Name: Matt Coutts
DOB:
Birthplace: Swan Districts, Perth
Residence: Bassendean, WA
Nationality: Australian
Occupation: Bathroom Renovator & Outdoor Instructor

Paddling Since: 1994
Club: Bayswater Paddlesports Club
Kayak: KayakPro Aurum (Swift Racing)
Paddle: Bracsa IV

Sporting Hero: Sir Edmund Hillary
Life Hero: Jesus Christ
Greatest Moment in Career: Avon Descent 2007 - 2nd Placed K1 overall, 1st Australian. 
12th Open K1 in the 2009 National Marathon Championships
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Matt started paddling when he was 12.  Taking up the sport after watching and supporting his dad in many Avon Descents, he spent the first four years paddling around Toodyay where he grew up on a farm.  In 1997 he moved to Perth with his family and joined a paddling club.  A year later he did his first Avon Descent in a K2 with his father.  Since then he has competed 10 times, placing 2nd twice and 3rd once in the K1 division, as well as being selected to race for Australia in the 2006 Avon Descent. 
In 2008 Matt suffered from Chronic fatigue for 12 months.  After recovering late last year he competed on the Sunshine Coast at this years National Marathon Championships and now has his sights set on the 2009 Avon Descent.