Have you considered becoming a Paddlesport coach? Lara Cooper explains it is a fantastic way to enrich your life, whatever your age... First published in the April 2023 edition of Scottish Paddler magazine.

Margaret Perry had a sports career in Badminton, initially as a Premier League Badminton player and then as a professional coach for 30 years. She came across paddling on retiring when she attended a BBQ at Blyth Paddle Club. She went on to complete her Sheltered Water Canoe Coach last year and is actively coaching in her local club. 

“That first go, I had a ball, absolutely loved it. I initially bought a Kayak and did a FRST course and discovered the canoe. I then found I preferred the open canoes, so bought a second hand one. This didn’t come without challenges as a 15-foot canoe in a 13-foot garage called for some dedicated home improvements.

The paddle community was so welcoming and friendly, and I received so much help and

encouragement. I started on lakes before moving onto rivers of increasing degrees of challenge. I loved the wildlife and tranquillity as well as the camaraderie. I started going on trips and wild camping. One room of our home is now dedicated to my kit. I’ve done the Caledonian Canal / Loch Ness, the River Spey, the River Tay, Tyne and three trips to Sweden with my good friend John. What an adventure. Coaching is in my blood, and I see the role as nurturing a love of the sport. That means understanding people's differing motivations and building confidence as much as the transfer of technical skills and keeping people safe. Enthusiasm for what we are doing, kindness and patience are important skills in a coach, especially when you are dealing with people who may be frightened. The reward of seeing people achieve merely reinforces that belief. The sport lends itself to a huge variety of people and contributes to their mental and physical sense. Retired – I’m just getting started!

Going forward I would like to become a Paddlesport Touring Leader. Like many older folks I have my limitations but nothing that can’t be overcome. Where there’s a will there’s a way. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than watching someone else succeed. The thrill of learning something new: priceless.”

Andrew Robertson is a club member and volunteer coach with NESKY, North East Sea Kayakers.

“I was introduced to paddle sports at secondary school; however, it wasn’t until around the age of 40 that I found myself actively looking to get into paddling, eventually joining my local club and gaining more exposure to the various disciplines within the sport.

Technically I’m not yet retired, just on an extended gap year, however from a paddlesports viewpoint this increased leisure time has allowed me the opportunity to develop my paddling and coaching skills, something I had wanted to do for some time. It has also offered me an opportunity to push some personal boundaries in my skill development. 

Over the years I have benefited from receiving excellent coaching at club level, firstly at Deveron Canoe Club, then when I began to focus more on sea kayaking the coaching I received from experienced coaches and paddlers within NESKY. 

Nesky’s support of its club members' personal development has given me the opportunity to develop my own skills as a coach and leader. The advice and guidance I’ve received from the experienced coaches and club members has greatly assisted my personal development.

Wanting to give something back to the club for the support I’d received, at age 57 I embarked on the coaching process, with my sea kayak leadership development going on concurrently, as you say, you’re never too old to take up new challenges.

My first step was to complete my Paddlesport Instructor (2017), followed by Sea Kayak Leader (2019) and Advanced Sea Kayak Leader (2020). I was keen to focus on sea kayak coaching, so in early 2020, with support and encouragement from the club, I attended Core Coach training, this was followed in 2021 by Sea Kayak Coach training.

Going forward, I’m very much looking forward to developing as a coach and to giving as much support, guidance and encouragement to those I’m coaching as I myself have received.

Getting involved in the planning and delivery of coaching sessions has encouraged me to look at my own paddling practices, this in turn has helped with my personal development, both as a paddler and a coach. While I’m still relatively new to coaching, it has given me a great deal of personal satisfaction being able to help others gain the skills and confidence that will aid them on their paddling journey.”

Marjorie Dixon ...

“I am 63 years old and live in a coastal village in Sutherland. I started kayaking about 3 years ago; as we live by the sea and I felt I was missing out by not being able to get out there on the water! Some friends who were keen canoeists first took me out on the river locally and I progressed from there. I joined them as members of East Sutherland Canoe Club (ESCC) and I was made to feel really welcome. All the senior members of the club were so helpful and extremely patient. They gave me the time and attention I needed to acquire a reasonable level of competence, which I really appreciated as I was so nervous to start with - and still can be when we progress to more challenging situations!

I am lucky to be retired and enjoy good health. I fill my time as much as possible with golf, Pilates, Yoga, walking, cycling (mainly e-bike!) and ceilidh dancing. I have never been able to run well or jump and I hated sports at school, but love to be active. I enjoy both sea and river kayaking - being a member of ESCC has given me the opportunity to experience some wonderful paddles in stunning locations with fun company.

I was encouraged by the club initially to do the Foundation Safety and Rescue Course, which went well. In April 2022 the opportunity arose to do the Paddlesport Instructor Course, so I was pleased to attend and am now able to put something back into the club and help new members myself. Over the summer I, and other recently qualified Paddlesport Instructors, organised two separate induction courses and we were able to introduce new members to paddlesport. We have continued this into the winter with reserved places for new members and beginners at our indoor pool sessions.

Gaining qualifications has helped build my confidence. I attended the BC White Water Safety and Rescue course last spring (when it was snowing!) and I am looking forward to completing the Paddlesport Leader course this year, as well as the Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning course so that I will be able to lead short sea trips close to shore and other simple excursions.

I would encourage anyone who has an inclination to try kayaking to give it a go. Living in Scotland, we have so many marvellous places to paddle and I would certainly say that kayaking is a great sport for all ages.”