BCAB Coaching Podcast: Recent Episodes
britishcanoeingcoaching
The British Canoeing Coaching Podcast is an opportunity for you to listen to our Coach Developers and England Talent Programme coaches talk about a range of subjects. There will be a range of guests involved in this podcast, all with a wealth of knowledge to share. Join Lee Pooley, Sid Sinfield and Daniel Thompson in our range of episodes.
In this final episode of series 7 of the Coaching Podcast, your host, Georgina Maxwell, hands over the microphone to our new host, Emma Love.
Based in the East Midlands, UK, Emma Love began paddling at the age of 46. In 2021 she set up her coaching business, Wotbikini Stand Up Paddleboarding, with a simple but powerful aim: to support women in building their skills, knowledge and confidence on the water, while creating a strong sense of community. Emma’s ongoing fascination with all things coaching has led her to progress as a provider in the Sheltered Water environment and to begin her Performance Coach pathway.
Recognised by Paddle UK for her commitment to supporting women on the water, Emma has been a #ShePaddles Ambassador and was shortlisted two years running for the Delivery Partner Awards in the Quality and Engagement categories.
Alongside paddling, Emma began writing, with articles first published online by Paddle UK. Over the past three years she has interviewed inspiring women coaches, providers, paddlers and fellow #ShePaddles Ambassadors for SUPMag UK, sharing their individual journeys and experiences from across the sport.
And when she’s not on a paddleboard, Emma is more often than not exploring white water kayaking. And always with a huge splash of laughter!
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In this episode of the Coaching Podcast your host, Georgina Maxwell, talks with Ollie Sandeman.
Ollie brings over twenty years of industry experience to every trip and coaching session. Ollie has worked extensively as a freelance paddlesport coach, guide, and Paddle UK provider for multiple organisations across the UK. He also spent 15 months living and working in New Zealand, where he safety kayaked and ran an ecological kayak tour company. Living on the West Coast of the South Island gave Ollie access to some of the best white water New Zealand has to offer, right on his doorstep.
Ollie has also paddled extensively throughout Wales, Scotland, the French Alps, and in Sweden and Italy. He has led multiple canoe expeditions into the Canadian Wilderness.
Ollie believes it is essential for any coach to remain active and passionate. He regularly pushes his personal development on the amazing white water of North Wales, taking annual, personal canoe expeditions in Scotland, and is always seeking the next challenge.
Ollie founded the ‘Sandeman Canoe Company’ in 2019 and although taking a two-year break to serve as the Head of Paddlesports at Plas y Brenin, he eventually returned to where his heart lies: running the Sandeman Canoe Company.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In this episode of the Coaching Podcast your host, Georgina Maxwell, speaks with George Fell.
George is a paddler first, but also a coach and coach educator. He's based in the Scottish Highlands and loves Sea Kayaks, Open Canoes, White Water Kayaks and the entertaining people who choose to sit inside them. Over the last thirty something years, he's had lots of adventures around the world, and he's now not sure whether to be proud of the achievements or ashamed of the environmental impact!
George loves thinking about how paddling works and how people learn, but also loves being in the moment, on a wave, just reacting and not thinking at all. In this podcast, George will explore what makes a good coach and how to continually improve as a coach. As a metrologist, he also touches on the topic of environmental impact.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In this episode of the Coaching Podcast your host, Georgina Maxwell, speaks with Jamie Greenhalgh.
Jamie is a specialist, white water kayaking coach and is on the BCAB White Water Technical Group. His business, Paddle365, delivers white water skills courses throughout the year as well as leadership, coaching and safety training for Paddle UK. His approach to coaching prioritises learning through adventure and challenge, and helping paddlers to feel the joy of skilful movement in a boat.
In this episode, we discuss how good technique can be used to maintain a happy paddling body by lining up your limbs to create a system of load-sharing while paddling. This takes the pressure away from individual joints and has a side effect of making you more efficient, more powerful and more stable in the boat.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In this episode of the Coaching Podcast your host, Georgina Maxwell, speaks with Will Copestake.
Born in the north west Highlands of Scotland, Will is a passionate kayaker and general outdoors enthusiast. As the operator of Kayak Summer Isles, a small sea kayaking company in his hometown of Ullapool, Will spends most of his summers sharing adventures on the Scottish west coast by sea kayak. In the winter, he has spent a decade guiding and exploring the fjords of Chilean Patagonia and more recently Antarctica. Will’s coaching philosophy is to provide his guests with the skills and knowledge they need to experience meaningful adventure through their own tools, confidence and comfort.
Will has a degree in Environmental Science and Outdoor Education and is passionate in sharing what he knows of the wonders of ornithology, geology, zoology and ecology on his trips.
Will has enjoyed numerous personal expeditions around the world and is most known for his ‘Machair to Munro’ expedition, a 364 day long epic to circumnavigate Scotland by kayak and complete a largely winter ascent of Scotland's 282 Munro mountains. For this, he was awarded both Scottish and UK National Adventurer of the Year in 2015. This was followed by a round of the 222 winter Corbett mountains in 2017. In Patagonia, Will has explored over 2000km of the Chilean fjords by kayak over a number of self-supported expeditions. Most recently, Will embarked on a 280km solo adventure through the western fjords of Norway in a fold up kayak.
You can find Will by his business www.kayaksummerisles.com or on socials under @WillCopestake.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In this episode of the Coaching Podcast, Georgina speaks to Ken Hughes. Ken is one of Europe's top canoeists, a Paddle UK national trainer, mountain climbing instructor, technical adviser, and ambassador. This is Ken's second Paddle UK podcast, having previously discussed coaching canoeing with Pete Catterall. Ken runs a wide variety of Paddle UK courses but significantly is wider known for his skills, and his development programs.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Happy International Women’s Day 2026! In this special episode of the Coaching Podcast, Georgina talks all things Women’s Health with a focus on paddling with her guest Dr Jagruti Amin (Jag) who has been a white water kayaker since 2013 and is a member of Paddle UK. It’s an almost hour long whirlwind tour from the teenage years through to the menopause, with something in it for everyone. There’s a crib sheet with resources and links available so you don’t have to scribble them down.
Jag is a GMC registered Dr (4645311) who qualified and started seeing patients in 1999 but had to give up her Licence to Practise in 2018 because of psoriatic arthritis. After studying medicine at the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford she started her career in hospitals training in medicine. She started specialist training in Haematology before deciding to move to the world of General Practice in 2006 which included a 6 month training post in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. As a fully fledged GP she had an interest in Women’s Health, Contraception, Sexual Health and Safeguarding. For several years she also held separate roles as a Contraception and Sexual health Dr and a Named GP for Safeguarding Children. She was involved in medical politics as a representative on her Local Medical Council. Despite no longer seeing patients she’s remained passionate about Women’s Health and women advocating for themselves. A special thanks goes to Dr Kaye Brennan who is a GP, a Specialist Sports & Exercise Medicine Dr, a Council Member of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine and also works for the Ministry of Defence for her help and guidance in some of the more specialist areas in this podcast.
The information provided in this podcast and the associated resources are current as of 26th February 2026. A reminder that the information is not individual medical advice and that any personal medical issues that come to light should be discussed with your own healthcare professional (such as a GP, Consultant, Specialist Nurse, Midwife, or Health Visitor). Dr Amin has not received any payment for this podcast, and is not sponsored by any organisation or company.
