International Coaching & Guiding

New Year & New Courses/Programmes

2012-01-11T22:02:00.001Z

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:

I am 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.

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

Coaching programmes, personal development and even time to play

2011-12-16T22:24:00.001Z

I thought November was a busy month and then along came December. Although I cannot complain, all the work has been really enjoyable. Working alongside some really good coaches and deliverers, team teaching and designing new methods of delivery for the BCU/UKCC Level 1 & 2 Coach programmes.

There has also been good water levels in the Southwest to run Advanced White Water Safety & Rescue and BCU 5 Star Inland courses and the sea has been fruity too.

What spare time there has been, it has been taken up with xmas shopping, endurance training and reading some really thought provoking research papers linked to coaching.

Sea, white water and coaching programmes

2011-11-24T06:42:00.001Z

November has been a month of diverse delivery, from running BCU/UKCC Coach Education programmes, attending my Level 5 Sea training in Anglesey and providing BCU Inland 5 star training courses combined with Advanced White Water Safety & Rescue programmes.

Although busy and driving all over the UK, this diversity and level of delivery I really enjoy.

Advanced White Water Safety & Rescue Programmes

2011-10-13T11:04:00.000+01:00

Over the past few weeks, the diary has been busy running BCU/UKCC Level 2 assessments, some sea kayak paddle training and mentoring aspriant Level 5 coaches. It is so nice to see and be involved in the development of these talented coaches.

This last week I have been delivering a variety of white water safety & rescue courses. Although we are experiencing low water levels at the moment, there are still some great locations to run these BCU WWSR and AWWSR courses. Its really nice to see paddlers taking a positive approach to their paddling and attending these courses to either learn new skills or brush up on existing experience.

Sea Kayaking at Pembrokeshire

2011-09-20T12:04:00.001+01:00

With strong winds, and a prominant swell from the west we headed up to Pembrokeshire for some sea kayaking along the beautiful coastline and playing on the Bitches.

Sea Kayaking, coaching and playing

2011-09-01T22:56:00.001+01:00

Since returning from the French Alps time has flown past and life again has been busy. Over the past three weeks I have found myself either sea kayaking, coaching or playing.

I have been invloved with some quality assurance for Canoe England on the coach education programmes, delivered a UKCC Level 2 programme with Darren Joy (Fluid Skills) and carried out staff training days for Duchy College Staff ready for their new intake this year.

This week, in between some technical advisors visits, myself and very good friend Nick Arding have been in our sea boats most the time, night paddling around the southcoast, being thrown around like rag dolls at Start Point in springs and coaching along the way.

Fontainebleau and the French Alps

2011-08-11T18:34:00.000+01:00

Had a great two weeks with my daughter and friends climbing at Font and then moved down to the Alps for the second week were I ran several development programmes for a canoe club. The weather throughout the two weeks was very good considering the confused climate in France this year.

In Font we climbed at Bas Cuvier, L'Elephant, and 95.2, the climbing was fantastic and amazing how strong you became after a few days. The swimming pool in the evenings although cold was a welcoming sight.

In the Alps whilst I delivered the development programmes on white water including WWSR, BCU 4 Star Inland Training, personal coaching and advanced skills, my daughter, Jo and Mandi enjoyed the via ferrata, some kayaking and walked up to Glacier Blanc.

North Wales - Boat Trial

2011-07-15T23:03:00.000+01:00

This week was spent in Anglesey putting the new Rockpool sea kayak to test. Travelling up with good friend Dave Adams, we put the Rockpool GT through its paces, paddling in strong tidal flows, tight rock hopping and journeying. For a 5.43m boat I was amazed by its manoeuvrability, it had exceptional cruising speed and it surfed well. An order has now been placed I just need to decide the colour. This also gave Mike Webb and his team at Rockpool the time to fix my Alaw Bach as it recently took a few knocks, as always the workmanship was 1st class.

Performance Coaching

2011-07-11T18:34:00.002+01:00

The last few weeks have been busy ones, either delivering coach education programmes, sea kayaking at Salcombe with friends in rather big conditions and getting some time to do some training, getting use to wing blades again.

I was asked to provide a performance coaching workshop for the Warehouse Climbing Centre. The climbing staff attended this programme where we investigated the coaching process, uses and concepts of performer profiling, observation and analysis, use of demonstrations and the power of feedback.

All coaches showed great skill in this area, applying the concepts well in the indoor climbing environment.

