Off to the Lakes to Run a Summer Mountain Proficiency

Heading North to the Lovely Lakes to run a Summer Mountain Proficiency Course over 5 days. Looks like the weather is on the change, should be interesting walking.

Just returned from the Scottish Mountains and rivers

Just returned from the mountains and rivers of Scotland. Fantastic weather although very ,very little water about. Had a couple of good days on the Awe and Garry, both on releases. Thanks to Scottish Power, and Hydro releases.

UKCC Level 2 Transfer course 20th May 2011 - Bath Canoe Club

I am directing  a UKCC level 2 transfer course at BCC. This course is now completely full. We will look at current and new skills, practice structures, delivery and learning styles, the level 2 portfolio and journey towards level 2 assessment. Then a practical session in the afternoon, delivering sessions using all areas developed during the the first three quarters.

UKCC Level 1 course 30th April - 1st May 2011 - North Wales

Running this course for the Cadet Centre for Adventure Training , based in North Wales. Almost full, with 11 candidates on the course. Worked the first weekend and split venues between PYB and Lyn Padarn. Blessed with pretty good weather, although the wind presented some challenges as always.

I hope the heads are not too full up with information, process it all and see you all in a couple of weeks time.

Just completed the second weekend, we had a couple of deferrals (4) relating to personal paddling skills. The new 2 star assessment must be taken seriously,otherwise assessors are just setting candidates up for deferrals on these courses. whinge over with....

Foundation Safety and Rescue Training 26th April 2011 - Bristol.

Just because i had a spare day to play with i thought i would fit in a FSRT course. Fantastic weather, lots of practice time for the candidates, which is very important. Like all FSRT courses i run, almost impossible to fit all the course aims into one day. Remember to keep practicing those skills........

BCU -UKCC Level 1 - Mid Wales number 2

 The second course at mid wales, lots of fun, great session delivery and really motivated group of coaches. Personal skills were very good, although we did need to revise some of the FSRT skills and allow practice time. Once again the weather was fantastic, although very little water to be found, even there lake was getting low. Great course, thanks to the students and my second in command - Andy Ing

Saturday 9th April 2011 - Level 2 Assessment - Chippenham Canoe Club

After checking out the candidate portfolios and arranging a suitable assessment date, we went firm on this date. The candidates had a suitable selection of real candidates, gaped between 1 and 2 star, the weather was behaving and there was just enough water to make a journey up stream on the river Avon possible.

Well done to Daz and Martin, successful outcomes for you both and i already know your certificates have been returned. Happy coaching....

April 6th - Level 2 transfer - Bath Canoe Club

I delivered a level 2 transfer course, utilising the facilities at Bath Canoe Club, many thanks to Jon for arranging this at short notice. There were three candidates on the course, all with very different backgrounds and perceptions about the new UKCC approach to paddle sport coaching.

I am very confidant that all candidates have a true understanding of the new awards and have been fully inducted to the "new way"of coaching. Very positive responses from all involved. Good luck with the transition and your future assessments

BCU - UKCC Level 1 Wales

Another great course, this time delivered in mid wales and utilising on site facilities at manor adventure and the Brecon Canal. Fantastic food and accommodation, really engaging group of motivated new instructors,all with spot on skills and current rescue skills.

April 15th - 1 to 1 Coaching - River Avon

 1-2-1 coaching on 2 star skills for Juri, all the way from Qatar. An exceptional individual with lots of very natural talent, making the whole coaching experience worth every minute.

Juri had a goal to meet so that he could register for a big adventure race, we set about the day looking at basic safety and rescue, then identifying a start point for which to begin the coaching pathway. A great days coaching, made even better by an inspirational individual.

BCU- UKCC level 1 course France - 11 -14 April 2011 - Manor Adventure

The first of three courses back to back with Manor Adventure, whom i have just finished with. A really great course, highly motivated staff and very friendly environment to work in. So a big thanks to Davy, centre manager and all staff who made us very welcome.

Successful outcomes for all involved with the course , despite the limited equipment. We went off site for a day to experience the local river, and small slalom site. All very entertaining, and really valuable for the staff to get outside the bubble and have to deal with loading of boats and a very different venue.

Great trip.

4 star White Water assessment 2 & 3 April 2011 - North Wales

A fantastic weekend,very lucky with a break in the weather and water just at the right time. Candidates felt as though they had been assessed, and the conditions were ideal, technical and required a good level a river reading and leadership. Day 1 was spent on the Llugwry, managing two runs from the falls to Capel Curig camp. For day 2  we were lucky enough to have sufficient water to run the upper Conwy, a great section for the leadership day and a second chance to look at individual skills, in a real 4 star environment.

Finally made the escape from Scotland, after a hard winter getting the site and centre ready