All resources and links are current as of 26th February 2026 and are NOT to be used independently of the podcast. They do not constitute medical advice. All personal medical issues must be discussed with your own healthcare professional.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
NHS Website: www.nhs.uk as a start for everything
Women & Sport
- Women in Sport ‘Reframing Sport for Teenage Girls Tackling Teenage Disengagement’ 2022 https://womeninsport.org/ wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2022-Reframing-Sport-for-Teenage-Girls-Tackling-Teenage-Disengagement.pdf
- Call it What it is Period https://thewell-hq.com/menstrual-cycle/calling-it-a-period-and-only-a-period-matters/
- The Red Box Project https://redboxproject.org/
- Also look at the British Rowing & British Swimming websites
Nutrition
- Project RED-S red-s.com
- BEAT https://www.beateatiorg.uk/
- UK Sports Institute Nutrition Guidelines https://uksportsinstico.uk/resource/sports-nutrition-fundamentals-to-improve-performance/
- The British Dietetic Association https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/sport-exercise-nutritihtml
- NHS Vitamin D Guidance https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/
All things Period, Contraception & Sexual Health
- Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/browse-our-patient-information/
- Brook https://www.brook.org.uk/
- Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/
- National Association for Premenstrual Syndromes https://www.pms.org.uk/
- A Young Person’s Guide to Premenstrual Syndromes https://www.pms.org.uk/app/uploads/2021/09/A-Young-Persons-Guide-to-Premenstrual-Syndromes-8.pdf
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome https://www.verity-pcos.org.uk/
- Endometriosis https://www.endometriosis-uk.org
- Contraception & Sexual Health COSRH https://www.contraceptiorg/
- Sexual Health Clinic Information https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/
Menstrual Cycle Training & Injuries
- British Journal of Sports Medicine Blog 2025 https://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2025/11/03/can-the-menstrual-cycle-phase-impact-sports-performance/
- UEFA Consensus Statement on Menstrual Cycle Tracking in Football 21st September 2025 https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/ content/11/3/e002769
Teenagers & Exercise
- Models used: The “Control–Capacity–Sport” model, The 4-Stage Youth Return-to-Sport Framework, The IOC “Youth Athlete Development Model”, Graduated loading principles (10% rule, staged impact progression)
- A non UK article from Sport New Zealand https://balanceisbettorg.nz/how-much-is-too-much-when-it-comes-to-youth-sport/
Pelvic Floor
- Pelvic Obstetrics & Gynaecology Physiotherapy https://thepogp.co.uk/patient_information/pelvic_health_advice.aspx
- Squeezy App £2.99 https://squeezyapp.com/women/about-squeezy-for-women/
- Commercial devices with feedback Perifit & Elvie
Pregnancy (In partnership with your healthcare professionals)
- International Olympic Committee https://stillmed.olympics.com/media/Documents/Athletes/Medical-Scientific/
Consensus-Statements/BJSM-Exercise-and-pregnancy-in-recreational-and-elite-athletes-Part-5-recommendations-for-health-professionals-and-active-women.pdf
Pregnancy Continued (In partnership with your healthcare professionals)
- NHS Website https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/
- UK Guidelines for Activity in Pregnancy https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/620a28288fa8f54916f45dfc/ physical-activity-for-pregnant-women.pdf & https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/exercise/
- Faculty of Sports & Exercise Medicine (FSEM) Moving Medicine Patient Information https://movingmedicine.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Pregnancy_Patipdf
- Active Pregnancy Foundation Questionnaire ‘Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy’ https:// activepregnancyfoundation.org/_files/ugd/4c66ce_88e9ebbdad8748e7ab75d67815c76dcc.pdf
- Pelvic Obstetric & Gynaecological Physiotherapy https://thepogp.co.uk/patient_information/ pregnancy_and_early_postnatal.aspx
- Tommy’s The Pregnancy & Baby Charity https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/calculators-tools-resources
- UK Sport Pregnancy Guidance and Support for UK Sport Funded Athletes see the risk assessment for funded athletes https://www.uksport.gov.uk/resources/pregnancy-guidance The advice in this guidance is NOT for recreational athletes
Maternal Mental Health
- NHS Advice https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/pregnancy/mental-health-and-pregnancy/
- https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/about-maternal-mental-health/
Post Partum (In partnership with your healthcare professionals)
- NHS postpartum Exercise Information https://www.nhs.uk/baby/support-and-services/keeping-fit-and-healthy-with-a-baby/
- Pelvic Obstetric & Gynaecological Physiotherapy https://thepogp.co.uk/patient_information/ pregnancy_and_early_postnatal.aspx
- FSEM Moving Medicine Post Partum Patient Information Leaflet https://movingmedicine.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/06/Post-partum_Patient_info_leaflet_2020-v2-1.pdf
- FSEM Moving Medicine Patient Information https://movingmedicine.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Physical-activity-recommendations-post-natal.pdf
- FSEM Moving Medicine Patient Workbook https://movingmedicine.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Patient-workbook-170925.pdf
- FSEM Moving Medicine Post Natal Pre Screening for Readiness Flowchart https://movingmedicine.ac.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2025/06/Flowchart.pdf
Menopause
- National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines 2024 https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23/ informationforpublic
- The British Menopause Society https://thebms.org.uk/education/principles-practice-of-menopause-care/bms-ppmc-resources-toolkit/where-can-i-find-trusted-information-for-women-and-their-partners/
- Women’s Health Concern https://www.womens-health-concern.org/
- Royal Osteoporosis Society https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/bone-health/exercise-for-bones/how-to-build-up-exercise-for-your-bone-strength/
- NHS Guidance for Exercise https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise
- Diet & The Menopause https://www.womens-health-concern.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/31-WHC-FACTSHEET-Weight-Gain-and-menopause-JUNE2023-A.pdf
Coaches
- Sport Scotland Free Learning Resources https://learning.sportscotland.org.uk/catalog?pagename=Work-with-female-
athletes
Covering many of the subjects talked about in the podcast
- Women in Sport Podcasts https://womeninsport.org/explore-the-issues/podcast/
- British Association of Sports & Exercise Medicine (BASEM) Podcasts & Female Athlete Health Page https://basem.co.uk/spotlight-on-sem-podcast-series/
- Podcasts from Faculty of Sport & Exercise Medicine
RED-S (2025) https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-em4tt-17c642c
Sports Nutrition (2024) https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ba993-15b5940
Version 1. 26th February 2026
Dr Jagruti Amin GMC 4645311
In this episode of the Coaching Podcast, your host Georgina Maxwell talks to Alex Littlechild about kayak progression, waterfall techniques and creek boating. Alex discusses his ‘trifecta’ theory of creek boating, which categorises paddlers into mathematicians, reactionists, and expressionists. He emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, explaining how he uses video analysis, peer feedback, and constant repetition to master complex freestyle moves. Throughout the conversation, Alex provides practical advice for aspiring kayakers. Alex started his paddling journey on the Thames and has dedicated his life to chasing, flow state, waterfalls and skill mastery. He is an international white water coach, working for businesses around the world, teaching advanced kayakers to master their waterfall technique and working with young people on their first time in a kayak on white water. Alex has a passion for downriver freestyle, waterfall kayaking and white water philosophy; all of which are touched upon in this episode. To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Andy Kettlewell has been on the water since he was nine years old — one six-week intro course and he was hooked for life. From early days jumping into every boat he could find, to a decade of mastering slalom racing at the top level, Andy’s swapped racing gates for raw adventure.
These days, Andy’s all about chasing the fun — big rivers, bigger drops, and even bigger adventures. Now a proud, sponsored paddler for Palm Equipment, he’s transferred the precision of a slalom racer to the wild side of white water, sharing stories from epic expeditions and the lessons learned along the way.
In this episode of the Coaching podcast, Andy talks with your host Georgina Maxwell about those learnings he’s transferred between the two disciplines and some insight into learnings a white water kayaker can take from that.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In this episode of the Coaching Podcast, your host Georgina Maxwell discusses All Things Coaching with Lowri Davies.
Lowri has been working at the cutting edge of white water coaching and guiding around the world for almost 20 years. Her North Wales-based company, FlowFree, runs the full spectrum of white water and freestyle courses as well as some exciting overseas trips to places such as the Zambezi and Norway. Lowri's passion for helping each paddler to unlock the most joy from their paddling experiences has led to a strong reputation for her work on mindset and confidence, as well as in the fields of advanced white water and freestyle. She combines all of these aspects on FlowFree's renowned "Grade 3 shenanigans" and "Play the River" courses. She's also the lead organiser for DeeFest - a festival that focuses on inclusivity, community, silliness and above all good fun!
In this episode, Lowri and Georgina discuss the evolution of coaching, emphasising the need to move beyond rigid rules towards a more progressive culture that encourages confidence in learners. Lowri advocates for teaching concepts and variables rather than fixed strategies, allowing paddlers to explore and adapt to dynamic water conditions. She highlights a key element of performance and confidence is connectivity and proper boat outfitting, stressing the importance of maximizing body-to-kayak contact to ensure comfort, control, and effective power transfer. Lowri’s current focus is on maintaining a playful mindset in kayaking and enjoying the learning curve of her new venture into surf kayaking.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Richard and Georgina discuss the importance of personal experience in coaching and leading expeditions, as well as risk management in remote locations and the necessity of contingency and repair kits due to the increased probability of equipment failure over time. Richard also distinguishes between the roles of a leader and a guide, and introduces the 1, 2, 3 Mentoring model to foster growth and shared knowledge.
Richard Harpham is an Adventurer, Author, Speaker and Social Entrepreneur. His lifetime of adventures include over 15,000 miles of expeditions in wilderness locations by ski, bike, kayak, canoe and SUP.
His adventures include canoeing the Yukon, sea kayaking 1,000 miles from Vancouver to Alaska, London to Marrakech by bike and kayak, as well as sea kayaking the channel 3 times. The New York Spare Seat Kayak Expedition won the international travel marketing award valued at 1 million dollar PR campaign and was shared with over 200 million people. Richard has paddled over 100 UK destinations to research and compile a new book, Great British Paddling Adventures. His latest adventure has been to build an off-grid farm house and farm to restore orchards.
Richard has featured on regional TV and BBC1 on many occasions covering his adventure exploits and speaks regularly to schools and national shows about building adventure and the great outdoors into their lives.
Richard has explored much of the UK hiking, biking and paddling, seeking out hidden gems and forgotten trails in his spare time, whether wild camping or embracing van life, he is often found well off the beaten track with his four dogs in tow.
Rich and his wife Ash run Canoe Trail, A Paddle UK Delivery Partner, watersports, expeditions and adventure business with 20 instructors and coaches. Canoe Trail has several staff who are providers of Paddle UK qualifications including Paddle Sports Instructor, PSRC, PSL, Touring Leader, SUP Instructor and the Guide Modules. Canoe Trail run 14 expeditions a year plus the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme . See more here www.canoetrail.co.uk
www.richadventure.com
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Doug Cooper has worked as an instructor, coaching and guiding for over 35 years, with a passion for sharing knowledge in a way that empowers others to develop their skills, experience and confidence to achieve their outdoor goals. For the last 25 years, a focus of Doug’s coaching has been paddlesport coach/leadership development where he provides training/assessment courses to support future instructors. His specialism is sea kayaking and in this he has published Sea Kayak Handling and Rough Water Sea Kayak Handling, both books designed to support paddlers to develop their skills; this to hopefully take them on trips they aspire to achieve. Doug’s passion is sharing knowledge and doing this by taking people to good places, to do good things when sea kayaking!
https://scottishseakayaking.co.uk/
Paddling smart – the technical and tactical consideration for working with your kayak and the environment to make life easier.
