I am a level 5 Kayak and a level 3 Sea Kayak coach, and a coaching
process provider
Level 5 Kayak Coach
Level 5 is the highest award in the coaching system. It requires
a high level of experience and proficiency in several aspects
of paddlesports.
"Level 5 Coach Award identifies a group of competent,
experienced, reliable, motivated coaches with a depth and wealth
of knowledge, who can be relied upon to provide practical coaching,
information and guidance up to a high level" - BCU
definition.
Canoe sports provided my introduction to the outdoors at an
early age. Having dabbled in all aspects of paddling, I haven't
forgotten the excitement of discovering white water kayaking.
I am a keen slalom paddler, enjoying the challenge and the 'seat
of your pants’ speed of it all. Whether on rivers, or the sea,
(or even on skis) I have been in love with carving turns ever
since.
Level 3 Sea Kayak Coach
Britain’s coastline is simply fantastic. The beauty, the wildlife,
the sea air, and the sunsets make an intoxicating cocktail,
not to mention fabulous variety.
Exploring this unique environment by kayak combines the freedom
to discover new places, with the adventure of making a journey.
Sea kayaks come in to their own once you load them up with
kit, and paddle off for several days at a time. The West coast
of Scotland is an exploratory paradise, with it’s dramatic scenery,
lochs and islands. I have been lucky enough to enjoy my sea
kayaking from Holyhead to Hawaii.
Travels with a river kayak have taken me from the Alps to South
America. Standing on the side of the Pan American highway with
one thumb out, and a boat on the other shoulder. Highlights
of the trip included the Maipo near Santiago, the Petrohue and
Trancura in the lake district, and an adventure pentathlon on
the Cañete in Peru. The gem of the trip was undoubtedly the
chance to paddle the world famous Bio-bio, Chile, before it
was dammed for a hydro-electric scheme.
Coaching Processes Provider
As a coaching processes provider, I am one of a small team
who deliver this absorbing and rewarding two-day course to other
coaches. It is a pre-requisite for all coaches wishing to progress
beyond coach level 3.
As Chief Instructor at the National Mountain Centre I am
involved in coaching in all aspects of kayaking and canoeing
at all levels, from the instruction of beginners, to the development
of staff with the highest qualifications.
