Hello! My name is Tasha and this is my story.

Back in 2015 I was 9 years old and my parents took me down to the river Thames to our local Duck Derby where I watched the local Sea cadet unit having a fabulous time on the river in canoe's, Kayaks and powerboats, I wanted to join in the fun too! Shortly after my 10^th birthday I went along to Maidenhead Sea cadet Unit and my love for paddle sports began.

Over the summer months I have learnt to row, kayak, canoe, paddle board and power boat. In the summer of 2017 I took part in my first paddle sports regatta, held on the banks of Thames near Reading, and we won! With my new found confidence and love for paddle sports I have progressed through the ranks of Sea Cadet's where I am currently a senior cadet, one of the current Lord Lieutenant cadets for Berkshire and a newly qualified paddle sports instructor.

Over the years I have participated in many regattas with the Sea Cadets winning medals in rowing, flat water kayaking and cross stream in both the kayak and canoe. Next weekend I am going to defend my title in London at the annual Combined Regatta. I will be participating in the girl's single kayak cross stream, girls single canoe cross stream and the double canoe cross stream events, hopefully bringing back some more medals! Participating in cross stream is something that I have grown to love, especially since winning one gold and one silver medal at our national cadet regatta last year in cross stream.

I have been fortunate enough to be able to support young people out on the water this summer through helping them to experience paddle sports at a local water sports venue. I have been a safety boat for young people learning to paddleboard, helped with canoeing on the Jubilee and continue to support the younger members at Maidenhead Sea cadet unit to gain confidence and enjoy paddle sports on the river twice a week over the summer months.

I have recently returned from a week on board TS ROYALIST, a sea cadet training tall ship. I was one of 23 cadets and 8 crew who sailed from Greenock to Belfast over 7 days. There were many firsts for me on this trip from flying to Glasgow, to seeing dolphins, seals and otters in their natural habitats, to walking the plank for a swim in the sea! We also learnt how a tall ship works using both the sails and the engine alongside navigating and living as part of a crew. I'm hoping to be able to go another voyage!

My next challenge is to become a paddleboard instructor, hopefully before this season is over.

When I have completed my A level's my aim is to join the Royal Navy.

#This Girl Can