Soca - Slovenia

2011-06-08T06:37:00.000+01:00

Over the past seven days we have been in Slovenia, running our annual trip, guiding and coaching on the Soca. Throughout the week we paddled many sections ranging from the mellow class two sections to the more challenging class 4 section from Otona. The weather was kind to us, with sun on all days and water levels perfect for the boating we wanted to do.
Many thanks must go out to the clients, Buck, Chris, Jack, Richy, Dave & Chris for making the trip fun, continually entertaining and great to see your paddling inmprove throughout the week.

Next years trips:

Pyrenees - 24th - 31st March 2012

Slovenia - 6th - 13th June 2012

The Isle of Wight & Swanage

2011-05-23T09:03:00.002+01:00

With very good friends, Nick & Phillipa Arding, we spent four days circumnavigating the Isle of Wight. Leaving the mainland from Keyhaven we made our way across to the Needles and paddled anticlockwise around the island, wild camping along the way. Tidal races, strong winds and moderate to rough sea states made challenging conditions. A great paddle that I would recommend to anyone.

Returning to the mainland via the sporty Hurst tidal race, we made our way to Swanage to climb the demanding vertical sea cliffs at Subliminal and Cattle Troughs. Weather was kind to us enabling us to complete some great routes.

Sea Stacks & the Jurassic Coast

2011-05-08T20:35:00.000+01:00

The last three days were spent on the South coast sea kayaking around sea stacks, playing in tidal races and rock hopping around some wonderful coastline. Although the wind was strong, and sea states moderate, the conditions were challenging but managable.

Sea kayaking in North Wales

2011-04-28T11:53:00.002+01:00

Just returned from North Wales sea kayaking around the wonderful coastline of Anglesey. Playing and surfing in Penrhyn Mawr, crossing to the magical Skerries on the northwest of the mainland and exploring the caves around the North and South stacks. A great few days with Olly Sanders and friends.

Coaching & Guiding in the Pyrenees

2011-04-07T19:05:00.000+01:00

I had the great pleasure in returning to the Pyrenees to coach and guide a fantastic bunch of guys from South Cerney OEC. Throughout the week we based ourselves in the Ariege region, water levels were perfect and we paddled the Arac, Salat and Garbet rivers providing class 2-4 water. Visiting St Girons market was a must, joining in with the hussle of local traders offering food delights from the region.

Over the week personal skills were developed and also BCU 4 Star training was completed by the team. I want to say a big thank you to everyone in making such a good and memorable trip.

Spain - climbing

2011-03-27T16:36:00.000+01:00

Spent the last week climbing in Spain, completing some classic routes in the area. Highlight of the week was climbing the Penon de Flach in Calpe, a great route, eight pitches complemented by fantasic weather. Certainly would recommend the Costa Blanca as a venue for winter rock, I have been going for the last five years and still find exciting new places to climb.

Psychological approaches to coaching climbing

2011-03-19T08:46:00.000Z

I have had the pleasure of spending last week up in Gloucester, delivering a course to climbing coaches from the Warehouse. I was asked to put a programme together which looked at the psychological approaches we as coaches can employ to build confidence, tackle fears, coping strategies both before and on the route and the language we use as coaches.

The programme consisted of mental researshal techniques, visualisation, anxiety control, coping strategies, relaxation methods and selective attention.

WWSR, Skills courses and sea paddling

2011-03-06T10:33:00.000Z

Last week/weekend we were blessed with good water levels and I was able to get out and run a white water safety and rescue course and a skills coaching day on the River Erme. Once the weather changed again to beautiful sunshine we ran a BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach Course for a local outdoor education centre, and climbed a few routes.

Friday, me and very good friend Nick Arding managed to catch up and get out in our sea boats. In moderate to rough conditions with a steady force five wind we made our way from Looe to Polperro, the return was harder work but we found some really good rock hopping around the island.

A busy start to the New Year

2011-02-22T09:42:00.000Z

January and February have been full on months for me, working a variety of exciting new programmes and catching up on the courses postponed in November & December due to insufficent water levels. I have had the pleasure of running more BCU/UKCC Coach Education courses in the Southwest and Gloscester, training & assessing 4 & 5 star inland awards, delivering white water safety & rescue courses for colleges and clubs and finally assessing and mentoring aspriant level 5 coaches and providers for running there own 4 star courses.

I has been nice seeing new faces coming into the sport and being able to deliver such awards and good coaches going for the level 5 coach certificate.

Trips for 2011

2011-01-16T20:18:00.000Z

Just like to tell you of the trips ICG have on offer this year, as usual our programmes are designed to compliment the individual, take into account you are on holiday and as usual fantastic accommodation, food and venues.

