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.