This podcast conversation will use turning in the wind as the basis to explore the concept of how if we ‘listen to our kayak’ and ‘feel what our kayak’ wants to do and how it is interacting with the environment, it will help us become more efficient in our paddling. This, done by considering how things like speed, trim and timing can be used as tactics to make turning in the wind easier by helping the kayak do what it naturally wants to do in the wind; then considering which technical strokes we can then add to aid this further. Having explored this as a concept, we finish the conversation by considering how this can then be taken into other environments, perhaps rock hopping, tide or surf; and maybe adding further tactical considerations of angle, positioning and edge while always listening and feeling what the kayak wants to do and then adding technical strokes to help it. It’s all about understanding what works and then ‘paddling smart’ to hopefully make life easier!
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Georgina Maxwell hosts the first episode of series 7 of the Coaching Podcast, chatting all things River Play with Chris Evans.
Chris grew up paddling on the Thames where slalom and freestyle kayaking were all the rage, at the age of sixteen he was taken to a ‘real’ river and the rest is history. Twenty six years later and he’s not only keeping the slalom and freestyle in his river paddling but he’s now coaching the movements as part of his work as a full time paddlesport coach. Chris is also part of the British Canoeing Awarding Body EQA team.
Georgina and Chris discuss –
- all the elements behind playing the river, from finding the joy of a soul surf to impressing your mates with the often-illusive endless tailies.
- how to get started and what would make a suitable river play kayak
- how to get one step ahead of a boats movement when being pushed around in moving water
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Chris is officially handing the podcast to Georgina Maxwell for the next 12 months!
Georgina will be taking the microphone and interviewing a whole host of different guests focusing on the technical and tactical elements of coaching different paddlesport disciplines.
Georgina lives in the north of Scotland and is predominantly a white water paddler but comes with a whole range of paddlesport experience. Georgina is also a winter mountaineering climbing instructor and has a diverse range of knowledge to bring to the podcast. Having worked at Glenmore Lodge, Plas-y-Brenin, with the British military amongst a whole host of other paddlers, clubs and groups, Georgina is a well known and well respected paddler and coach.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
A big thank you to Chris for the last 12 months. All of his previous episodes can be downloaded here if you need to catch up:
https://britishcanoeingcoaching.podbean.com/
Ray Goodwin is back for part two of his conversation with Chris, talking about his extensive experience of coaching paddlers.
Ray Goodwin is a world-renowned canoeist, coach, and author. He has been paddling for over 50 years. Ray has coached paddlers of all ages and abilities and is known for his patient and encouraging approach and his ability to help paddlers overcome their fears and reach their full potential. Ray is a true pioneer in the world of canoeing, he has helped to shape the sport and has inspired countless paddlers around the world. He is a true legend and his legacy will continue to inspire paddlers for generations to come.
The topics discussed by Chris and Ray include:
- Breaking in and out of an eddy
- Modifying turns using the paddle
- Canoe Sailing
- Using video as a tool within coaching
- Continuing to stay motivated as a paddler and current as a coach
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Ray Goodwin is the guest for this episode talking to Chris about his lifetime coaching paddlesport.
Ray Goodwin is a world-renowned canoeist, coach, and author. He has been paddling for over 50 years. Ray has coached paddlers of all ages and abilities and is known for his patient and encouraging approach and his ability to help paddlers overcome their fears and reach their full potential. Ray is a true pioneer in the world of canoeing, he has helped to shape the sport and has inspired countless paddlers around the world. He is a true legend and his legacy will continue to inspire paddlers for generations to come.
The topics discussed by Chris and Ray include:
- Ray’s journey into paddlesports.
- Building relationships, understanding clients' needs, and adapting to suit their individual experiences and skill levels.
- Listening to clients, acknowledging their fears, and creating a positive and encouraging learning environment.
- Continuous learning, challenging established ideas and trying new approaches.
- The inner game, a concept focusing on the mental aspects of skill acquisition.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Gareth Wilson is the guest for this episode talking to Chris Brain about Raft Coaching.
Gareth Wilson is a Level 4 coach, has an MSc is Coaching from Loughborough University and the interim head of slalom operations. Whilst a majority of Gareth's coaching over the last 16 years has been in the world of canoe slalom, he has also coached white water rafting on the international stage. He's explored his practice across a number of paddlesports and is a qualified basketball and a trained Co-Active coach. He loves discussing coaching over a cup of tea or whilst out for a long run and relishes the opportunity to learn from other people, practices and professions.
The topics discussed by Chris and Gareth:
- Teamwork in rafting
- Coaching techniques
- On- and off-water coaching
- Giving feedback to a team
- Community in rafting
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Caz Dawson is the guest for this episode of the coaching podcast, talking to Chris Brain about coaching stand up paddleboarding.
Caz delivers a broad range of SUP coaching and guided adventures through her business SUP Lass Paddle Adventures, based in Northeast Wales. From beginner sessions through to multi day trips, she caters for all levels and paddle abilities. She specialises in SUP, being both a White Water Coach and Coastal Leader. She is currently an aspirant tutor, working towards a number of SUP award providerships.
Caz is a Paddle UK Delivery Partner and earlier this year won the Commitment to the Environment award for her sustainable business practices.
For further information visit: www.suplass.com or give SLPA a follow on Facebook or Instagram.
The topics discussed by Chris and Caz include:
- Beginner SUP Coaching Techniques
- Advanced SUP Coaching and Skill Development
- SUP Turning Techniques
- Whitewater SUP Skills
- Coastal SUP Skills
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Ian Adey is the guest for this episode of the coaching podcast, talking to Chris Brain about coaching white water kayaking.
Ian is a Level 5 Kayak Coach and Advanced Canoe Coach who runs Kinetic Paddlesports based in the Lake District. He got hooked on watersports in his early teens and is still obsessed.
Ian is passionate about passing on the most up to date technical knowledge and modern techniques. His focus is on explaining paddling with simple terms, free of jargon. He is a firm believer that what we coach beginner and intermediate paddlers should still work in advanced conditions, and continue to work wherever people take their paddling.
The topics discussed by Chris and Ian include:
- Common misconceptions for white water paddling
- Edging vs leaning
- Vertical paddle strokes
- Self-analysis and use of video when coaching
- Evolution of white water techniques
- Remembering to play on the river
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Hannah Brown is the guest for this episode of the coaching podcast, talking to Chris Brain about coaching racing.
Hannah currently works as a Podium Technical Coach within the Great British Paranoe team in Nottingham, recently returned from the most successful Paralympic Games in Paris. Previous to this she has spent nearly two decades enjoying a range of racing disciplines in paddlesport, ranging from winning World Championships in Wild Water Racing to being a long standing member of the Sprint Canoe Women's Kayak Team. Still coaching across the pathways in Wild Water racing, she brings a naturally analytic view of coaching from her background in Performance Analysis, alongside a range of coaching skills from different experiences within race disciplines.
The topics discussed by Chris and Hannah include:
- The complex role of a race coach
- Identifying areas for small competitive gains
- The balance of technical and physical aspects of paddling race craft
- Using modern tools and data to enhance coaching
- Life long performance in race paddling
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Matt Haydock and Dave Janes are the guests for this episode of the coaching podcast, talking to Chris Brain about coaching sea kayaking, SUP, packrafting and expedition canoeing!
Matt Haydock and Dave Janes are the founders and lead coaches/guides for Paddle International. As well as being best friends, they are two highly experienced and qualified paddlesport professionals, who have both worked in the industry for nearly 20 years, including both national centres. They are multi-disciplined paddlers and coaches - working and playing in sea kayaks, white water kayaks, open canoe, SUP and packraft. They also both work as National Trainers for Paddle UK - not only working as leadership and coach educators, but also training/assessing other providers. Matt (based in Scotland) and Dave (based in North Wales) are also experienced and practiced expeditioners, passionate about, and driven by, adventure. They have undertaken and led expeditions in the far corners of the world, from the Nepalese Himalaya, most of Europe, and North America; and love sharing and supporting challenging wilderness experiences with others.
The topics discussed include:
- Changing gears in a sea kayak
- Crossing over from white water to tide races
- Coaching packrafting
- Expedition paddling in canoes
- Exploring decision making with students
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Beth Wallis is the guest for this episode of the podcast, talking about introducing beginners to canoe paddling.
Beth is an active paddlesports coach based in Scotland and runs her own business Explore-Connect-Enjoy. In all of her coaching she incorporates the values of integrity, inclusion, excellence, safety, treading lightly, play and curiosity. She is a performance coach, loves to introduce beginners to the water and brings people together to enjoy adventures in a wonderful environment.
The topics discussed by Chris and Beth include:
- Making a canoe go
- Canoe twister
- Exploring simple canoe skills and concepts with beginners
- Teaching canoeing through exploration and play
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Tamsyn McConchie is the guest for this episode of the coaching podcast, talking to Chris Brain about coaching freestyle.
Tamsyn is an active freestyle, white water and polo coach who is exceptionally active on the water coaching, as well as competing for Team GB. She runs her own business called Wetrock, running regular freestyle coaching sessions for paddlers at all levels and abilities.