If any of these trips catch your eye and you want to know more, then get in touch and I will send you our fact sheets.

Isle of Skye - Sea Kayaking 16th - 21st May 2011 £650

Slovenia - White Water Kayaking 1st - 8th June 2011 £650

Isles of Scilly - Sea Kayaking 10th - 17th September 2011 £400

Xmas/New Year Period

2010-12-18T21:28:00.000Z

With low water levels, Xmas, New Year period and the winter season really set in, it has been time to take advantage of the conditions.

Although there has been no water in the rivers for white water kayaking, the rivers do lend themselves well to practising some canoe poling, tracking & lining with good friend Baz.

Surfing at Salcombe on the bar was fun and sporty with 7ft waves making for practising surfing my sea boat With some time off coaching I have also had time to climb more and even get out on the bike and do some new routes i have been wanting to do for a while.

Training, climbing & sailing (canoes)

2010-12-01T18:47:00.000Z

After running a few more coach education programmes for several companies and now with very low water levels and cold conditions,it has meant that I have had time to play. At last I have had time to do some more training, get out climbing and even doing some canoe sailing with friend and paddlesport tutor Baz. Although cold the wind was perfect force 5 and gusting!!!

Open boating & Coach Education programmes

2010-11-08T22:17:00.001Z

Over the past few weeks I have been either delivering coach education courses for Totnes Kayak Academy and winter professional instructor programmes. These courses comprised of examining the coaching process, use and importance of demonstrations, feedback and much more. In between these programmes I have found time to enjoy the recent good water levels and get out in the canoe and brush up skills on the River Dart.

Making the most of the good weather

2010-10-16T09:34:00.000+01:00

With all this good weather over the October period, river levels super low,it has been a chance to get out and climb and boulder, so in between work there has been lots of playing either climbing at the Dewerstone, or bouldering into the early evenings on Dartmoor.

Coach Education Programmes

2010-10-11T18:59:00.000+01:00

The last few weeks I have been running BCU/UKCC Level 2 Coach Education programmes for outdoor education centres up and down the country. These courses comprise of enhancing existing skills and introducing new concepts to the coaches delivery such as experiementing with learning styles and coach delivery, structures of practice, learning curves and memory management. I have been fortunate to run these courses with some really talented tutors such as Robert Bazeley & Gavin Lewis. It hasnt been all work I have been able to find time to climb at the Warehouse Climbing Wall, a few training paddles and climb at the Dewerstone.

The Winter season looks busy with some really fun and exciting projects.

Motor Cruising

2010-09-22T17:53:00.000+01:00

Brixham was the venue for this course enabling the proud owners of this new motor cruiser to be able to control and manoeuvre the vessel in confined spaces, coming along side, anchoring and the picking up of moorings. A great day out on the water and maybe the last of the good weather!!!!

Rolling Clinics

2010-09-19T17:07:00.001+01:00

At last and after popular request ICG are now delivering rolling clinics. With our own private indoor heated pool we provide either introduction to rolling, or a rolling reconstruction for paddlers either wanting to develop their roll or have seemed to have lost the ability to roll.

The rolling sessions are held twice a month on a Thursday evening (7-9), maximum of two clients. For information either visit our website or email to book your place.

Sea Kayaking on the Isles of Scilly

2010-09-11T16:53:00.000+01:00

Well the run up to this trip was a busy one and worrying, whilst looking at the weather forecasts and low pressures that seemed to dominate the SW of England. As always the weather was not the best accurate and we had a week of good weather with sun and light winds on most days and when it rained it was during the evenings whilst tucked up in our sleeping bags and under canvas. The trip was led by good friend Nick Arding and myself taking seven clients out to discover the wonders of the Scillies. Over the week we visited a host of islands including Tresco, St Martins, Bryher, Samson, Agnes, the Eastern Isles and St Marys.

This week we witnessed big tides, even enabling some brave souls to walk from island to island. These tides provided great playspots for rock hopping, tide races and even some interesting swell on the fringes. During our stay on these magical islands we joined in with the relaxed way of life and whilst out on the Eastern Isles a couple of clients swam with the seals.

My thanks to Nick for joining the trip and helping out in the coaching and guiding and thanks to all the group for being such a great bunch to share such a fantastic environment to sea kayak.

Staff Training

2010-09-02T21:13:00.000+01:00

A busy run up this week before the Scillies trip, with staff training for several companies. The first outdoor company wanted their staff to have an introduction to sea kayaking and after the inital concerns they developed a good skill level landing and launching in rough conditions and rock hopping around the South Devon coastline.

