Magical Sea Kayaking Destination - Islay

What a great way to finish work just before the festive season begins, working up in Scotland on the beautiful island of Islay.  Travelling up from the Southwest to the ferry port and then arriving by boat at Port Ellen is a great way to start a weeks adventure.

We dropped off our bags and grabbed our kit and headed out to make the most of the daylight, leaving Port Ellen behind we headed towards Oa, the scenery and wildlife are spectacular and provided us with some rock hopping fun.


The next two days, I ran a BCU 4 Star Sea Leaders training course for the local club, after an initial chat we got on the water and headed out to Texa, a small island on the south coast. On the second day we were confronted with force 7/8 winds and a sea state i can only describe as big, confused and intimidating.  After finding a more sheltered area around Ardbeg, we looked at personal skills, towing systems and strategies and rescues.


After the stormy conditions had passed it left a great play ground for rock hoping, surfing and general fun around the skerries on the south coast. The tidal influences made the playing even more enjoyable and allowed us to travel along the coast with ease.

Many thanks to Dave and Emma for being such great hosts during our week and I look forward to visiting again in 2013.

Living out of a rucsac has its benefits

Although for the majority of the last month has been spent living out of a rucsac and travelling up and down the country, it has been busy and I have worked alongside some really inspiring people in some stunning locations.


Rescue Management Course
This specifc white water safety and rescue course was delivered to the second year degree students from Duchy College on a Rescue and Emergency Management course.  The week long programme looked at appropriate rescue techniques on a swift water environment, from the use of wading in strategies to live bait systems.





WWSR Courses and moderation in Scotland
Working alongside other providers is always a great way to gain new ideas and be able to discuss delivery methods and appropriate strategies.  Working with Darryll Shaw from PGL always makes me consider new ideas and approaches.  We spent a week in Scotland delivering White Water Safety & Rescue programmes for PGL's river leading staff.  On the River Garry based around the Soliders Leap area allowed the team to look into river rescue in diverse environments.


Coaching Conference
2012 Canoe England Coaching Conference was based in Wakefield, with the main theme aimed at inspiring and developing performers.  There were presentations and talks from a variety of speakers from Olympians including Anna Hemmings MBE, and Jon Schofield.  Other speakers were from various fields in paddlesport delivering a diverse programme of subjects.  My presentation was based around periodisation for recreational paddlers and coaches.  These presentation notes can be found on http://adventureeducationcoachingleadership.blogspot.co.uk/ if this subject area interests anyone.


Coach Education Programmes
The rest of the time this month has been spent delivering BCU Coach Education courses all over the UK. I am really lucky to be working alongside some really inspiring coach educators that not only paddle to a very high standard but also have an extensive and up to date knowledge in sports coaching and its practical application. I also had the pleasure of delivering alongside Gary Peverill on a BCU 4 Star Canoe Training Course.  Gary's willingness to share his passion and eagerness to develop other paddlers really make his courses first class programmes.

Isle of Wight - Training with Wings

Over the month of October, we have run many different programmes. At the beginning of the month we were able to get away and concentrate on training for our trip next year, working with a combination of the Taran and the new Epic wing blades.

Although it takes some time to get use to blade, especially in rougher conditions, it is clear the advantages of such a economical and efficient blade.





Remote First Aid Course

One of the programme run in October was an outdoor first aid programme for a local canoe club.  Over four evenings we covered all aspects of the first aid programme aimed at paddlesport coaches and paddlers.  The programme ended with a night exercise using all the skills taught.

After this course, a remote first aid, 2 day programme was run for some coaches/instructors that operate in more remote conditions, that is further away from immediate assistance.







FSRT & BCU/UKCC Level 1 Paddlesport Programme

Brixham was the venue for a five day programme, running a Foundation Safety & Rescue course, followed by a coach education, BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach programme.

A mixed group, from local canoe clubs, freelance instructors and military personal on resettlement.








Canoe Coaching on the River Dart


Canoe coaching has been really popular this month, with many one to one programmes/sessions.  Most want to expand their knowledge and skill as a solo canoeist and coaches moving towards their BCU/UKCC Level 2 Coach assessment wanting to develop their technical understanding. 

Two BCU White Water Safety & Rescue programmes were run on the River Dart & Erme and a BCU 4 Star Inland Training.


Fingers crossed, we get a good winter season on the rivers.




Sea Kayaking Courses - Winter / Spring

After much interest and requests we are putting on the following sea kayak programmes over the Winter and Spring periods. If any of the programme interest you and want to book a place contact me

Email: i.c.g@live.co.uk           Tel: 01364 73411                  Mobile: 07805420840


Course:   BCU 4 Star Sea Leaders Training
Date:       18th & 19th December 2012             FULL
Cost:       £150
Venue:    Islay, West Coast, Scotland


Course:  BCU 4 Star Sea Leaders Assessment
Date:      6th & 7th April 2013
Cost:      £150
Venue:   South West Coast, Devon/Cornwall


Course:  BCU Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning Course
Date:      8th April 2013
Cost:      £60
Venue:   Plymouth, Devon


Course:  BCU Open Water Navigation &Tidal Planning Course
Date:      9th April 2013
Cost:      £60
Venue:   Plymouth, Devon


Course:  BCU 5 Star Sea Leaders Training
Date:      10th &11th April 2013
Cost:       £160
Venue:    South West Coast, Devon/Cornwall


Course: BCU Moderate Water Endoresment (Sea)
Date:     25th & 26th April 2013
Cost:     £150
Venue:  South West Coast, Devon/Cornwall

Lundy/ IOW / CPD & running courses

The last few weeks have been a busy one with lots of sea paddling, climbing and running courses.

