The Scottish Paddlecast

Coaching Conversations Ep 1: Simplicity Is Key

In our FIRST EVER EPISODE, Doug MacDonald talks to Sam Miles. Sam is a performance Slalom Coach and is deployed jointly between Breadalbane Canoe Club and the SCA. Today we find out how he uses his simple coaching methods to bring out the best in his athletes.  As the saying goes - "Simplicity is Key"!

Coaching Conversations Ep 2: Getting the Best Out Of Yourself On Assessment Day

Doug MacDonald catches up with Lara Cooper. Lara started her lifelong involvement in Paddlesport first as Slalom racer, into WW kayaking (and coach), to recreational sea kayaker mostly now. Her professional career has always revolved around paddling, coaching, and supporting the development of the sport. She is an experienced coach/leader tutor and assessor, who now works for the SCA mainly in a role supporting our tutor and assessor workforce.

Coaching Conversations Ep 3: Belief Is Where The Magic Lies

Doug MacDonald speaks to British Canoeing Podium Potential Sprint coach, Kristina Medovcikova who leads the women's kayak programme.  Originally hailing from Slovakia, Kristina shares her journey as a sprint paddler and coach from setting out on her journey to coaching European and World Junior Champions.  Kristina shares how her coaching approach has changed and evolved over the years and offers some great advice for aspiring coaches and in particular, believing in yourself. 

Coaching Conversations Ep 4: From Arnie to Einstein - Same Coach, Different Paddlers

In this episode we catch up with SCA Performance Sprint coach and Forth Canoe Club Sprint coach, Tomas Duarte.  In an entertaining conversation with Doug MacDonald, Tomas shares his coaching journey from Portugal to Scotland and in particular how he has grown as a coach from working with young paddlers taking their first strokes to now regularly coaching performance paddlers.

Coaching Conversations Ep 5: Skate Park Slalom Coaching

In this episode we catch up with SCA Performance Slalom Coach, Stuart Gerrie.  In a thought-provoking conversation, Stuart reflects on his early days learning to paddle in Aberdeen and the power of a 'skate park' style approach to canoe slalom.  He also shares his reflections on developing adaptable paddlers and how coaches can develop this with their own athletes.

Coaching Conversations Ep 6: Learning in the Fast Lane - Coping with the Pressure Bubble of Training

In this special episode, Doug MacDonald, catches up with Royal Air Force fast-jet pilot Matt as they reflect on his journey from his early days learning to fly through the relentless pressures of training and how he adapted to cope. Matt shares his thoughts on areas where the world of sport can learn from aviation training whether as recreational paddlers going on big expeditions or as competitive paddlers trying to maximise our potential as performers.

Coaching Conversations Ep 7: I Felt Like I Could Do Something Good Here

In a thought-provoking conversation, Swedish Federation’s Performance Kayaking Coach, Evelina Menning, shares her unique & ground-breaking approach to coaching the 200m K1 event & working with paddlers from grassroots right the way up to elite performers medalling at World Championships and competing at Olympic games. She also shares her reflections & advice for aspiring coaches, particularly around working with mentors & being able to articulate your coaching philosophy.

Coaching Conversations Ep 8: The One Thing We Have In Common Is Our Individuality

In this final episode of our first series of Coaching Conversations, we are joined by British Paracanoe Head Coach, Scott Simon. Scott shares his exciting journey learning to paddle in Wales, through his time in the Royal Air Force and most recently heading up British Canoeing's Paracanoe Programme. Scott has sage advice for us all and in particular about learning to embrace the individuality of everyone you work with.

People of Paddlesport Ep 1: If You Build It, They Will Come

In episode 1 of our new season, we speak to Moray SUP Club Members Tom Wakeford (Chair), Jim Gibson (Head Coach) and Joyce Johnston (Safeguarding Officer).  We find out how a local community established the SCA's first ever affiliated SUP club.  They share their approach to member recruitment and offer some great advice for aspiring paddlers to start their own SUP club. 

 

People of Paddlesport Ep 2: Learning Through Fun

This week, we speak to North Berwick Kayak Club coach, Leslie Aitkenhead who enthusiastically coaches young paddlers.  Originally picking up paddling later in life, Leslie shares her journey as an older paddler to becoming a club coach out of necessity.  Leslie shares how her approach to coaching includes the use of children’s imagination during sessions, and offers some great advice for aspiring coaches and in particular, how to learn through fun.