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. 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.