LUNDY
Our trip to Lundy was fantastic and I never get bored with paddling across to this magical island, the crossing over started early with fantastic conditions, with the occasional down pour, limited visability and a constant sea swell.  Once we arrived the sun came out and after our walk up the hill, set up tents we climbed throughout the evening.

The paddle back was slightly more 'sporty' with breaking waves, and a stiff wind.  After getting through the tidal race at the mainland we arrived at Lee Bay after four and a half hours.

Back on the mainland it was back to climbing and we headed off to Baggy Point and climbed' Kinky Boots' a great climb in superb weather.

COURSES
The following week I had the pleasure of delivering with Phil Hadley and Richard Uren on a BCU 4 star sea assessment and finally I have been signed off to deliver and run BCU 4 Star Sea trainings/assessments and Moderate Water Endoresments (Sea)

Dates:

BCU 4 Star Sea Training - 8th & 9th October 2012 (based on the SW coast)

BCU Moderate Water Endoresment (Sea) TBC

It was back to work and running courses for outdoor centres and colleges, delivering coach education programmes, paediatric first aid courses, some guiding and personal skills programmes on the sea.

ISLE OF WIGHT
Then it was off to the Isle of Wight for a three day circumnavigation with friend Dave Adams.
This is a fabulous trip and would encourage more sea paddlers to do this multi day trip, the paddling is great, wild camping along the way and the need to plan to ensure the tides are in your favour.

Sea paddling throughout the Summer & the Olympics

Much of the summer months has been spent sat in my sea kayak either on personal journeys, training or running skills programmes and BCU courses.

Earlier this month I teamed up with Howard Jeffs to run several BCU sea courses down in the Southwest including the Coastal & Open navigation and tidal planning courses as well as a BCU Five Star Sea Training.

Our BCU navigation courses were run from IBEX Canoe Club, based in Brixham over the two days.  Many thanks to the club for supporting the courses and your hospitality.

The BCU 5 Star Sea Training took place around the Salcombe area, towards Prawle Point, with rough water handling, leadership, rescues, an overnight camp and night navigation.

In the near future, we are looking at running another BCU 5 Star Sea Training, more likely based in Cornwall with Richrd Uren hosting the programme, so watch this space!!!!

Had a great week with my daugter Ella and Jo up in London watching the Olympics and then popped up to Wales for a few days in the mountains and met up with friends.

Has the summer really arrived?

After much rainfall in the UK, our cottage being flooded, kit stolen and vehicles being written off by insurance companies, life seems to be starting to get back to normal!!!!






I have been working on the sea for much of July running several programmes and having the pleasure of working alongside some inspirational coaches and paddling with friends.  These courses have seen us paddling around Lands End and out to Longships, camping out and playing in the tidal race at Start Point.





Many thanks to Joe Leach and Jeff Allen for being so generous with their wisdom and top tips for paddling Around Britain.  Me and Nick will certainly be using many of their tips and altering our training from the comments made.

Slovenia - White Water Kayaking

For the past three weeks I have been over in Slovenia running a white water kayaking programme.  The Soca river is a fantastic river for introducing moving water skills through to running BCU 5 Star Inland Leaders Award courses. 

During our time out there we stayed centrally in Zaga, in great accommodation and ventured out each day to run different sections of the Soca.  During my six year period of leading trips to Slovenia, it was the most successful running all but one of the sections and tributaries in the area.  The 5 star training course was a great success with perfect water levels to get the most out of the three day programme.

 We even managed to descend the river using Topo Duos from the top section through the gorge to Cezsoca. A great trip, with fun people, good food, excellent water levels and the second week perfect weather.

Coach Education & Training

Last week was our big BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach Course for a local college.  With a strong delivery team, we run a programme for 34 students, over a five day period.  All candidates successfully completed the course and are looking to work at various sites and centres over the summer period.

The weather was perfect and enabled me to get out on the water and look at my forward paddling technique with wing blades.  After a few days I am geting use to them and the different approach and muscle group they use.

CPD at its best

Spent the last nine days doing some CPD.  From Mountain Walking in Wales, Sea kayaking on the North Devon Coast and climbing on the South coast of Cornwall. 

Poor visibility - perfect for navigation practice

Making our way up to the ridge, stunning views that day

Off Tintagel headland,in the new Rockpool Tarans

Carn Barra, some nice steep routes

Now back to work, but already planning the August CPD programme, maybe the Irish Crossing, Scillies or the Lakes!!!

The TARAN has arrived!!!!!!

