I was invited to the new Olympic Venue - Lee Valley White Water Centre by Jurg Gotz Head Coach - Canoe Slalom Olympic Podium Programme, this week.
Whilst receiving a personal tour round the venue (opening to the public from Easter) we discussed the project I’m working on. We then had a formal ‘interview’ where Jurg shared his thoughts on Coaching and Leadership - the subject I’m exploring as part of my Level 5 Coach development program. 26 minutes of recording time, conveying 20 years of coaching experience. Jurg then took me to meet other coaches in his team and observe them working with their athletes (our future 2012 Olympic medal winners).
I'm in a very exciting stage of coach development, where the learning curve is accelerating upwards, and each piece of information is confirming beliefs and developing ideas. Having mulled this over - literally since university, the concept for my ‘study’ finally changed into coherent words last year.
I have had the fortune to be helped along this pathway by inspirational and influential characters to whom I attribute much of the work that has already taken place inside my head, reflecting upon experiences and communication of ideas.
Firstly being introduced to paddling by Andy North, at Niarbyl on the West coast Isle of Man, and being greatly inspired by his ability to think 'outside the box' and his many journeys of exploration, whilst I was gaining skills in the local Sea Scouts. Andy has remained a friend throughout and now also forms part of the coaching team at Adventurous Experiences.
Nigel Dennis became my mentor, friend, coach, employer and above all a remarkable leader, during my university days and beyond. His outstanding leadership skills and positive outlook are responsible for many of the prominent successful paddlers on the sea kayaking scene today. The honours part of my Degree was a project on motivation, particularly with the context of paddlesport. The process of reading for my degree began the chain of physical and cognitive events which are now culminating in the present project.
Myself and four of my colleagues who also trained under Nigel Dennis, completed the British Canoe Union (BCU) Level 5 Coach Training in Northern Ireland in 2008. It was at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre for NI that I met Oisin Hallisey and Mike McClure, who were to become my tutor / mentors for this next stage. Both have become good friends of mine, with Mike playing an active role in my coach development.
My afternoon with Jurg Gotz confirmed what I had not fully put to words previously, but sub-consciously has been working away. It has reinforced the confidence that we deliver an outstanding product at Adventurous Experiences, only now I understand a little more as to why.
Our Staff Training program, the Adventure Club, our Youth Scholarship - Development and Leadership Program, Corporate Events and Leadership Training, and our many adventures we share in every day.
The discussion with Jurg will also form a pivotal part in my project.
To everyone who has contributed their time, knowledge and experience.
Many Thanks.
Keirron
Whilst receiving a personal tour round the venue (opening to the public from Easter) we discussed the project I’m working on. We then had a formal ‘interview’ where Jurg shared his thoughts on Coaching and Leadership - the subject I’m exploring as part of my Level 5 Coach development program. 26 minutes of recording time, conveying 20 years of coaching experience. Jurg then took me to meet other coaches in his team and observe them working with their athletes (our future 2012 Olympic medal winners).
I'm in a very exciting stage of coach development, where the learning curve is accelerating upwards, and each piece of information is confirming beliefs and developing ideas. Having mulled this over - literally since university, the concept for my ‘study’ finally changed into coherent words last year.
I have had the fortune to be helped along this pathway by inspirational and influential characters to whom I attribute much of the work that has already taken place inside my head, reflecting upon experiences and communication of ideas.
Firstly being introduced to paddling by Andy North, at Niarbyl on the West coast Isle of Man, and being greatly inspired by his ability to think 'outside the box' and his many journeys of exploration, whilst I was gaining skills in the local Sea Scouts. Andy has remained a friend throughout and now also forms part of the coaching team at Adventurous Experiences.
Nigel Dennis became my mentor, friend, coach, employer and above all a remarkable leader, during my university days and beyond. His outstanding leadership skills and positive outlook are responsible for many of the prominent successful paddlers on the sea kayaking scene today. The honours part of my Degree was a project on motivation, particularly with the context of paddlesport. The process of reading for my degree began the chain of physical and cognitive events which are now culminating in the present project.
Myself and four of my colleagues who also trained under Nigel Dennis, completed the British Canoe Union (BCU) Level 5 Coach Training in Northern Ireland in 2008. It was at Tollymore National Outdoor Centre for NI that I met Oisin Hallisey and Mike McClure, who were to become my tutor / mentors for this next stage. Both have become good friends of mine, with Mike playing an active role in my coach development.
My afternoon with Jurg Gotz confirmed what I had not fully put to words previously, but sub-consciously has been working away. It has reinforced the confidence that we deliver an outstanding product at Adventurous Experiences, only now I understand a little more as to why.
Our Staff Training program, the Adventure Club, our Youth Scholarship - Development and Leadership Program, Corporate Events and Leadership Training, and our many adventures we share in every day.
The discussion with Jurg will also form a pivotal part in my project.
To everyone who has contributed their time, knowledge and experience.
Many Thanks.
Keirron
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