Today I found myself at Looe, I realised it is a great place to coach and go for a paddle with a beautiful back drop you can discover the island and enjoy being surrounded by seals. A great learning environment for the staff to look at contextualisation of their coaching, leadership and safety and rescue skills.

Totnes Kayak Academy Winter Programme

2010-08-23T18:32:00.000+01:00

Totnes Kayaks Academy winter programme is now out offering the following:

BCU White Water Safety & Rescue Courses

BCU 4 Star Inland Training

BCU 5 Star Inland Training

BCU Moderate Water Endoresment Courses

BCU CPD Course 'Fitness in paddlesport & Coaching the Mind'

BCU/UKCC Level 1 & 2 Coach Courses and transfer courses

For more informationlook at the website: http://www.totneskayaks.co.uk/

August Update

2010-08-23T18:15:00.000+01:00

Well its been a very busy August, spending some quality time with my daughter in Cornwall climbing, riding and going on some really scary rides!!!!

Then it was up to North Wales working on a corporate job with some really fantastic people, delivering with a great team is always such a pleasure.

Then back down to sunny Devon to run a BCU/UKCC Level 2 Coach Course for Totnes Kayaks Academy, looking in depth at the coaching process and how we can use such skills to coach our performers.

Managed to get out a few times and play in the sea boats down Salcombe in what can only be described as commiting conditions.

Trips & Expedtion 2011 Dates

2010-08-01T21:08:00.000+01:00

IGC are now able to offer the following trips and expeditons for 2011:
1
White Water Kayaking in the Pyrenees 19th - 26th March 2011
2
Sea Kayaking Adventure oon the Isle of Skye 16th - 21st May 2011
3
White Water Kayaking in Slovenia 1st - 8th June 2011
4
Sea Kayaking in the Isles of Scilly 3rd - 10th September 2011
5
For more information on these trips go to the ICG website and fill out an enquiry form:
6
www.internationalcoachingandguiding.co.uk

Coach Development in the French Alps

2010-08-01T19:56:00.000+01:00

It has been a long time since I have been paddling and coaching in the Alps in July and was reminded that the Alps still at the end of July offers some really nice paddling venues and play waves.

This week I was asked by a club to provide some training and development of their coaches, we spent the five days looking at leadership and personal skills on the local rivers. During the week I was joined by a talented paddler and friend, Sean Rider, who is working towards his BCU Level 5 Coach Award. A really positive week developing some really nice, enthusiastic and talented coaches, thank you.

NEW ICG WEBSITE

2010-07-22T21:38:00.000+01:00

International Coaching and Guiding are pleased to announce the launch of their website.
.

The website is an overview of the company, its ethos and programmes on offer. Our blog will still remain very active and keep you up to date with developments, new courses and exciting trips and expeditions on offer.

Any feedback on the new website would be gratefully received.

http://www.internationalcoachingandguiding.co.uk/

Isle of Skye

2010-07-22T09:23:00.000+01:00

I have spent the last couple of weeks sea kayak coaching and guiding around the magical islands of Skye in Scotland. I was fortunate enough to be part of a team that delivered a multi activity programme of rock climbing, mounatineering and sea kayaking.

Skye is a first class destination for sea kayaking and even though the weather was challenging with high winds (70mph at times) there was always somewhere sheltered to explore the wildlife, caves and its wonderful coastline.

French Alps White Water Kayaking

2010-06-27T20:33:00.000+01:00

ICG has spent the last week in the French Alps, soaking up the sun, paddling some fantasic rivers and enjoying the quaint village of Vallouise. After the inital rumours of huge water levels and sustaining for weeks ahead, we found that our week in the Alps was a perfect level with almost all rivers to our disposal. Based up in the hills in the beautiful village of Vallouise, with full board accomodation, great food, and wine. Each day we headed to a different river to guide and develop performances. Our team was joined by the very talented Liz Scott, a great coach and awesome paddler. Many thanks to all our clients who joined us on this trip.

New boats arrive from 'Rockpool'

2010-06-15T16:20:00.000+01:00

Our new boats arrived from Rockpool, so me and good friend, Nick Arding went out from Salcombe to put them through there paces. A very stable responsive boat that handled beautifully on the waves. Rescues seemed effortless and a really comfortable seating position.

Paddlesport Week

2010-06-12T22:17:00.001+01:00

Spent the last 4 days coaching 3 students from Duchy College. Having four days we looked at the forecast and ensured we gave them a full experience ranging from surf kayaking on the South Coast, Sea Kayaking around Wembury and Plymouth Sound, and Canoe skills on theTamar including solo skills, sailing and poling.

