British Canoeing Coaching Matters Workshops - SW

Today I was delivering an introduction to white water stand up paddle-boarding as part of the British Canoe Union Coaching Matters update for the South West Region.

The two and a half hour workshop gave the candidates the opportunity to try paddle-boarding on moving water and get some useful hints and tips. However, the main focus of the workshop was safety.

We discussed the use of leashes, were they appropriate on moving water? We talked about the risks of having clients standing up rather than the norm in paddle-sports of sitting/kneeling. With the river being very low, this gave an opportunity to see first hand the issues with fins on the board and trying to run rivers at low level.

Overall it was a really good session despite the low levels.

Kayaking on the River Dart - Loop Section

Today I have been out on the 'Loop' section of the River Dart in Devon. The levels were pretty low but it was still good to get out and help coach on the Cuckmere Valley Canoe Club trip.

Mick and I drove down from Taunton to meet up with Steve, Andy and Dean from Cuckmere Valley who were doen staying on Dartmoor for the weekend. 

We looked at breaking in and out, ferry gliding, 'S' turns and river reading. Mick found some good jets for a spot of tail squirting as you can see in the images. Overall a really good day and great to be back out on the white water.