British Canoeing Coaching Podcast

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 the Canoe Sprint Podium Coach within the Great British Paracanoe team in Nottingham, and recently returned from the most successful Paralympic Games in Paris. Previous to this, she was the Podium Technical Coach and 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.   A transcript for the episode is available here.

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. A transcript for the episode is available here.

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. Feel free to add a comment about this episode. We'd love to know your thoughts about it. 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.