A great 4 days with some really nice students.

Kayaking & Climbing Week

2010-06-05T15:24:00.000+01:00

Spent the half term having a great few days with the children and enjoying the weather. Also found time to go out and play. Had an interesting paddle with good friend Nick Arding from Plymouth to Salcombe experiencing a rough sea state between Bolt Tail and Bolt Head, our boats being thrown around all over the place and a large swell. Managed to pop up to the North Coast to climb at Baggy Point in the blazing sun, such a great place to climb and surprisingly not many other climbers.

Climbing & Paddling Week

2010-05-20T21:27:00.000+01:00

Had a fantastic week climbing and paddling with good friend Nick Arding. Making the most of the weather and tidal conditions, we came up with a cunning plan! Our first day we found ourselves at the Dewerstone climbing some classic routes such as Vala, Central Groove, Scimitar and Leviathan. The next day we left early to travel to Wales in search for Tusker Rock and paddled from Porthcawl towards Brigend, this was a great trip which had some strong tidal movements, overfalls and hidden (submerged islands).

Our next trip we had the pleasure of being accompained by Richard LB. We decided to paddle around Portland, planning is a must for this journey due to the confused and rapid tidal movements, a trip we would highly recommend, it is full of great rock hopping, caves, strong tidal movements and a look out for the seacat wake is a must.

Sea Kayak Coaching & Guiding

2010-05-12T14:33:00.001+01:00

Having returned from Slovenia, I found myself back into my sea kayak, I spent 2 days coaching and guiding a client on the sea. Our first day found us looking at sea kayak handling, in the tidal flow of the Brunel Bridge at Saltash, going at the time the flow was at its quickest and with additonal wind influence it allowed us to have some fun and discovered what these craft can really do. Our next day was a complete contrast, paddling from Hope Cove to Burgh Island and returning, a great venue to consolidate handling skills amongst the rocks and use of skegs on the crossing of the bays.

Slovenia White Water Kayaking

2010-05-06T09:58:00.000+01:00

This week was spent on the Soca river in Slovenia. With six clients and two coaches, myself and Gavin spent the five days guiding and coaching in the fabulous valley, the Soca offers some outstanding sections of river for developing confidence and brushing up on skills and making them more modern and dynamic. In luxury accommodation, based in Zaga, great food and wonderful weather, well for the first three days, what a perfect recipe for an outstanding trip.

Over the first three days we paddled all the class 2 and 3 sections of the river and enjoyed approximatley 50 cumecs each day, the rain then made its way to us from Italy and provided us with flood paddling conditions of 100+ cumecs.

A big thank you to all clients, making this trip enjoyable and fun.

Already from requests, we have dates planned for next year, 1st week in June 2011.

BCU/UKCC Level 2 Training & Coaching the Mind module

2010-04-25T22:07:00.001+01:00

Over the last week I have been busy delivering BCU courses for Totnes Kayak Academy. The week comprised of the first four days delivering the level 2 coach award, which examines coaching and learning styles and complementing them within our coaching, the relationship between demonstrations and verbal instruction, memory management and learning curves from practice structures.

The last day was the CPD module 'Coaching the Mind' over the 3 hours we discussed, had practical input and examined the uses and purposes of mental skills training, concentration, use of visualisation, re-enactment, and control of arousal levels.

Good courses to deliver especially with such passionate coaches wanting to improve and understand about the importance of good delivery.

Week Off

2010-04-17T21:40:00.000+01:00

A week off and spent time with my daughter, horse riding, cycling and having some quality time. Managed to get down to Cornwall and enjoy the fabulous weather riding the Camel Trail and walking along some fantastic coastline.

Sea Kayaking & BCU Coach Award in Bude

2010-04-17T21:30:00.000+01:00

A busy few weeks delivering a BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach award for Adventure International in Bude preparing their staff to be ready for the up and coming season. A BCU 3 Star Sea Training for returning staff which was held at Mountbatten in Plymouth and paddled down to Wembury. Then the first half on a Level 1 for Haven Banks staff and some more sea paddling at Teignmouth looking at rescue techniques in a tidal flow environment.

BCU Awards

2010-04-03T07:37:00.000+01:00

Spent the last week delivering BCU qualifications for Totnes Kayak Academy on the River Dart in Totnes. Over the week we delivered a FSRT (SafetyCourse) for kayakers wanting to become coaches, looking at rescues in various craft. During the rest of the week I ran a BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach for a really nice group of local coaches and a kayaker all the way from Greece on how to coach and look after a group of kayakers on sheltered water. In the evening we ran a CPD module 'Fitness in Paddlesport' looking at a balanced healthy diet, eating habits and appropriate training programmes.