In this episode, the topics discussed by Chris and Tamsyn include:
- Physical fundamentals for freestyle
- Learning to loop, cartwheel and spin
- Technical tips for coaching freestyle
- Breaking freestyle moves down into different phases
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Gareth Wilson is the guest for this episode of the coaching podcast, talking to Chris Brain about coaching slalom.
Gareth holds a Level 4 Coach Award and works full time at Lee Valley in his role as Podium Technical Coach. He has a broad experience of paddlesport, from running rivers in the South Alps, jumping in C2s at National Sprint Regattas to raft racing in Costa Rica and canoe touring the Dordogne. However, he has spent the last 28 years learning, competing and coaching canoe slalom in the UK and across the world.
The topics discussed by Chris and Gareth include:
- Coaching slalom using creative challenges
- Developing adaptability in a paddler’s technique
- How to encourage longevity in the sport by developing the whole paddler
- Developing novice and elite level paddlers
- Using flat water as a training tool
If you have any questions for Gareth, please message: gareth.wilson@paddleuk.org.uk.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Sarah Keight is a canoe coach who enjoys sharing her passion for one blade and big boats, tapping into her sport science and educational background to support her learners. Sarah runs her own business – SKapades, providing a range of training, development and adventurous experiences.
The topics discussed by Chris and Sarah include:
- Ways coaches can introduce beginners to trad canoe
- Is the J Stroke an over coached technique?
- Exploring river skills such breaking in and out and how to coach them
- Coaching skills such as poling, tracking and sailing
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
This podcast episode is brought to you by the England Talent Programme where Daniel Thompson (Slalom Foundations and Support Lead) and Ciara Sampson (Volunteer Psychologist for the England Slalom Talent Programme) discuss the topic of purpose.
In this podcast episode we'll discuss the importance of having a purpose, how this can help to set goals, the importance of having an athletic identity and the role that a coach and parent can play in this.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In this episode, Chris Brain and Jamie Greenhalgh discuss what are the most important skills that a coach could develop with a new, novice white water paddler. If you're a seasoned paddler looking for new ideas or a coach seeking fresh perspectives, you won't want to miss this episode!
Jamie is a white water kayaking coach and is on the BCAB White Water Tech Group. His business, Paddle365, delivers white water skills courses throughout the year as well as white water leadership and safety training for Paddle UK. His approach to coaching prioritises learning through adventure and challenge, and helping paddlers to feel the joy of skillful movement in a boat.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
On today's podcast with Lee Pooley, Adam Burns and Anthony Ing share their knowledge and experience of white water SUP height management and how we can improve our stability and safety on the board.
Adam has worked in paddlesport since 2008 and is a qualified Coach up to Advanced level. He is an active paddleboarder and kayaker, which led him to becoming a course provider and national trainer. Adam has recently taken up the role of Development Manager with Paddle Scotland.
Anthony is a specialist in white water with a wealth of river experience. An accomplished instructor dedicated to unlocking the potential in everyone, Anthony navigated his way up the coaching ladder to become the youngest to achieve the highest BCU qualification, the Level 5 Coach. Anthony is currently a technical advisor for Paddle UK and coach educator in white water SUP.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Simon Westgarth shares his knowledge and experience of white water features, how to use them and how to coach with them, on today’s podcast with Lee Pooley.
Simon is a BCU level 5 coach, the White Water Tech Group Chair and the founder of Gene 17 kayaking, running trips and adventures across the globe. Simon values the ideals of adventure kayaking, going to new places, experiencing new cultures and paddling new rivers.
Topics of today's podcast include:
- Recognising and using features to your advantage
- The tactics of white water
- Exploring different techniques for novices and advanced white water paddlers
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Olly Sanders joins Lee Pooley for today’s podcast about turning in the wind.
Olly is a BCU Level 5 Sea Kayak Coach and has been playing on the Snowdonia and Anglesey coastline for 20 years. Olly has spent 12 years as a Senior Instructor at Plas y Brenin and owner of Rock and Sea Productions. He has been on many expeditions and trips, including Alaska, India, Nepal, Patagonia and Peru.
Sea kayaking is the focus for today’s conversation, topics include:
- the multiple factors that affect turning in the wind
- Introducing novices to turning their craft in the wind
- when to use skegs and rudders
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
This podcast episode is brought to you by the England Talent Programme where Daniel Thompson (Slalom Foundations and Support Lead) and Tom Haines (Volunteer Psychologist for the Paracanoe Talent Academy) discuss the topic of resilience. In this podcast episode we'll discuss what resilience is, why it's an important characteristic for an athlete, how coaches can develop and build resilience within their coaching practice and we'll also be discussing how parents can help their child to develop resilience.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
It’s a very special episode of the Coaching Podcast today, as Chris Brain joins Lee Pooley for the 100th episode!
Chris has worked in the outdoors for over 25 years coaching and guiding and delivering professional development courses. Chris delivers across a range of BCAB Coaching, Leadership and Safety programmes, as well as being a National Trainer.
This episode of the podcast includes:
- Chris and Lee share their favourite podcast episodes to date
- Lee shares the most listened to podcasts each series, as well as the countries listeners are tuning in from
- Lee shares his words of wisdom and highlights of the podcast and hands over the baton to Chris, as the new presenter of the Coaching Podcast
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Tony Smith, Chair of Teignbridge Canoe Club, joins Lee Pooley for today's podcast focussed on the Performance Coach.
This insightful listen is useful for anyone considering the Performance Coach. Topics covered include:
- how the Performance Coach has helped with Tony's coaching practice and the highlights of the journey
- how Tony is implementing the skills he's learnt at the club, as well as how this award has benefitted the club
- Tony talks about having a growth mindset and the next steps on his journey
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Surf Tech Group members Chris Heaney, Claire Eatock, Ian and Tracy Sherrington join Lee Pooley for today's podcast focused on catching a wave.
Chris Heaney has over 25 years experience in the outdoor education sector, has been surfing for 40 years and is part of the Scottish Surf Committee.
Claire Eatock is an active outdoor instructor and leads expeditions kayaking and coasteering around the world, as well as the project manager for the Seas, Oceans and Public Health in Europe project.
Ian Sherrington is Chief Instructor at Glenmore Lodge, the Scottish National Outdoor Training Centre and has captained the Scottish Surf Team, as well as being an avid competitor.
Tracy Sherrington has been involved in paddlesport since the eighties, has had a career involving skiing instructor, a white water, surf and sea kayak coach, and senior lecture in outdoor education, as well as competing in Surf Kayaking and becoming Scottish Champion and World Champion.
The team share their enthusiasm for surfing that by the end of this podcast, you'll want to catch a wave! Topics covered include:
- Supporting novices to catch a wave
- How accessible surf is and supporting paddlers to progress
- Keeping safe, feeling comfortable and having fun on the water
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Dave Janes Snr tells you everything you need to know about Touring, in today's episode with Lee Pooley.
Dave Janes Snr is a member of the BCAB Touring Technical Group and is a highly experienced outdoor activity provider.
The topics covered include:
- hydration and nutrition
- what kit to take and loading your craft
- decision making for day trips and multi-day expeditions
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
To find more about the topics discussed, follow the links below:
- Guide Endorsement
- Touring Award
To mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we are rereleasing a fascinating and important episode exploring neurodiversity in sport.
The guests for this 2023 episode were Helena Russo, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Paddle UK; Nerys Hall, a marathon and sprint paddler; and Caragh McMurtry, a former Olympic rower and founder of Neurodiverse Sport
Nerys and Caragh have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and high functioning autism, respectively.
Topics covered in the episode include:
- what their diagnosis means for them
- how neurodivergence has affected their sporting lives
- tips for coaches considering how to adapt their coaching practice
Paddle UK have also created a brand new mini-series of resources around Neurodiversity. A new resource is being released weekly and the first resource is available here
A transcript for the episode is available here.
Ivan Lawler MBE and Scott Hynds are the guests for today's conversation with Lee Pooley, focused on coaching wash hanging for flatwater racing.
Ivan and Scott both coach at Elmbridge CC; Ivan is a five-time canoe marathon world champion and a canoe sprint world champion and Scott is Flatwater Coach Developer for the England Talent Programme and a former athlete.
The topics covered include:
- what wash hanging is and why it's essential in marathon racing
- how to introduce and develop wash hanging
- coaching in a club environment
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Tom Westaway is the guest for the last episode in the 'What's in your Buoyancy Aid and what's in your craft' mini-series.
White water paddle boarding is the focus for today's conversation and Tom shares personal insights from his experience as a coach and leader. The topics covered by Tom and Lee Pooley include:
- Tom's non-negotiables
- decision making around what to take on different trips
- how best to carry kit on your board
- staying agile in white water
- protecting your body and your kit
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Jenna Sanders is the guest for today's canoe-focused episode in the 'What's in your Buoyancy Aid and what's in your craft' mini-series.
Jenna is a British Canoeing National Trainer, Performance Coach and Chair of the Canoe Technical Group. The topics discussed today by Jenna and Lee Pooley include:
- kit for white water and open water environments
- decision making around what to take for different trips
- deciding where best to carry kit
- phones v paper maps for navigation
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Today's rafting focused episode continues our mini-series 'What's in your Buoyancy Aid and what's in your craft'.
The guest for this conversation with Lee Pooley is Jon Best, Chair of the Rafting Technical Group. The topics discussed by Jon and Lee include:
- Jon's journey to rafting via Freestyle kayaking
- the right kit for the river
- dealing with kit in UK rafting v rafting operators abroad
- kit for setting up mechanical advantages
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Welcome to the first episode of 2024, today's Sea Kayak focused episode continues our mini-series 'What's in your Buoyancy Aid and what's in your craft'.
