Our Crew

LYNNE RUDDICK

Founder, founding Director, chair, safety officer

paddle uk Open Water SUP Instructor; RLSS Open Water Life Guard; safeguarding lead; Registered Nurse

Lynne set up Ripple Rebels CIC to ensure everyone has access to the physical and mental health benefits of the water and nature.

Her vision is that blue and green therapy should be easily available and accessible for every mind and body. As a child, Lynne spent four years in the care system and was adopted at eight years old and fully appreciates the life changing capacity of opportunity. She wants Ripple Rebels to create those moments of opportunity.

Lynne has been exploring open water for more than 25 years as a sailor, scuba diver, kite surfer, swimmer and paddler. She also has the RYA Dayskipper Qualification and holds a radio license.

Lynne is a registered nurse and is experienced in creating the conditions for innovation to flourish in health and social care settings. she is passionate about giving people a voice and empowering communities to solve social problems and reduce inequalities.

She has also been working on reducing the use of single use plastic through Lose Your Bottle.

Diane humphries

Founding director, treasurer

Diane has worked in the charity sector for over 20 years having experience in charity management, governance, fundraising, project and volunteer management.

Throughout her career championing asset based community development as an approach to the inclusivity and empowerment of underrepresented groups. Creating opportunities for communities to lead the way forward.

Diane joined Ripple Rebels in 2023 and looks forward to supporting to create a Ripple Rebel community that leads the way to a happier, healthier life for people by creating opportunities for blue space therapy to be an option for all and maybe even learn to paddleboard herself.

Scott ford

director; safety officer

Safety & Rescue Training

Scott joined Ripple Rebels to pursue something truly meaningful for people and the community, after a career spent in the corporate world. With over 30 years as a business and technology consultant for large corporations and public institutions, Scott now uses his expertise to support local community projects.

Scott started paddleboarding in 2021 as the ideal antidote to corporate life, Lynne was his first instructor. Recently he has been training for SUP racing, though he doesn’t expect to bring home any medals just yet!

Scott now helps to facilitate paddle sessions for Ripple Rebels, creating a safe and welcoming environment where everyone, regardless of background or ability, can enjoy the transformative experience of paddleboarding.

Carole canal

director; secretary; welfare officer

With a career spanning 30 years in the corporate environment, Carole brings a wealth of expertise in corporate governance and policy, business transformation and change management. Carole's passion for developing people and optimising company culture has not only influenced her professional career but also her personal endeavours.

Throughout her career, Carole has actively volunteered for various causes, from mentoring young professionals to mental health & wellbeing support, and taking part in environmental initiatives. Her dedication to giving back to the community, coupled with sharing her love for paddleboarding, the sheer versatility of the sport and the numerous physical and mental health benefits that it brings, prompted her decision to volunteer for Ripple Rebels in 2024, supporting BlueSpace sessions.

Carole believes that paddleboarding has brought a lot of joy and fulfillment to her life, and she aims to continue exploring new ways to incorporate the sport into her daily routine and share its benefits with others.

julia armstrong

Green therapy advisor

julia is an independent social worker, lecturer, best interests assessor, Trainee Therapeutic Counsellor (BACP registered) and Forest Therapy Student.

she has practiced as a qualified social worker for 14 years in local authority statutory social work for a local authority in Adult Social Services and in Drug and Alcohol Statutory Services working with some of the most marginalised people in our community. Julia now completes deprivation of Liberty Safeguards assessments for people who have been assessed as lacking capacity to make decisions about where they live due to an impairment of the brain and are subsequently deprived of their liberty. she also volunteers with Dorset Working Women's Project.

she is a proud member of the Queer community, and loves spending as much time out in nature as she can and cherishes connecting to nature and all its beneficial energy. she is passionate about Climate Justice and fighting the climate crisis.

Gila Joffe

aquapaddle bournmeouth captain; ISA Flat Water Instructor; BC Foundation Safety & Rescue Training; BC Core Coach; Aquatic First Aid

Gila joined our passionate bunch in march 2023. She moved to the area in 2021 and was instantly drawn to the water.

After cycling for 30 years, she relished the opportunity to learn a new skill, meet new people and benefit from being near and on the water. She calls it her Mental Health Session. Gila met Lynne at a SUP event and that was it. She was hooked, and wanted to get involved with Ripple Rebels to inspire and grow the sport!

she hopes to give everyone who joins a chance to forget about the daily grind, and instead hear the birds, listen to the water and appreciate our beautiful waterways.