Climbing in North Wales

2010-03-21T20:44:00.001Z

Last week I spent 5 days climbing in North Wales with good friend Mark Agnew. We managed to bag a climb on the way up at Avon Gorge and then spent the next 4 days climbing multi pitch routes in the Llanberis and Ogwen area. A week of climbing in March, outside in North Wales with no rain, we couldnt of asked for better conditions.

First Aid Course

2010-03-07T21:30:00.000Z

After a week off and enjoying the weather out on the sea, kayaking in Cornwall on both South and North coasts, I ran a first aid course for a local canoe club.

The course consisted of resuscitation and recovery and then onto realistic and simplisitic approaches to first aid incidents.

North Wales

2010-02-28T20:04:00.000Z

Well great winter conditions experienced up in North Wales last week. I spent the week delivering a variety of activities to an instructor training course based in Betws-y-Coed. A few days running a rolling clinic at Plas y Brenin, the National Mountain Centre then moved down onto the Dee to finish off a BCU 3 Star Award. The next few days were coaching climbing on sports routes and trad in the local area.

Coach Education Courses & Sea Kayaking

2010-02-13T21:36:00.001Z

Over the past two weeks I have been busy delivering BCU/UKCC Level 2 transfer courses and Level 2 full programmes for several outdoor activity companies and colleges. The last two days I have found myself sea kayaking some stretches of the Southwest coastline I havent done before.

Delivering a practical sea kayak navigation course on the first day and the next day exploring the caves and rocks around Saddle Rock Cove, a most wonderful place and beautiful stretch of coastline, landing on one of the tiny coves we found what we think must of been a whales bone!!!

Sea Kayak Coaching on the Southcoast

2010-02-01T21:28:00.000Z

Spent a few days sea kayak coaching, paddling from Hope Cove to Salcombe then around Start Point. Over the two days we had a consistant SW swell creating some interesting rock hopping, but with the sun out made the two days stunning with seals, isolated beaches and a fantastic coastline.

Expeditions & Trips this Spring / Summer

2010-01-26T06:35:00.001Z

Just to tell you about the trips I am running this year, as always I work on a maximum of 1:4 ratio on coaching and guiding trips and offering 3 unique opportunities:

Slovenia 29th April - 4th May (White Water Progressive Kayaking)

French Alps 20th - 25th June (Apline Leaders Course & Progressive Kayaking)

Isles of Scilley 3rd - 10th September (Sea kayaking guided trips and coaching)

For more details email me: i.c.g@live.co.uk

Sea Kayak Coaching

2010-01-20T17:52:00.000Z

Spent the past three days coaching sea kayaking skills to Haven Banks instructor course. Over the 3 days we looked at sea kayak handling skills, rescues, navigation inc passage planning, rough water handling, a night paddle and surfing a sea kayak. A really fun three days with a great bunch of people.

Winter conditions on Dartmoor

2010-01-10T20:38:00.000Z

Last week I found myself in sub zero conditions on Dartmoor coaching winter navigational skills to an instructor training course based at Mountain Water Experience. Great weather to enhance micro navigation. A really good group to work with.

BCU 5 Star Inland Training & Assessment

2009-12-31T06:21:00.000Z

Making maximum use of the past few days good water levels, myself and good friend Ceri Williams run/completed a BCU 5 Star training course and assessment. Good and appropriate

water levels are crucial for this award and it took several attempts and dates to ensure the completion of both courses. The Upper Dart and Tavy where the venues used. Congratulations to all that passed the 5 star assessment and wish all the guys on the training course a successful assessment in the future.

WWSR Canoe Specific

2009-12-20T20:39:00.000Z

Spent the day on the River Dart delivering a WWSR course specifically aimed at canoeists. Over the day we looked at extractions from canoes, dealing with broaches and pins using self equalising systems, roll over methods, swim lines and use of mechanical advantages.

BCU White Water Safety & Rescue Course

2009-12-13T18:45:00.000Z

Over the weekend myself and good friend Ceri Williams ran a BCU White Water Safety & Rescue programme for a local club and the 'paddle pirates'. The course took place on the River Dart & Erme and looked at a variety of rescue skills including safe leadership principles, equipment, throwlines, extractions, protecting technical rapids and much much more.