The guest for this conversation with Lee Pooley is Lyndsay McPhee, a National Trainer and Performance Coach. The topics covered by Lyndsay and Lee include:
- Lyndsay's history paddling in various disciplines and her love for Sea Kayak
- the importance of the right kit in the right place
- packing and trimming for the conditions, the journey and the group
- adapting to winter conditions.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
For the final episode of 2023, Lee Pooley, British Canoeing Director of Coaching and Qualifications is looking back at the year in conversation with Debbie Thompson, Digital Learning Designer.
Lee looks back at 2023 both on and off the podcast. But, we also look forward to what's coming in another busy year in 2024.
Thanks for listening, we'll be back in January with a new episode.
Download a transcript of the episode here.
This rerun episode is all about Touring during the winter with Lee Pooley and Pia Philbey.
Pia shares tips on all aspects of preparation for touring during the winter months, including clothes, kit and planning. Lee and Pia also cover adapting to challenging conditions and touring with mixed-craft groups.
Download a transcript of the episode here.
Welcome to the first episode in our NEW mini-series called 'What's in your Buoyancy Aid and what's in your Boat'.
This first episode is with Georgina Maxwell, and she talks about what she has and will have in her buoyancy aid and boat whilst paddling alone but also whilst leading a group in a White Water environment.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In todays rerun episode released in 2020, Lee Pooley talks through the use of video in coaching. With increasing accessibility to video recording equipment, we explore how it can be used in Decision Training.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Today's episode is for anyone with an interest in paddling in a White Water environment on a SUP, more specifically for those leading and coaching in a White Water environment.
Join Lee Pooley with Adam Burns, Anthony Ing and Tom Westaway and listen to them talk about height management and how they do their safety briefings.
For more information and guidance for those who are leading Stand Up Paddleboarders on White Water environments you can read the new 'Guidance for Stand-Up Paddleboard Coaches and Leaders operating in a White-Water environment' on the British Canoeing Awarding Body Digital Library now.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In today's rerun episode, originally released in 2020, Pete Catterall talked to Sid Sinfield about coaching philosophy, how you begin to create and develop one of your own and importantly how it can help you in your coaching.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Today's episode is for anyone with an interest in paddling on White Water. In this conversation Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, talks to Simon Westgarth and Dan Wilkinson, from the White Water Technical Group, about the development of the White Water Safety courses.
They discuss how the courses, launching in 2023, aim to provide paddlers at different levels of white water experience and using different craft, with the essential safety knowledge and skills to enjoy their time on the river and keep safe. Simon and Dan explain why and how the courses were developed and the benefits for learners of the changes from the previous White Water Safety and Rescue courses.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
You can find the following supporting documents below on the Digital Library:
Introduction to White Water Safety
White Water Features and Hazards
In today's rerun episode we are celebrating the Slalom World Championships at Lee Valley with an interview with British Canoeing's Lead for Kayak Cross - Greg Hitchen.
Sid Sinfield speaks to Greg about his journey to where he is today, hear them discuss Gregs's introduction to paddling and gain a valuable insight into what it has taken him to become a World Class Programme coach.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, is in conversation with Darren Sherwood, National Trainer, about Darren's new research project for British Canoeing on offshore winds and Stand Up Paddleboarding.
The episode delves into why research into offshore winds was needed, how the research was carried out, as well as some of the findings and recommendations. This episode is a must-listen for any paddlers who use a SUP in coastal areas.
The research abstract is available on the British Canoeing Awarding Body website here and a transcript for the episode is available here.
Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications, is in conversation with Surf Coach and British Surf Kayak Champion, Glyn Brackenbury. Together they discuss the fascinating topic of skill fade. Glyn explains the concept of skill fade: what it looks like and how it can affect athletes and paddlers in general. They also discuss some of the potential consequences of not recognising or accepting skill fade, and the impact of seasonality on performance. They then explore the considerations and practices coaches can adopt to address and avoid skill fade in athletes.
In this compelling episode, Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing discusses water safety with seasoned paddler, Brendon Prince, who is a safety campaigner and Founder of the charity ‘Above Water’.
Brendon talks about his paddling background and how those and his lifeguarding experiences motivated him to set up the charity, which provides water safety education.
He goes on to provide simple tools and strategies for novice and advanced paddlers planning a safe paddle and making decisions if things go wrong. He also explains the importance of making dynamic assessments and the environmental cues that paddlers can use to help them to do this.
Brendon also mentions his world record attempt to spend seven nights and eight days at sea on a stand up paddleboard in order to demonstrate what can be done when a paddler has the right kit. Good luck with that amazing endeavour, Brendon!
Further information about the Above Water charity is available at their website.
Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, is in conversation with Tony Smith, Chair of Teignbridge Canoe Club, about how they treat learning development in the club.
Tony gives a brief overview of the club, the expectations of its members and its vision (along with the benefits this can bring). He explains how this philosophy drives the culture of the club and underpins all club activities, especially in terms of safety, club development and the development of current and aspiring leaders. Tony also explains how British Canoeing Awarding Body qualifications are used in the club and how CPD points can be a useful tool for helping club members - and the club - to develop and contribute to the culture of the club.
A transcript for the episode is available here.
Dr. Loel Collins, former director of Learning and Development in Plas y Brenin speaks to Pete Catterall about the main differences between coaching adventure sports and mainstream competitive sport. Loel defines the adventure sport context and then discusses how the blend of coaching skills differs in a more dynamic adventure sport context. They also discuss the additional skills and characteristics of an adventure sports coach and how these coaches can develop their coaching craft so they can apply it to an adventure sport context. Although the focus is on adventure skills coaching, Loel and Pete touch on coaching fundamentals, which apply to all coaching contexts.
A transcript for the episode is available here.
Daniel Thompson, Talent Operations Coordinator at British Canoeing is joined by British Canoeing's Performance Wellbeing Coach, Zofia Campbell, and senior athletes Laura Sugar (Paracanoe) and Lewis Fletcher (Canoe Sprint) to discuss performance anxiety. They discuss the symptoms athletes have when experiencing performance anxiety and some techniques that can be used to help control it.
A transcript for the episode is available here.
In this rerun episode from 2021, Ben Woodruff speaks to Darren Clarkson, a seasoned paddler who also works in mental health social services. They discuss strategies coaches, leaders and instructors can use help people alleviate anxiety, stress and other mental health issues, and look after their own mental health. Recorded just after the COVID lockdowns in 2021, Darren’s points are still pertinent today.
This episode coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week and is a perfect introduction to our next episode from the Talent Team about performance anxiety.
A transcript for the episode is available here.
Daniel Thompson, Talent Operations Coordinator at British Canoeing is joined by Lewis Fletcher (Canoe Sprint athlete) to discuss his daily nutrition habits, the nutritional choices he faces over competition, including any strategies and recovery snacks that he takes. They also discuss supplements and the importance of hydration.
Additional content on the topic of Nutrition can also be found on the Talent Parent Programme Webinars and Video Resources and the additional resources webpages.
This is the second part of a conversation between Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, and two members of the British Canoeing White Water Technical Group: Georgina Maxwell and Dan Wilkinson.
Georgina and Dan give practical examples from their own experience of some of the decision making concepts covered in Part 1. They reflect on the learning points from these experiences and highlight some of the pitfalls to avoid when making decisions.
You don’t need to have listened to Part 1 to understand and enjoy this episode. However, Part 1 is also well worth a listen, and is available here if you would like to do that.
Following on from Neurodiversity Celebration Week earlier this month, this fascinating and important episode explores neurodiversity in sport. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to develop their understanding of neurodivergence, or to start or continue a conversation with a coach or athlete about this.
Helena Russo, the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at British Canoeing discusses this topic with:
- Nerys Hall, who is in her final junior year of marathon and sprint racing
- Caragh McMurtry, who is a former Olympic rower and founder of Neurodiverse Sport
Nerys and Caragh have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and high functioning autism, respectively. Together, they discuss their sporting achievements, what their diagnosis means, and how it has affected their sporting lives.
They go on to explore the barriers they have faced and the strategies they put in place to improve performance. The main part of the episode involves Caragh and Nerys giving top tips to coaches so that they consider neurodivergence and adapt their coaching practice accordingly. Importantly, they explain the need to change the narrative from neurodiverse sportspeople being a problem to one about creating a supportive and understanding environment in which neurodiverse sportspeople can perform at their best and make best use of their superpowers.
A transcript for the episode is available here.
The second episode of our "from the vaults" rerun mini-series, is a conversation with Helena Russo, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead at British Canoeing in 2021. Helena will be delving deeper into the subject of Equality, Diversity and Diversity (EDI), with an episode focusing on Neurodiversity in Sport coming soon.
In this re-released introductory episode Helena explains why we need to consider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and how to embed that into our coaching practice. She gives examples of some barriers to participation in paddlesport as well as explains how we can develop our understanding of EDI and overcome the barriers we may have to providing truly inclusive coaching. Download a transcript of the episode here.
In a follow-up conversation, Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, talks to Ben Woodruff about his further research study into the role of entrapment in coach burnout.
In this episode Lee and Ben discuss what entrapment is, the different ways entrapment impacts coach burnout, what to look out for as a coach and how also deployers can best support coaches to mitigate the risk of burnout.
