Learning kayaking or being coached? Which works best?

Dave surfing on his local wave - a gnarly level

Learning kayaking or being coached? Which works best?

And why?

Coaching is a form of development in which an experienced person, called a coach, supports a learner or client in achieving a specific personal or professional goal by providing training and guidance.

Date retrieved: 19 October 2022 17:03 UTC
Permanent link: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Coaching&oldid=1110928070

Learning is the process of acquiring new understanding, knowledge, behaviours, skills, values, attitudes, and preferences.

Date retrieved: 19 October 2022 17:01 UTC
Permanent link: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Learning&oldid=1115121799

On the British Canoeing Coaching Awards, there is a massive push to encourage student centred coaching.

Student centred coaching is focused entirely on the needs of the student and does not reflect any agenda or plan developed upfront by the coach.

It's not about 'learning' particular skills or techniques in isolation.

It's about developing a journey in which the student is encouraged to achieve their goals - and, in the process, acquire the skills and techniques in context of their needs and goals.

This means the student gets a completely tailored and suitable coaching journey and develops in line with their needs - even if the needs change as the journey progresses.

Gone are the days of 'teaching' paddle strokes (remember learning how to do a sweep stroke?). The coach must be in tune with the student, their goals and their position along the journey path.

Being able to self-motivate, adapt and generate coaching on the fly is the crux of a great coach.

It's a huge change from the 'old' days and certainly more appealing to the student.

Of course, this student centred coaching approach works much better. It outputs students that can use their skills and techniques in a variety of environments, craft and circumstances.

Is it worth using a coach to develop your own kayaking and canoeing skills?

Dave out on the open water during a coaching award course

Having been on several coaching award courses, I would encourage you to give it a go.

There is no need to overcommit to a coach - you can book them by the half day and this would be ample time to see if they are going to be suitable for your needs.

Have a clearly defined goal in mind for the session and ask plenty of questions. Listen to what they have to say and engage fully with the session - this way, you'll get the most from it.

Good luck!

PS. Paddlesports can be dangerous.
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