BCU/UKCC Level 2 Coach Training

2009-12-12T21:51:00.000Z

Spent the week at Kelly College delivering the BCU/UKCC Level 2 Coach Training programme with Robert Bazeley to the instructor training course. The 4 days covered in detail the coaching process, delivery styles, feedback models, use of powerful demonstrations and linked verbal input, structures of practice and much much more.

Open Boating

2009-12-05T10:08:00.000Z

On Friday spent the day on the River with friends trying out my new purchase, its been a while since paddling solo on moving water in an open canoe, from the River Dart Country Park to Staverton, good levels and much playing.

WWSR on the Dart & Erme

2009-12-05T10:03:00.000Z

Spent Wednesday & Thursday running a WWSR course on the River Dart and Erme, during the course we looked at safe river running strategies, rescues, equipment, boat extractions and swimming. Good water levels allowed for lots of swimming and realisitc rescues over the two days.

White Water Coaching

2009-11-29T22:44:00.000Z

Spent the whole of last week coaching white water kayaking to a group of intermediate paddlers, looking at developing their already exsiting skills into a more modern, dynamic and proactive style of paddling on white water.

Great water levels all week on the Dart and Walkham

BCU/UKCC Level 1 in Cornwall

2009-11-25T22:21:00.000Z

Spent the last week travelling down to Cornwall with good friend Jeremy running a BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach in Paddlesport, the weather was very challenging with strong winds. The course operated from Penzance lido and the inner harbour. All course members will now go on to provide local children with taster sessions and encouraging them to take up the sport.

BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach Course - Kelly College

2009-11-14T16:57:00.000Z

Spend last week running a BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach Course for Kelly College in Tavistock on their instructor programme, as always I was impressed by the skill standard of the students and took to coaching paddlesport very well. We were blessed by good weather.

Rock Climbing in Spain

2009-11-08T18:47:00.001Z

Spent the week in Spain, Costa Blanca climbing with Duchy College and good friend Mark Agnew. Based at the Orange House in Finestrat we visited and climbed at various locations including Calpe, Font d Axia, Montesa, a full mountaineering day on Puig Campana and our last day was spent climbing the famous landmark Penon de Ifach.

A great week, good weather and even better climbing.

BCU White Water Safety & Rescue

2009-11-01T20:45:00.000Z

Over the past several weekends I have been delivering BCU White Water Safety & Rescue Courses for members of the Port of Plymouth Canoe Club. During the programmes we have looked at throwline priniciples, anchor set ups, rapid protection, live bait, equipment, extractions of swimmers and entrapments, retrieval of equipment and mechanical advantages.

All course members were all a pleasure to work with.

Sea kayak coaching & rescue day

2009-10-26T18:51:00.000Z

Spent the day around Brixham coaching personal sea kayak skills and rescues. The day consisted of familiarisation of a sea kayak, use of edge control and the importance of consistency, rock hopping, towing sytems and rescues.

Such recuses covered were: X rescues (roll in), re-entry roll, and use of a paddle float.

Fitness in Paddlesport

2009-10-26T18:47:00.000Z

Haven Banks OEC hosted a BCU CPD course 'Fitness in Paddlesport'. I ran the course during the evening to ten local coaches covering the importance of training and nutrition within our coaching and personal paddling.

The course covered, fitness components, testing, nutrition, and training.

BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach Course

2009-10-09T15:41:00.000+01:00

Over the past four days I have been delivering a BCU coach education programme for a team from the youth service and freelance outdoor instructors, based at Totnes on the River Dart we looked at personal skills, rescues, development of coaching practices, use of a vartiey of craft and safe, enjoyable learning.

I also managed to get a quick run down the Loop section of the River Dart early morning before the course and before all the water dissappeared again!!

Sea Kayaking in the Isles of Scilly

2009-09-16T11:30:00.000+01:00

Spent a delightful week exploring the magificent and magical islands of the Scillies. Based on St Martins, a simplistic but wonderful island we ventured everyday to uninhabitied isles, paddling amongst seals and seeing such a vast amount of birdlife.

With sandy beaches, remote craggy islands and clear blue water this must be the number one destination for sea kayaking.

Next year we will be running a weeks coaching and guiding around the islands, email me for more information.

BCU 3 Star Sea for Haven Banks Staff

2009-09-16T11:22:00.000+01:00

3 days at sea on the Southcoast with the core staff from Haven Banks. Over the three days we covered personal skills, rescues, towing, passage planning, a night paddle and overnight camp.

