This weekend Chris and I attended a Scottish Canoe Association coaching conference at Glenmore Lodge. Saturday’s lectures included an introduction to the SCA and a talk on access and environmental issues. The afternoon session was split in three. Neuro Linguistic Programming centred on how to read and understand what students are thinking and how to get them into a ‘happy place’ for when they are nervous. Surf kayaking on the lawn (bank based coaching) was informative but not to everyone’s way of thinking. At one point we were asked to put a pair of bamboo poles (taped together at the ends) around our waist (see photo). Then we had to simulate surfing down a wave by walking and being told to give edges.

The third section on learning disabilities was led by a special needs teacher from Fort William who offered some great ideas on how to work with people with different learning difficulties.

On Sunday there were a range of things to do for the day. Chris went off to the River Garry to go White Water Kayaking and I went to improve my White Water Canoeing skills. The day was fun and informative, giving us extra ideas on how to coach and how to lead different sessions.

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