You can find Ben's research paper here
A transcript for this episode is available here
If you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health, please seek help:
- Mind
- Calm
- NHS or see your GP
- Samaritans
- Mental Health Foundation
- Counselling
This episode is the third and final episode of a three-part Strength & Conditioning Series, in this part we talk about how coaches and paddlers can incorporate strength and conditioning into a training programme and what principles should be followed.
To discuss this topic area Daniel Thompson, British Canoeing Talent Operations Coordinator, is joined by Ben Lewis, British Canoeing Pathway Strength and Conditioning Coordinator.
Download a transcript of the episode here.
The first episode of our "from the vaults" rerun mini-series, is a conversation on Coach Burnout between Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, and Ben Woodruff, recorded in 2021 during Ben's time in the Coaching Team. Another part of this conversation will be coming soon, following Ben's further research on the topic.
This episode covers Ben's original research into the personal and situational stressors that lead to burnout in sports coaches, as well as how to spot burnout, and how to prevent yourself or others burning out.
Before you listen, please be aware that this podcast covers some sensitive subjects around mental health, with some content that may be triggering for those with mental health conditions. It’s an important conversation, but please only listen if you can.
You can find the research conducted by Ben here.
You can download the episode transcript here.
Struggling with mental health?
If you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health, please seek help:
- Mind
- Calm
- NHS or see your GP
- Samaritans
- Mental Health Foundation
- Counselling
Want to learn more?
Want to learn more about how to support the paddlers you coach or those around you with their mental health? Visit the below:
- Open University
- Mind
- BBC
- NHS
- Mental Health Foundation
Supporting paddlers As part of our continual commitment to support paddlers we are offering a service for anyone who has witnessed, been involved or has been affected by a paddlesport incident. Please use the contact details on the British Canoeing Safety page if you would like to talk to one of our trained TRIM Practitioners who can offer support and signpost to an appropriate agency.
The Coaching Podcast is back for season 4 with a conversation about Coaching from the Bank. Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, is joined again by Scott Hynds, Sprint Coach Developer in the Talent Programme, for today's episode.
Scott and Lee discuss topics including how to best prepare for coaching paddlers from a pushbike, what to consider depending on the season and the feedback benefits for athletes. Scott shares practical tips from his wide experience to help coaches get the most out of bank-based coaching sessions.
Download a transcript of the episode here.
For the final episode of 2022, Lee Pooley, British Canoeing Director of Coaching and Qualifications, and Sid Sinfield, Performance Coach Developer, are looking back at the year in conversation with Debbie Thompson, Digital Learning Designer.
Lee and Sid share their highlights from the podcast, as well as paddling experiences both professional and personal. We also look forward to what's coming in another busy year in 2023.
You can find links to the podcast episodes mentioned below:
Decision making
Coach Burnout
Role of a Performance Psychologist
Role of a Performance Analyst
Thanks for listening, we'll be back in January with a new episode.
Decision Making is the focus of today's conversation between Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, and two members of the British Canoeing White Water Technical Group: Georgina Maxwell and Dan Wilkinson.
Georgina and Dan share insight from their wide paddling experience on different types of decision making and the impact our decisions can have, as well as giving guidance on how we can use reflection to improve our decisions in future.
Download a transcript of the episode here.
This episode is the second of a three-part Strength & Conditioning series from the England Talent Programme. In this part we talk about the purpose of Strength and Conditioning, address some concerns people might have around S&C, as well as highlighting the benefits. Finally, we begin to look at how S&C can be structured in a training programme.
To discuss this topic area Daniel Thompson, British Canoeing Talent Operations Coordinator, is joined by Ben Lewis, British Canoeing Pathway Strength and Conditioning Coordinator.
Download a transcript of the episode here.
Touring in Winter is the topic of conversation in this episode today between Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, and Pia Philbey, from the British Canoeing Touring Technical Group.
Pia shares tips on all aspects of preparation for touring during the winter months, including clothes, kit and planning. Lee and Pia also cover adapting to challenging conditions and touring with mixed-craft groups.
Download a transcript of the episode here.
How to train smarter, whatever the discipline, is the topic of conversation today between Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, and Ian Wynne, performance consultant, coach and Olympic bronze medallist.
Lee and Ian discuss the importance of data and benchmarking, overcoming coach and athlete reluctance to benchmarking, and tips for coaches on using data, as well as Ian’s own journey in paddlesport to the Olympics and beyond.
Download a transcript of the episode here.
This episode is the first of a three-part Strength & Condition Series from the England Talent Programme. In this part we talk about Sport Sampling, covering what sport sampling is and how it can be useful for developing athletes.
To discuss this topic area, Daniel Thompson, British Canoeing Talent Operations Coordinator, is joined by Ben Lewis, British Canoeing Pathway Strength and Conditioning Coordinator.
Download a transcript of the episode here.
Walter Nowlan (British Canoeing Digital Learning Specialist) introduces Helena Russo (British Canoeing Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead) in conversation with Lina Patel (Paddlesport and Outdoor instructor and former #ShePaddles Ambassador for Wales) and Dave Hunt (who delivers Outdoor Degree courses at Leeds Beckett University).
Our guests have a lively discussion about their philosophy of inclusion and their own experiences of representation and inclusion in paddlesport. They explore ideas of authenticity, intention, the need for active involvement to overcome barriers and to challenge the status quo. They also give some practical examples of how they have supported paddlers from underrepresented backgrounds.
This is a challenging and fascinating listen for anyone interested in promoting inclusion through their coaching practice.
Download a transcript of the episode here.
Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, chats to Scott Hynds, British Canoeing Sprint Coach Developer, around portaging. The conversation covers the importance of portaging, ways to ensure safe and efficient portaging as well as how coaches can integrate portaging within an athlete’s development plan.
Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, talks to Tom Sibbald about his time in paddlesport, canoeing and the use of trad skills. Both discuss the meaning of trad skills, why they are important to a canoeist as well as providing examples of their use in context and some top tips to improve.
Please note that there are no podcast episodes over August. Our next episode will be on Friday 09 September. Have a lovely summer on the water.
Kristen Wright, the Lead Performance Analyst for the Canoe Slalom programme at the English Institute of Sport, talks to Sid Sinfield about her professional journey into her role and her involvement before, during and after competitions.
She goes on to explain how she works with coaches and athletes to help them understand the performance data she collects. Kristen also explains best practices for using performance data to give feedback to improve athlete performance and gives advice for those interested in becoming an elite-level performance analyst.
Building on the Parenting at Events podcast episode, we are joined by Ian Raspin (Canoe Slalom England National Talent Coach) and Steve Pearson (Parent of a former England Slalom Talent Programme athlete) who discuss how a parent can help their child when they are preparing for an important race, such as selection. We also hear first-hand an account from a parent of the journey they have had with their child during this particular event and the learnings they took forward from this experience.
In this episode Imogen Collins talks to Lee Pooley (Director of Coaching and Qualifications) about her new role with British Canoeing as the Pathway Development Coach and how she will be working with clubs and athletes. Imogen also gives an insight into her life and baking skills.
This episode is the third and final episode of a three-part Mental Health Series, in this part we talk about Clinical Mental Health conditions when it might be important to get professional help, and what that might look like. Joining these discussions are Imogen Collins (Canoe Sprint Talent Pathway Coach) and Zofia Campbell (Performance Wellbeing Coach).
During this podcast Rafting Technical Chair, Jon Best, explains the changes to the assessment criteria within the rescue section, providing a rationale and alternative methods that could be used. During the podcast Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications explores Jon’s involvement in Rafting, trips around the world and why British Canoeing Awarding Body rafting awards are held in such high regard.
This episode is the second of a three part Mental Health Series, in this part we talk about how to speak to your child if you have a concern about them and might be worried that they’re not coping with stress or otherwise struggling with their mental health. Joining these discussions are Louise Ramsdale (Canoe Slalom Central Regional Academy Coach) and Zofia Campbell (Performance Wellbeing Coach).
This episode is the first of a three part Mental Health Series. In this part we will be talking about helping your child manage stress and promoting self-care. We're all affected by stress from time to time, and it’s something that seems to affect us more and more in modern life. Stress can have a big impact on our personal wellbeing and can cause mental health issues and in serious cases it could become chronic.
To discuss this important topic we are joined by Luke Smyth (Canoe Slalom Academy Programme Technical Coach) and Zofia Campbell (Performance Wellbeing Coach). We hope this podcast helps parents to talk to their children about stress and support them to manage it as best as possible.
Sid Sinfield starts a new strand of episodes this season that focus on supporting staff working in British Canoeing World-class Programmes and their pathways into their roles. In the first episode in this strand, Sid speaks with Jonathan Smith, Performance Psychologist on the Olympic Sprint and Paracanoe programmes.
Jonathan explains the role of a performance psychologist and his own professional journey into that role. He also suggests other routes into that role and gives helpful advice for those who are interested in becoming a performance psychologist.
He discusses how performance psychologists can measure effectiveness of their interventions on athlete performance and how his role contributes to the wider team of support staff in promoting optimal athlete development.
In the next episode of our Talent strand, we are joined by Louise Ramsdale, Canoe Slalom Central Regional Development Squad coach and Happy Wright, Volunteer Psychologist for the England Talent Programme to discuss some key principles that parents should aim to follow when parenting at events and the importance of having good communication channels with their child and coach.
In the first of our podcasts from the British Canoeing England Talent Programme, we are joined by Luke Gupta (Physiology Consultant for the English Institute of Sport) to discuss the importance of sleep, the key principles of sleep and getting into good sleeping habits.