Went to North Wales to pick up the NEW TARAN from Mike Webb at Rockpool.  This is the boat I am going to use on our Around Britain 4 Britain venture next year.  The Taran on its maiden voyage handled very well on the North Devon coast, in large swells, surf landings and wow it is fast!!!!!

The workmanship is top quality and the finish immaculate, if your looking for a top quality, bespoke coloured boat that handles very well, visit the Rockpool website: http://rockpoolkayaks.com/

BCU/UKCC Level 3 Core Coach Training

Last weekend I had the pleasure of working on the new BCU/UKCC Level 3 Core Coach Training Programme based at the River Dart Country Park.  It was great to work alongside Pete Catterall and Adam Harmer from Plas y Brenin and share, discuss coaching at this level.

The cohort on the programme was a strong coaching group which represented the Southwest well.  Thank you to Roger Sell for hosting the first of the Level 3 Coach Courses which is run in partnership between Canoe England and Plas Y Brenin.

We will be looking at running more Level 3 Core Training Courses in the SW when there is a demand and also looking at an October date to run the discipline specific training and CPD modules.  Both will be advertised by myself, Plas y Brenin and Canoe England through there websites.

Wonderful weather in March

March has been another busy month and some wonderful weather.

The first part of the month was preparing and brushing up skills for some outdoor leaders heading towards their Walking Group Leader Award, based on Dartmoor.  I have also spent a lot of time in my sea boat training and using some new wing paddles from Lettmann, although I am very comfortable in calm conditions, if I am going to use these as the main propulsion for Around Britain next year, I need to spend more time with the wing blades in rough water.

The rest of the month I have been delivering BCU/UKCC Coach Education Programmes around the country working alongside some really creative and inspiring directors and tutors.  I have also been delivering moderation events for Canoe England and the British Canoe Union for Directors for the Level 1 award and White Water Safety & Rescue providers.

The Around Britain 4 Britain website has had a facelift with text donation capabilities and more information on the sponsors backing the event for 2013.  If you want to get involved, help out or sponsor the worthwhile causes visit: www.aroundbritain4britain.co.uk

Around Britain 4 Britain

http://www.aroundbritain4britain.co.uk/

Our venture for sea kayaking around Britain next year has really picked up pace, with a website, facebook and twitter launch.  Our new boats, Rockpool Taran's are being built and we are looking for other sponsors to support our three month trip covering 3000 miles. 

Please take a look and if you feel you could help out in any way, the team would really appreciate your support.

January & February - where did those months go!!!!!

The New Year arrived and before I knew it I am looking at the calendar for what is in store for me in March and April!!!!  Well the last two months have been busy ones, running courses for various companies, including BCU/UKCC Level 1 & 2 Coach Education Programmes, BCU Advanced White Water Safety & Rescue & 5 Star Inland combined courses.

I have also been busy with Canoe England attending meetings, running WWSR moderations and 4 star provider programmes.

A new boat has now been ordered for the Around Britain Paddle in 2013 with good friend Nick Arding.  The new sea kayak is a Rockpool Taran, the fastest in their fleet.  We cannot wait until Easter where we will be putting them through their paces.

What does lay ahead is some really great programmes i am involved in such as the Southwest BCU/UKCC Level 3 Programme, BCU/UKCC Level 1 Moderation events, QA/IV visits and a few weeks set aside for some more sea kayak adventures.

New Year & New Courses/Programmes

Happy New Year to you all and many thanks for support over a fantasic 2011 year 

2012 looks to be just as busy with some new courses and programmes:

New Coaching BLOG

I have started to put a new BLOG together which is aimed to share coaching, delivery & leadership concepts, over the next few months and beyond I will add to the BLOG, i hope you find it useful or even thought provoking: http://adventureeducationcoachingleadership.blogspot.com/


New Climbing Courses:

ICG now offering Mountain Leader Training Courses such as the Climbing Wall Award (CWA), Climbing Wall Leaders Award (CWLA), Single Pitch Award (SPA).  Additional to these, workshops and programmes are being offered such as lead climbing, self rescue and multi-pitch climbing.  See the website for more details. These courses are run by Nick Arding MIC.


Sea Kayaking Courses & Trips

We are also offering the following workshops and trip to the Isle of Arran in 2012

BCU Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning Course - 3rd March
Rough Water Handling Workshops
Expeditioning Skills
Surfing Skills

Isle of Arran 7th - 14th September 2012 (see website for more details)

BCU Courses - White Water & Coaching

BCU AWWSR  5 Star Inland Combined 20th - 23rd Feb
BCU Coastal Navigation & Tidal Planning 3rd March NEW
BCU Advanced Inland Water Endoresment (Coaching) - 27th & 28th Feb NEW
BCU/UKCC Level 2 Training Coach Course 16th - 19th April

HSE First Aid Programmes

I am also offering outdoor, pracical first aid programmes, first aid at work & emergency first aid over the year which is recognised by both MLTE & BCU.

Hope some of the programmes or new BLOG catches your eye, for further information look at the website: http://www.internationalcoachingandguiding.co.uk/ or send me an email: i.c.g@live.co.uk