Our TEAM
PASSION. PROFESSIONALISM. FUN. PROGRESSION
With six Level 4 certified coaches, including GSMBC founder Paul Howard, our team offers a level of expertise that is almost unmatched worldwide.
Originally from Brighton, England, Paul has been coaching mountain biking since 1998 and riding since the early 90s. Now based in Whistler, he’s recognised as one of the industry’s leading instructor trainers with a long track record of developing coaches worldwide.
Alongside ZEP, Paul is the founder of the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches (GSMBC) — an international education organisation delivering modern, research-driven MTB instructor certifications and professional development.
Paul is the founder, owner and head coach at ZEP Mountain Bike Camps, and has spent more than two decades designing MTB teaching systems and certification frameworks. He co-founded the PMBIA, serving as Director of Programs & Development and Past President, helping establish global standards for mountain bike instructor education. His background in professional snowboarding coaching further supports his work mentoring and training coaches from around the world.
Certifications & Background
ZEP Founder, Owner & Head Coach
Founder, President & Education Director Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches
PMBIA Co-Founder, Past President, Director of Programs & Development
Wilderness First Responder (80hr)
CASI National Evaluator Training Team
Canadian Interski Team Member 2015
CASI Technical Committee 2014–2017
CASI Level 4 Instructor & Evaluator
Whistler Blackcomb Head Snowboard Trainer 2009–2017
B.Sc. Genetics (UCL)
PAUL HOWARD | @PHOWARD21
FOUNDER | OWNER | HEAD COACH
SHANNON HOWARD
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Shannon is the operational backbone of ZEP Mountain Bike Camps. With a background in finance management and over two decades of experience in the mountain bike coaching and instructor education space, she oversees the day-to-day systems that keep ZEP running smoothly.
As Managing Director, Shannon manages scheduling, contracts, permits, payroll, and operational logistics, and works closely with the General Manager to ensure consistency and quality across all programmes. She is often the main point of contact for parents and families, and plays a key role in creating the organised, supportive environment ZEP is known for.
Shannon is a co-founder of PMBIA and holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Accounting. She also brings experience as a CASI Level 1 Instructor and an Australian Swim Coach, adding valuable breadth to her leadership within the organisation.
Behind the scenes and often front of house, ZEP quite simply wouldn’t exist without her.
MEGAN CLARKE
GENERAL MANAGER
Originally from: Winnipeg, MB
Megs is responsible for program development, operations, and overall athlete experience at ZEP. She is committed to building well-run, inclusive programs that prioritize fun, progression, and long-term development within the mountain bike community.
You’ll often see Megs helping out around the ZEP Racing tent at races—or she’s the one behind all the emails! Outside of work, Megs is almost always on her bike, rain, shine, or even snow!
Originally from: Shandon, Scotland
Certifications: GSMBC Level 4 Mentor & Coach, GSMBC Global Education Team Members, Co-founder Sportsense, CASI Level 4 instructor, Wilderness First Aid
Ross moved to Whistler in 2006 and is our most senior coach and local mentor for many bikers and snowboarders. He has been riding since childhood, a local trail builder and is actively involved in the community. Along with his experience as one of snowboarding's elite level coaches working with prospective Olympics in the “off season”, Ross brings a riding skill and personality to ZEP that sees our clients requesting his coaching services, year after year. Pulling inspiration from anyone who has the patience and openness to improve their skills, regardless of their current level of riding.
Modest, humble and crazy good at any sport he chooses to do, Ross exemplifies ZEP’s values of being the best without ego.
ROSS DUNLOP | @ROSSTDUNLOP
SENIOR COACH | COACH MENTOR
Originally from: Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies, QC
Certifications: GSMBC Level 4 Coach, GSMBC Level 4 Mentor, GSMBC Quebec Program Coordinator, Wilderness First Aid
Hailing from Belle Province QC, Chuck moved out to Whistler 15 years ago with no plan. A few weeks later, his bike was shipped over to BC and he has not looked back, realizing that not only is Whistler a great place in the Winter - but it’s even better in the Summer! Chuck lives to ride his bike and has been coaching students and training coaches with ZEP for 8 years, still taking in daily inspiration and valuable lessons from his friends and fellow coaches.