UK Programme athletes and Tokyo 2020 Olympians Mallory Franklin, Kimberley Woods, Deborah Kerr and Katie Reid are also guests on this podcast epsiode where they share their sleep routine, how this has differed as they have moved into the senior age group and their experiences of sleeping prior to a big race.
Lee Pooley speaks with Lucy Boyce, who is a Coaching Adviser at British Canoeing, a recent masters graduate in Sports and Exercise Psychology at Loughborough University and a keen canoe polo player.
They discuss Lucy’s research into the subjective experiences of athletes of choking and clutch performance in order to reach a better understanding of the factors that can impede or promote superior sport performance. Lucy explains the importance of creating a psychologically safe training environment for athletes to reduce choking performances to improve their mastery and performance. Lucy and Lee also explore what is involved in creating that environment, the factors that can lead to choking performance and how coaches can identify and support those likely to choke in pressurised situations. She also makes very practical suggestions on how to capitalise from choking and clutch performances.
Lucy's dissertation is available from the British Canoeing Awarding Body Digital Library here.
Sid Sinfield speaks with Kieren Dews, a Sprint Canoe Coach. They discuss Kieren’s research into the perceived factors that underpin the coach-athlete relationship and the health and well-being of athletes within elite performance. They explore the importance of aligned goals between the coach and athlete, the concept of ‘closeness’ in developing a trusting relationship with effective communication, as well as the application of the research findings for wider coaching practice.
In our first podcast of the year, Lee Pooley speaks to Hannah Brown, an Academy Coach in the Paracanoe team at British Canoeing, about her research into key factors that can influence boat velocity. They discuss the key findings of Hannah’s research and consider techniques coaches and athletes can use to measure and improve performance in the field to increase boat velocity.
In a special follow up episode of the British Canoeing Awarding Body Coaching Podcast Lee delves deeper into the athlete and participant involvement in burnout with Ben Woodruff. Throughout the podcast they discuss the impact of burnout on coaches and athletes, why and how a coach should consider designing sessions to mitigate against athlete burnout and 5 top tips on how to prevent yourself or others burning out. It is imperceptive as a coach or employer to ensure you/those in your employment are protected from burnout as this mental health condition can cause long term effects to individuals experiencing it. Before you listen just a pre-warning: on this podcast we discuss some sensitive subjects around mental health, with some things that may be triggers for those suffering mental health conditions. It’s an important conversation that’s becoming more and more pertinent, but please only listen if you can.
You can find the research conducted by Ben here.
You can download the episode transcript here.
Struggling with mental health?
If you or anyone you know is suffering with their mental health please seek help:
- Mind
- Calm
- NHS or see your GP
- Samaritans
- Mental Health Foundation
- Counselling
Want to learn more?
Want to learn more about how to support your paddlers or those around you with their mental health? Visit the below:
- Open University
- Mind
- BBC
- NHS
- Mental Health Foundation
Supporting paddlers As part of our continual commitment to support paddlers we are offering a service for anyone who has witnessed, been involved or has been affected by a paddlesport incident. Please use the contact details on the British Canoeing Safety page if you would like to talk to one of our trained TRIM Practitioners who can offer support and signpost to an appropriate agency.
In the final instalment of the Coaching Philosophy Miniseries with Lee Pooley we hear from Julie Perren, Chairperson at Totnes Canoe Club. Listen to Lee ask Julie about his journey to where he is today, hear them discuss the significant events that helped shape Julie's coaching career and gain a valuable insight into the importance of having a coaching philosophy.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
This week we bring you a special episode of the British Canoeing Awarding Body Coaching Podcast to celebrate Black History Month. In this episode we hear from British Canoeing athlete Noah Dembele and Paddlesport Coach Chris Brain on their experience of coaching, what they're 'Proud To Be' and how coaches can be more inclusive.
You can find our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion eLearning module here.
We still have more to come over the next two months so make sure you're looking out for the next episode of the British Canoeing Coaching Podcast.
To access the transcript for this episode please click here.
In this weeks episode Ben Woodruff and Darren Clarkson revisit a discussion around something very current in both the world of paddling and the world overall; mental health and well-being. Currently 1 in 4 people experience various mental health conditions in the UK annually. In the episode we discuss mental well-being, what to do if someone opens up to your about your mental health, the phrase "man-up" and why it is important to look after your mental well-being as a paddlesport practitioner. Before you listen just a pre-warning: on this podcast we discuss some sensitive subjects around mental health, with some things that may be triggers for those suffering mental health conditions. It’s an important conversation that’s becoming more and more pertinent, but please only listen if you can.
You can download the episodes transcript here.
Struggling with mental health?
If you or anyone you know is suffering with their mental health please seek help:
- Mind
- Calm
- NHS or see your GP
- Samaritans
- Mental Health Foundation
- Counselling
Want to learn more?
Want to learn more about how to support your paddlers or those around you with their mental health? Visit the below:
- Open University
- Mind
- BBC
- NHS
- Mental Health Foundation
Supporting paddlers As part of our continual commitment to support paddlers we are offering a service for anyone who has witnessed, been involved or has been affected by a paddlesport incident. Please use the contact details on the British Canoeing Safety page if you would like to talk to one of our trained TRIM Practitioners who can offer support and signpost to an appropriate agency.
In the penultimate instalment of the Coaching Philosophy Miniseries with Lee Pooley we hear from Darren Sherwood, Technical Director of Channel Group and British Canoeing Training Tutor. Listen to Lee ask Darren about his journey to where he is today, hear them discuss the significant events that helped shape Darren's coaching career and gain a valuable insight into the importance of having a coaching philosophy.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
This week we bring you a special episode of the British Canoeing Awarding Body Coaching Podcast as we look back and reflect upon season two so far. In this episode we listen back to:
- Lee talking to Darren Joy about his philosophy
- Sid discussing the podium program with Greg Hitchin
- Pete talking to Eila Wilkinson about the environment and learning to say no
- Ben chatting about mental health linked to COVID with Darren Clarkson
We still have plenty to come over the next few months so make sure you're looking out for the next episode of the British Canoeing Coaching Podcast.
To access the transcript for this episode please click here.
In the latest instalment of the Coaching Philosophy Miniseries with Lee Pooley we hear from Jenna Sanders, owner of Flying Gecko. Listen to Lee ask Jenna about her journey to where she is today, hear them discuss the significant events that helped shape Jenna's coaching career and gain a valuable insight into the importance of having a coaching philosophy.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In this instalment of the Coaching Podcast from British Canoeing Awarding Body we hear from Helena Russo, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead at British Canoeing, on the why we need to consider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, how to embed EDI into our coaching practice. The importance of reflection and exploring around the topic of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
For the transcript click here.
In the latest instalment of the World Class Program Coach Interview Miniseries with Sid Sinfield we hear from Paul Darby-Dowman. Listen to Sid ask Paul about his journey to where he is today, hear them discuss Paul's WCP coaching and gain a valuable insight into the athletes progression to the Olympics.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In the latest instalment of the Coaching Philosophy Miniseries with Lee Pooley we hear from George Fell, a Paddlesport Instructor Glenmore Lodge and a Freelance Coach. Listen to Lee ask George about his journey to where he is today, hear them discuss the significant events that helped shape Georges's coaching career and gain a valuable insight into the importance of having a coaching philosophy.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In the fourth episode of the discipline specific coaching miniseries, Pete Catterall talks to Eila Wilkinson about her coaching in the sea kayak discipline, along with her history of eventing. They explore how Eila likes to coach to ensure individualisation, how she likes to ensure paddlers have fun on the sea and much more!
To download the transcript click here.
In a special one off episode of the British Canoeing Awarding Body Coaching Podcast Lee discusses some research conducted as part of a dissertation by Ben Woodruff looking at the personal and situational stressors that lead to burnout in sports coaches. Throughout the podcast they discuss the findings of the research, how to spot burnout and how to prevent yourself or others burning out. It is imperceptive as a coach or employer to ensure you/those in your employment are protected from burnout as this mental health condition can cause long term effects to individuals experiencing it. Before you listen just a pre-warning: on this podcast we discuss some sensitive subjects around mental health, with some things that may be triggers for those suffering mental health conditions. It’s an important conversation that’s becoming more and more pertinent, but please only listen if you can.
You can find the research conducted by Ben here.
You can download the episode transcript here.
Struggling with mental health?
If you or anyone you know is suffering with their mental health please seek help:
- Mind
- Calm
- NHS or see your GP
- Samaritans
- Mental Health Foundation
- Counselling
Want to learn more?
Want to learn more about how to support your paddlers or those around you with their mental health? Visit the below:
- Open University
- Mind
- BBC
- NHS
- Mental Health Foundation
Supporting paddlers As part of our continual commitment to support paddlers we are offering a service for anyone who has witnessed, been involved or has been affected by a paddlesport incident. Please use the contact details on the British Canoeing Safety page if you would like to talk to one of our trained TRIM Practitioners who can offer support and signpost to an appropriate agency.
In the third instalment of the World Class Program Coach Interview Miniseries with Sid Sinfield we hear from Andy Penhullrick. Listen to Sid ask Andy about his journey to where he is today, hear them discuss Andy's introduction to paddling through the scouts and gain a valuable insight into the importance of individualisation and reflection.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In the third instalment of the Coaching Philosophy Miniseries with Lee Pooley we hear from Chris Evans, Lead Paddlesports Instructor at Plas y Brenin and British Canoeing Level 5 coach. Listen to Lee ask Chris about his journey to where he is today, hear them discuss the significant events that helped shape Chris' coaching career and gain a valuable insight into the importance of having a coaching philosophy.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In the third episode of the discipline specific coaching miniseries, Pete Catterall talks to Ben Simmons about his coaching across both polo and whitewater disciplines, alongside working as a physics teacher. They explore how Ben likes to coach in a creative way, how he likes to reflect on coaching and much more!
