In September I had the pleasure of completing my introduction to the world of paddle sports. I am now a Paddle Sport Instructor!
I have long been around canoes/kayaks and SUPs etc, but never felt I had the time to put into learning the skills required. Learning new things invariably means time away from the family and juggling that with work meant in reality I would be unable to make the time consitently enough for long enough to learn and develop to a standard I would want to reach. I know plenty of paddle folk and some good ones at that and I am fortunate enough to work in environments where I have dabbled from time to time and I have certainly had ago whilst on holidays over the years.
And then, my son. He tried stand up paddleboarding and loved it. He asked to do it again… and again. In wanting to encourage some outside activity for him I contacted folk I know at the local canoe club (Clitheroe) and was not dissapointed! What a fantastic place and opportunity to learn – as a family. Now time spent learning and improving skills could also be spent parenting! Result! All that culminated in August, where through the club I was able to access an opportunity to be a ‘guinea pig’ on another club instructors assessment (Paddlesport Leader) which was great fun! and made me realise that the gap between where I am skills wise and where I needed to be was very closable! So in September I closed it. through the club I was offered the chance to join a funded PaddleSport Instructors course, all I needed was a Safety and Rescue training certificate. I was able to find a course with Ian Adey of Kinetic Paddlesports based out of Brathay on Windermere which was ace. This was a great day – largely getting wet! But a lot of fun and learning had by a great group of folk including a chap I did my ML with over ten years ago!
The PSI course itself with Chris Brain (Chris Brain Coaching) was a top two days learning how to introduce people to multiple craft and keep them safe whilst enjoying themselves. I am privilaged as mentioned to have worked with some great instructors on the water as a “competent second” for Lancashire Outdoor Education and Alfresco Adventures so being able to echo some of there knowledge has been brilliant.
I am very pleased to say I have passed and in the two weeks since have already led a session for the club and have been a part of sessions in LOE. I am really enthused by the beginning of my paddlesport journey. I am definitley a canoe person, but will be chipping away at SUPs and Kayaks over the coming winter and spring with a view to getting the PSL traning in late spring/early summer.
Watch this space!