Dylan grew up in South Otago on his parents’ dairy farm, where his childhood was filled with rugby, Scout camps and tramps, hunting, and helping on the farm. After high school he went to Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin to study a Certificate in Outdoor Pursuits, where he was introduced to whitewater kayaking (not that he’d have thought it would later turn into one of his primary passions). Post-study in Dunedin, he worked for a helicopter company in North Otago and the Mackenzie Basin as ground crew, servicing local agricultural and commercial clients for over four years. His move to Murchison came while studying for his commercial helicopter licence at Murchison Heli-Tours, and he’s found a soft spot for this little town surrounded by bush, mountains, and excellent whitewater. Dylan has been part of the New Zealand Kayak School since the 2024/25 season, learning the ropes as both a casual and then full-time boat technician, and recently received his NZOIA Kayak 1 qualification.