Meet the Coaches
Reece Baker
Reece Baker is the head coach of Paddle Collective and one of WA's most accomplished ocean paddlers. He is the current WA Open Single Ski Champion and Open WA IOP Ocean Racing Series Champion, with a competitive career built on years of elite sprint kayaking that gives him a depth of technical knowledge few coaches can offer.
An Australian Representative Kayaker, Reece is a five-time Open National Aussies Champion and National Ocean Racing Series winner, and was inducted into the Surf Life Saving WA Hall of Fame for his contribution to the sport. He developed his paddling craft at Trigg Island, WA's premier surf ski club, before dedicating over 15 years volunteer coaching and mentoring paddlers of all levels across Western Australia.
Whether you are picking up a paddle for the first time or chasing a faster race time, Reece's coaching is grounded in real competitive experience and a genuine love for the ocean. He will help you build the skills and confidence to get the most out of WA's incredible paddling conditions.
Selma Alibegovic
Selma first picked up a paddle at Point Leo, following in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother. She credits her development to Reece Baker at Trigg Island SLSC and Ramon Anderson at WAIS, and now races for Sorrento SLSC as the only open female in the club's 68-year history to medal in surfski at national championships.
Selma is passionate about building environments where athletes exceed their potential. As coach of Bayswater Paddlesports Club, she led athletes to 19 national team selections in just 2 seasons.
What drives her most is developing young and beginner paddlers and breaking down barriers that keep people, especially women, out of the sport. Generous and genuinely invested, she creates sessions that build technical skill, endurance, and confidence through progressive, controlled exposure to a range of conditions.
Mission
Find your people, fuel your passion
Our mission is to ignite the passion for paddling through transformative experiences. We aim to showcase the joy, resilience, and personal triumphs of individuals, ensuring their stories are told with authenticity and impact. By creating unforgettable moments on the water, we inspire and connect paddlers through the power of collective adventure.
We are committed to excellence in every journey we embark on. We focus on personal growth and fostering a supportive community, we go beyond the basics to the heart and soul of paddling. Through our programs, we celebrate the beauty of the open water, the fulfilment of personal achievement and the resilience of individuals who embrace the paddling lifestyle.