A great 3 days with very good company

BCU/UKCC Level 2 Transfer Course

2009-09-16T11:19:00.000+01:00

A day spent preparing exisiting BCU Level 2 Coaches to move onto the new scheme. Looking at the coaching process in detail and the pathway to being a newly qualified BCU/UKCC Level 2 Coach.

Next BCU/UKCC Level 2 Transfer Course: 27th February 2010

2009-09-16T11:17:00.000+01:00

After returning from Cyprus with my daughter Ella, having a very relaxed beach holiday, the last two weeks have been very busy.

New Climbing Wall

2009-08-28T19:13:00.000+01:00

For the past few days I have spent sometime with friends at the new indoor climbing wall at Buckfastleigh. A great venue for introducing novices to climbing to pushing your grade and working on your technique if the weather is bad outside.

A resource that SW climbers have needed for a long time.

BCU/UKCC Level 2 Coach Course

2009-08-15T07:58:00.000+01:00

This week I have been delivering a BCU/UKCC Level 2 Coach Course in Totnes for Totnes Kayak Academy. The 4 day course consisted of delveloping existing coaches delivery methods and understanding of the coaching process. Such aspects investigated on the programme are, memory management, teaching & learning styles, use of feedback, linking demonstrations to specific verbal input, use of VAK and much more.

Other coaching courses coming up:

BCU/UKCC Level 2 Transfer Course 5th September 09
BCU/UKCC Level 1 Training Course 5th - 8th October 09
BCU CPD Unit 'Fitness in Paddlesport' 19th October 09

BCU CPD Unit 'Coaching the Mind' 21st October 09
BCU/UKCC Level 2 Training 16th - 19th November 09

Tanzania, Africa - July - August 09

2009-08-09T22:42:00.000+01:00

Spent the last 4 weeks in Tanzania, Africa leading and guiding a team from Sandbach, Cheshire. Throughout the 28 days we explored the region from the dry and dusty areas of Ndarakwai to the volcanic slopes of Mt Meru. The expedition comprised on 4 phases, a wildlife project including a safari to the Ngorongoro crater, a mountain phase on which 16 of the 17 clients reached the summit of Mt Meru (4566m).

The following phase based in Mosi, a community project at a school/orphanage consisting of building work to improve the quality of provison for the local children. After leaving Mosi the team headed to the Indian Ocean for a well earnt rest on the beach which provided time for reflection on this unique expedition.

Coaching the Mind - BCU Course

2009-07-03T22:30:00.000+01:00

Based from Totnes Kayaks, ICG ran another "Coaching the mind" course which is a BCU CPD module. A great response was recieved from a diverse audience of coaches and paddlers from the Southwest and even as far away from London.

The course covered: Importance of mental skills training, concentration, imagery, arousal levels and coping with anxiety.

Sea Kayak Coaching

2009-07-03T22:20:00.001+01:00

Wednesday this week we were again blessed with this continual good weather. Our BCU 3 star sea kayaking course was based at Torbay and used the slight sea swell and gentle easterly winds to our advantage.

Equipment selection, personal skills, rock hopping, rescue skills and passage planning were all part of the course.

White Water Kayaking in Europe - June 09

2009-06-27T22:29:00.000+01:00

Spent two weeks on the road paddling new rivers in Switzerland, Italy and France. A great road trip living out of the van and discovering new venues for possible commercial trips in the future. Switzerland offers great grade 3+ rivers for the progressive white water paddler and trains can be used as shuttles. Paddled the Verdon and Ubaye on the way to Briancon to meet my clients for a week of white water paddling. We stayed in gite accommodation, ensuite, freshly prepared local produce each day and great rivers to paddle each day.

Next year International Coaching & Guiding are offering three white water kayaking trips:

March - Pyrenees

June - Alps

August - Slovenia

Isles of Scilly Crossing - May 09

2009-06-27T21:55:00.000+01:00

After 6 hours me and good friend Nick Arding paddled from Sennen to the Isles of Scilley. On leaving the safety of Sennen harbour we made our way towards Longships, and for people who paddle around this part of the coastline know it can be slightly intimidating. The tide was running and large waves formed all around the lighthouse. After passing longships the seas calmed down and made a really comfortable crossing. Once on the Island we booked our ferry back and popped to the pub for a well earned pints.

Will be back in September to spend more time exploring these beautiful islands.

Scillies Commercial Trip 10th - 15th September 09

Cornwall Sea Kayaking & Climbing - April 09

2009-06-27T21:46:00.000+01:00

Took advantage of the good weather and sea conditions to drive down to Cornwall and discover the coastline and even bag a climb or two at Bosigran and Roche Rocks.