Chuck’s pure stoke, modesty and good nature provides a perfect platform to coach all the riders and racers that he works with, sharing his passion, helping progress and being part of rider successes is why Chuck is a MTB coach!
CHARLES RENAUD-ROY | @CHUCKRENAUDROY
Originally from: Shapwick, England
Certifications: GSMBC Level 4 Coach, Cycling BC/NCCP Club Certified Coach, 80 hour First Aid Wilderness First Aid
Dave moved to Whistler to chase his biking dreams, starting out coaching at the Whistler Bike Park and Summer Gravity Camps and eventually working his way up to Staff Trainer at Whistler Bike School. Along the way, he met people who have built lives and careers around biking—whether it’s pros dedicated to pushing their limits, trail builders giving back to the community, or coaches sharing their passion with anyone willing to listen.
Known for his incredible riding skills, Dave combines an open mind with a rapid ability to learn, making him a highly skilled and adaptable coach. He now leads our ZEP Race Teams, excelling at developing young riders and those aspiring to reach World Cup levels, guiding them with expertise and enthusiasm throughout each season.
DAVE WEEKS | @WEEKSY44
ZEP RACING - TEAM MANAGER
JAMES LONGSTAFF
PROFESSIONAL COACH
Originally from: Fareham, Hampshire UK
Certifications: GSMBC Level 4 Coach, GSMBC Level 1 Mentor.
James attended the ZEP Instructor Academy in 2018, coming from 8 years as a sound technician in the UK, working for world class musicians like Ed Sheeran, Plan B and Rod Stewart. He needed a change from the relentless intensity for 24/7 event life - and decided to pursue his passion for mountain biking and the outdoors.
Fast forward a few years and James is now a GSMBC Level 4 Coach working full time with the ZEP team. His drive and dedication to the sport and coaching those how to ride safely, and to have fun is next to none!
OLIVIA GIBSON
PROFESSIONAL COACH
Originally from:
Certifications:
Diego Herrera
PROFESSIONAL COACH
Originally from: Santiago, Chile
Certifications: Level 3 GSMBC and Level 1 trainer. CASI Level 1 and CSIA Level 2
Diego is a dedicated instructor and father of two who discovered his passion for the Sea-to-Sky region during a road trip out west. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Superior with a degree in Music, he has spent the past 20 years teaching both in classrooms and in outdoor settings. Diego loves to ride his bike and ski or ride his board.
With a friendly demeanor, professional expertise, and an unwavering enthusiasm for sport and education, Diego continues to inspire the next generation of mtb adventurers and lifelong learners.
FINN TARGET
PROFESSIONAL COACH
Originally from: Isle of Skye, Scotland
Certifications: Certifications: GSMBC Level 4 Coach and Level 3 Mentor, PSIC Level 4, Park & Course Conductor
Finn moved out to BC in 2012 having just finished his undergrad in Sports Science whilst playing a lot of rugby in the UK. He spent the next decade falling in love with BC, coaching skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer - aka, living the dream. As well as coaching ZEP development programs, Finn is now a Level 4 PMBIA Course Conductor, helping our aspiring mountain bike coaches reach their full potential on their bikes and further their careers!
JP FOK
PROFESSIONAL COACH
Originally from: Ottawa Ont.
Certification: GSMBC Level 4 Coach , CASI Level 4 Snowboard, WFA40h, BSC-Human kinetics
JP completed his Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics at UBCO, and moved to Whistler to coach snowboarding. This led into a Strength and Condition coaching role, and then mountain biking found its way into his life. Now JP is coaching year round - snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking in the summer, one feeds the other, from season to season.
JP’s unbridled passion for outdoor sports and coaching those to be able to enjoy them as much as he does is unforgettable - he has never frowned on a bike (but he has never tried!).
Bergen O’Neill
PROFESSIONAL COACH
Originally from: Brisbane, Australia
Certifications: GSMBC Level 3 Coach
Bergen is a rider, racer, and coach who has spent the past seven years racing and traveling to events and riding destinations around the world. Moving from one summer to the next in pursuit of the sport, he is always focused on progressing his own riding. That passion naturally carries over into his coaching, where he’s dedicated to helping others improve and reach their goals.