British Canoeing

I’m just back from the British Canoeing National Providers Conference. Staying (and training) with Katia either side of a potentially ‘riveting’ program of updates and discussion of delivery and awards structure.

I flew over from the Isle of Man on tuesday lunchtime and was out running along the Leicester canal with Katia late afternoon, returning as evening fell over the city…

Katia captain’s the Demontfort University woman’s rowing, so I’d packed appropriate training gear for my visit : )

Finishing the trip with an early swim (and sauna) at the university health club this morning (Friday), I’ve time to reflect on two of our own programs (Junior Paddlesport & Adventure Club) on the Isle of Man. I’m excited that our pathway meshes well with the modern British Canoeing model, as our team continue to provide the groundwork and opportunity to reach into performance (and competition) if desired.

The trip has been insightful and refreshing!

British Canoeing is rolling out developments are fit for purpose and in-line with the needs and wants of paddlers I’ve spoken to. The processes and the titles given to the evolving qualifications are more intuitive… a really positive culture going forward.

Jon Schofield, double Olympic medalist (London and Rio), spoke during the conference, sharing his perspectives and performance journey. A few of his words : )

Jon “got into (Paddlesport) through cub scouts.”

His experience of Paddlesport was “initially non-competitive” even though Jon has “always had a competitive side to his personality.”

It was an “opportunity to try ‘Wild Water Racing’ locally” that led onto his performance pathway as a junior, and to flat-water racing where Jon would medal in the Olympics.

He set himself the “massive goal” of being the world champion, in his racing discipline.

(within Paddlesport there are) “so many wildly different disciplines that tie in with that common thread”

Future champions; “…you don’t know who it’s going to happen to, often the most unusual (candidates).”

I’ve been travelling and training myself, and observing the full time athletes training at Nottingham (both paddlesport and rowing), and discussing structured training programs for both recreational and competitive paddlers. I’ve chatted with people on physically demanding programs. Collectively, it all provides a balanced view, a window through which to compare our own skills development pathway.

We provide the environment for people to develop their skills and challenge themselves, whilst minimising the risk of real harm. Regular exposure to adventure through personal choice inspires a long-term positive change in perspectives, (how people view life). Fundamentally, coaching in this context is enabling people to see what priorities work for them.  Enabling people to perform in something important to them.

I believe the British Canoeing framework, as an organisation providing life-long people development opportunity, is outstanding. The conference re-affirmed this.

Adventurous Experiences is an accredited British Canoeing centre, with an annual quality assurance inspection covering operating procedures, on the water delivery, risk management and equipment checks. We consistently receive excellent feedback.

As a British Canoeing centre, we deliver British Canoeing coach education and leadership training on the Isle of Man, in addition to personal performance training and awards. 

I am fortunate enough to also deliver education and training in other locations, worldwide : )

Exciting times!

Keirron