REPORT FROM SWEETWATER KAYAKS BCU WEEK:
FORT DESOTO, ST PETERSBURG, FL
BCU Level 1 Coach:
Sweetwater’s Y08 BCU Week rolled out the new BCU Level 1 Coach award in North America. The 5 day program produced 12 newly certified US Coaches, including Joe Dupont of Maine Island Kayak Outfitters. Tom Bergh is now a Course Director for those interested in becoming Level 1 coaches.
Phil Hadley of the BCU UK enthusiastically delivered this new/retooled award. Taking the best from its Coach Processing, Level 3 and Level 5 trainings, the new BCU Level 1 Coaches left versed in the ‘hows’ of effective coaching. Sessions were run in sea, recreational and whitewater kayaks and open canoes. I believe this new multi-craft training along with the emphasis on the learning/teaching model will enhance the experience of participating paddlers. This is a well thought out system.
The new Level 1 Coach award presents a paddler centered curriculum based on multiple teaching styles in a variety of paddle craft focusing on long term paddler development. Its theme based system moves firmly away from ‘this is the way’ lessons toward the right stroke for that paddler in today’s conditions in that boat. For those coaches working with younger paddlers, the BCU’s refreshed PaddlePower curriculum http://www.canoe-england.org.uk/canoeeng/623-4-paddlepower.aspx offers a lively, encouraging and rewarding track for competitive and recreational young paddlers. Check it out. Its good stuff!
