Lizard Adventure and loved it. She then started volunteering with them and now works for them as an assistant guide, combining her work with her studies. After taking to the sport so quickly and loving being out on the water it became a clear path for Lydia to pursue her keen approach to paddling in the future.

Owner of Lizard Adventure, Annette Eatock, said: “We’re gearing up for a busy season and Lydia will be a great help. It’s unusual to have a young female instructor, it inspires confidence in our young female clients and Lydia is very much in demand. She’s a great role model for young women. I definitely see a place for her in the future development of our company.”

Lydia continues to develop her experience and skills by working with a variety of groups on the water in sit on top kayaks, stand up paddleboards and sailing. Annette added: “I hope that Lydia will help inspire other young women to become qualified in these sports; she’s a real asset.”

Team lead at Falmouth Marine School, Nikki Kendall, said: “Lydia is an extremely hard-working student who is always keen to volunteer at every opportunity; building up her portfolio of experiences and developing new skills. In addition to the kayaking qualification, she was one of the first students this year to become a sailing instructor and her determination will take her far.”

To find out more about the watersports courses available across the Cornwall College Group, visit www.cornwall.ac.uk or call 0845 22 32 567.