The power of Facebook

Due to joining Facebook, I am no longer going to keep this BLOG updated, however my Facebook page will keep you informed of what I have been up to, courses and trips available and the latest news in coaching.

In Sept I am starting a MSc in Performance Coaching and will share my research and thoughts on various subjects, so please add me as a friend so we can keep in touch


          https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lee-Pooley/408824519231215?ref=hl

The build up towards our trip around Britain

April and the days into May have been busy ones, with carrying out technical advisor visits for local companies getting them ready for the season ahead, and working for Canoe England supporting directors through the quality assurance and internal verification process.

I have also been involved in running several coach education programmes, leaders awards and personal coaching on the sea. The weather has been varied and we have seen some really nice conditions but on other occasions some challenging days.


In between the work, the training has continued, out on the bike, regular days in the boat and trying out equipment to see if it is fit for purpose for the 2400 mile trip around our coastline.

Sponsors have been extremely generous by providing food, boats, paddles, clothing and much more. All such items have had to be looked at to see if it will withstand the conditions expected over the three months.

So this will be my last entry for awhile, but please follow us on our trip around Britain on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/AB4Bpages

Join us on a beach clean or donate to our charities the MCS and CLIC

Congratulations

A huge congratulations to both Darren Joy and Sean Rider for passing their BCU Level 5 Assessment this weekend. I have really enjoyed being their mentor over the past few years and hope that our working relationship continues. It's so good to be involved and see such talented coaches. Well done guys

A cold spring and now rain and winds

SEA PADDLING COURSES

Its been a busy month running not only the usual BCU/UKCC Coaching Courses and seeing such passionate new coaches coming into the scheme but also a full on programme of sea paddling programmes.

Its been great working alongside Howard Jeffs again. Howards enthusiasm, and knowledge is extensive. Together we ran a 4 star sea assessment, coastal navigation and open water navigation course and 5 star sea programme.

BCU 5 Star Sea Training

With the run up to the trip around Britain, me and Nick have been busy putting the boats and our bodies through their paces. Experimenting with boat set ups. equipment and nutrition.  Roll on the 17th May - I just want to get started now (as long as the winds calm down and it gets warmer!!!!)

Navigation day for GBROW13 Team Savoir Faire

This week i have had the pleasure of meeting a team competing in the GBROW2013 http://www.gbrowchallenge.com/ race starting from Tower Bridge on the 1st June. Both Jason and Josh from Salcombe made contact with me to spend the day looking at their route, influences of tidal streams and weather throughout their adventure.

 

After a day ploughing over charts, tidal stream atlases and synoptic weather charts the Savoir Faire team were happy with the skills acquired and really understand the benefits of using the tides to their advantage.

Follow their preparation and epic race details  on http://gbrow2013.com/index.html and on facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Savoir-Faire-UK-Rowing-World-Record/329841720462430

                                               GOOD LUCK GUYS AND CALM SEAS

Wet at first and then a cold February

This month has been a complete mixed bag of weather, river levels and bitterly cold eatery winds!!!

At the begining of the month I landed on my feet completely running three BCU WWSR courses and a BCU AWWSR course and two BCU 4 Star Inland Leaders training courses for local colleges and a club from Sussex.  Conditions were perfect for practical application of the skills required to keep safe in a moderate and advanced moving water environment.

Mid February we saw a change in the weather, although good friend Gavin Lewis was blessed on his wedding day with wall to wall sun, Gavin married his wife Mandi, a great day guys, thanks a really perfect day. All the best for the future.

As always this time of year we see many coach education programmes being run and yet again I have had the pleasure of working alongside some really insiprational directors and tutors working hard to provide some outstanding courses and providing the candidates with a great platform to start their coaching in paddlesport.

On a cold windy day I ran a two day 3 star canoe programe for Tris, Simon and Trevor, the first day we were on the Dart Estuary sailing in some great conditions.  After a long day one they moved to Exeter for the next day to run the weirs, carry out rescues and specific skills workshops.

At the end of February I ran a BCU Moderate Water Endorsement (Sea), based from Brixham we had ideal moderate water conditions for the programme. Well done guys and thanks to the mock students, Tris, Simon and Rich.

 

BCU AWE / 5 Star & night time training

BCU 5 Star Training & Advanced Water Endorsement

In between Xmas and New Year we were treated to good water levels and due to demand I was able to run a BCU 5 Star Inland Training, based on the Dart and Erme. 


The following weekend a very strong team of candidates attended a BCU Advanced Water Endorsement training course, including a current Level 5 coach and two aspriant Level 5 coaches, both procedding to their assessment in April this year.  The two day programme was spent examining coaching in advanced conditions, including personal skills and development, specific site coaching choice, tactics, control of arousal levels, building confidence and coaching on the move.





Night time training

After working on coach education programmes throughout the last few weeks, we have been venturing out during night time hours to develop and practice night time navigation on land and sea. 

2013 Winter/Spring courses

A full programme of events and courses are set before me and Nick Arding head off on our next adventure, Around Britain paddle in May.

The courses listed below are ones I am independently running and if any of these interest you please do not hesitate in contacting me for further details or a booking form to secure your place.

INLAND COURSES

Course: BCU Advanced Water Endorsement Training
Date:     6th & 7th January 2013                                              FULL
Cost:     £150
Venue: South West Rivers

Course: BCU 4 Star Inland Leaders Assessment
Date:     26th & 27th February 2013
Cost:     £150
Venue:  South West Rivers


CANOE COURSES

Course: BCU 3 Star Canoe
Date:     20th & 21st February 2013
Cost:     £90
Venue:  River Dart, Devon

SEA COURSES

Course: BCU Moderate Water Endorsement Sea
Date:     25th & 26th February 2013
Cost:     £150
Venue: South West Coast, Devon/Cornwall

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 4 Star Sea Leaders Assessment
Date:     24th & 25th April 2013
Cost:     £165
Venue: South West Coast, Devon/Cornwall

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.