BCU/UKCC Level 1 in Cornwall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!!