To download the transcript click here.
In the second instalment of the World Class Program Coach Interview Miniseries with Sid Sinfield we hear from Greg Hitchin. Listen to Sid ask Greg about his journey to where he is today, hear them discuss Gregs's introduction to paddling and gain a valuable insight into what it has taken him to become a WCP coach.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In this weeks episode away from our miniseries' Ben Woodruff and Darren Clarkson discuss something very current in both the world of paddling and the world overall; mental health and wellbeing. Currently 1 in 4 people experience various mental health conditions in the UK annually, with covid-19 and the three lockdown's having a further negative impact on our mental wellbeing as a nation. In the episode we discuss mental health, how we can highlight how to move forward looking at supporting people as they return to paddlesport and how we can develop strategies to help with anxiety, stress and other feelings among other things. Before you listen just a pre-warning: on this podcast we discuss some sensitive subjects around mental health, with some things that may be triggers for those suffering mental health conditions. It’s an important conversation that’s becoming more and more pertinent, but please only listen if you can.
You can download the episodes transcript here.
Struggling with mental health?
If you or anyone you know is suffering with their mental health please seek help:
- Mind
- Calm
- NHS or see your GP
- Samaritans
- Mental Health Foundation
- Counselling
Want to learn more?
Want to learn more about how to support your paddlers or those around you with their mental health? Visit the below:
- Open University
- Mind
- BBC
- NHS
- Mental Health Foundation
Supporting paddlers As part of our continual commitment to support paddlers we are offering a service for anyone who has witnessed, been involved or has been affected by a paddlesport incident. Please use the contact details on the British Canoeing Safety page if you would like to talk to one of our trained TRIM Practitioners who can offer support and signpost to an appropriate agency.
In the second instalment of the Coaching Philosophy Miniseries with Lee Pooley we hear from Chris Brain, Owner of Chris Brain and British Canoeing Level 4 Kayak Coach. Listen to Lee ask Chris about his journey to where he is today, hear them discuss having to adapt to coach groups of six and gain a valuable insight into the importance of having a coaching philosophy.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In the second episode of the discipline specific coaching miniseries, Pete Catterall talks to Imogen Collins about all things in the sprint kayak coaching world. They explore how Imogen likes to coach in a creative way, how to support female coaches and athletes and much more!
To download the episode click here.
In the first instalment of the World Class Program Coach Interview Miniseries with Sid Sinfield we hear from Nathalie Siegrist. Listen to Sid ask Nathalie about her journey to where she is today, hear them discuss Nathalie's introduction to paddling and gain a valuable insight into what it has taken her to become a WCP coach.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In the first instalment of the Coaching Philosophy Miniseries with Lee Pooley we hear from Darren Joy, Managing Director of Fluid Skills and British Canoeing Level 5 coach. Listen to Lee ask Darren about his journey to where he is today, hear them discuss the significant events that helped shape Darren's coaching career and gain a valuable insight into the importance of having a coaching philosophy.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In the first of the Discipline Specific Coaching Mini Series, Pete Catterall talks to Ken Hughes about all things kneeling with a single blade. They explore the transition from open canoe to oc1, boat design and all things canoe.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Ricky Snodgrass and Lee Pooley explore the brand new Leadership Self Analysis tool in this week's episode. Reflecting on the success of the Coaching Self Analysis Tool, they chat about how the Leadership version differs and is designed to support the New Leadership Awards. They explore how it is a valuable tool for all leaders, no matter what their experience and development goals are.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
Welcome to Season 2 of the British Canoeing Awarding Body Coaching Podcast. After a great first year with plenty of interesting topics covered, we re-launch in 2021 with a slightly different format.
Throughout this year we will be exploring three mini series with our hosts, as well as bringing you your usual updates about all things coaching from British Canoeing. The mini series will cover:
Lee Pooley - How do you know what to Coach?
Sid Sinfield - Get to know the World Class Perfomance Coaches
Pete Catterall - Discipline Specific Coaching
In this episode we also discuss our thoughts on what 2021 will bring.
To download the transcript for this episode click here.
In the final epsiode of this Series, Ricky Snodgrass, Lee Pooley, Sid Sinfield and Pete Caterall look back at 2020. IN a year full of restrictions, they talk about the challenges coaches have been faced with, creative solutions and lessons learnt.
Pete Catterall chats with Dan Wilkinson and Paul Smith to talk about all things Adventure Sports Coaching. They delve into multiple ideas and chat around their new book in this informative session.
Sid Sinfield and Pete Catterall sit in conversation to reflect on years of experience in addressing difficult conversations from the role of a Coach. Jam packed full of information and top tips, this podcast is a great listen for coaches in any setting.
Due to government restrictions this podcast was recorded remotely, as soon as we are able to we will return to our normal high quality recording formats.
Lee Pooley is in conversation with Darryll Shaw, Coaching and Partnership manager at British Canoeing. Darryll has a passion for supporting people in their development and brings years of knowledge to this episode to discuss how British Canoeing is embracing mentoring.
In this episode, Sid Sinfield chats to Kristina Medovcikova, Lead Podium Potential Coach (Sprint) at British Canoeing to find out a little bit more about getting into racing. We hear how Kristina entered the discipline whilst getting some top tips for those who want to know more it.
Gary Quintenton joins Pete Catterall to talk about how he got started in coaching and his journey to talent transfer coach. Gary shares his thinking on how he and the athletes he works with have developed their relationships and how to keep things fun and creative and the importance of a shared journey and goals.
Pete Catterall talks to Loel colins to explore what adventure sports coaching is and how it differs to mainstream sport.
Sid catches up with Marianne Davies who gave one of the keynote speeches at our coaching conference in November 2019. Marianne gives some practical examples of how a coach out on the water might apply some of the principles she discussed in her keynote. They talk about constraints and positive learning environments. Due to remote recording the audio quality may be reduced slightly
Dan Goddard Talent ID coach talks to Pete Catterall about how he transferred from his time as an elite athlete on the GB slalom team into coaching the future generations of athletes, Dan talks about how he's learnt and developed his coaching. Note: There maybe a reduction in audio quality due to current restrictions.
Sid Sinfield talks to Ed Christian from Chichester University. Ed is a Coach and academic and he uses this combination of experience to explain what 'constraints led coaching' is all about. Sid asks 'what is it? and why is it important to me as a coach?' (Due to the current restrictions, we are recording these podcasts remotely so you may notice a slight decrease in audio quality)
Pete Catterall is joined by Emily Illinesi, British Canoeing Canoe Development Coach, to discuss what adaptions she and other coaches are making during this lockdown period. As coaches cannot meet with athletes to train, they are having to think on their feet to trial different methods of interaction and turn this period into a positive. (Due to the current government restrictions, we are recording these podcasts remotely so you may notice a slight decrease in audio quality)
In this Episode of the Caching Podcast, Lee Pooley talks through the use of video in coaching. With increasing accessibility to video recording equipment, we explore how it can be used in Decision Training.
Pete Catterall is joined by Dan Goddard a British Canoeing Talent Coach who has recently joined the ICF as a course designer. They explore the importance of planning courses and the intricacies involved when coaching slalom.
Lee Pooley is joined by Lara Cooper to discuss how to make assessments empowering. Reflecting on the British Canoeing Educational Philosophy they discuss what is meant by empowerment and what an assessor can do to make an assessment empowering.
Part 2 of the Personal Performance Awards mini-series explores how clubs, centres and organisations can embrace the awards, whilst also taking an in-depth look at the content of some of the awards and the wide range of resources that are available to support providers.
12 months on from the launch of the New Personal Performance Awards, Ricky Snodgrass talks to Lee Pooley, Head of Coaching and Qualifications, about the ethos of the awards, discussing the background, who can deliver them and how to become a Provider.
Pete Catterall is joined by canoe slalom athlete Emily Davies to talk through how the menstrual cycle effects women and girls in training and how good communication with your coach can help manage monthly training sessions. Emily offers personal insight into her experiences and gives great advice for coaches.
Lee Pooley is joined by Rich Ramsdale to talk about What It Takes To Progress which a fundamental part of the England Talent Canoe Sprint Talent Plan and will support the development of a national talent system based more strongly in clubs, underpinning and driving our Athlete, Coach and Club development programmes.
Pete Catterall talks to Sid Sinfield who takes us through how he has built his own coaching philosophy and how it’s developed over many years. He also offers insight into the importance of having a well thought out coaching philosophy.
Pete Caterall takes us through some top tips for getting started in coaching, talking about how to continue developing your coaching to keep you moving forwards.
Ricky Snodgrass is joined by Lee Pooley, Head of Coaching & Qualifications to reflect on research and coaching practice about actually how accurate are observations.
Welcome to the brand new Coaching Podcast from British Canoeing Awarding Body.
Lee Pooley, Sid Sinfield and Pete Catterall host episodes monthly so listen in as they talk about all things Coaching with a look towards helping you develop your Coaching Practice. The team will be talking about a range of topics and inviting guests to join them in various episodes.
Join us in December for our first episode on.....