New Young PSI News - Euan Steven
Get to know some of Paddle Scotland's young paddlesport instructors! Today it's all about Euan Steven.
Tell us a bit about how you got into paddling?
My parents both worked in outdoor pursuits, so my Dad started taking me along on canoe trips across Scotland. In early 2020 I did the 5 Week Kayak Course at Willowgate and joined the kayak club soon after.
What do you love about paddling?
Paddling has allowed me to go all across Scotland, paddling different lochs and meeting others that have the same interest in the outdoors. I have been able to challenge myself and to learn new skills that I couldn't learn anywhere else.
Why did you do the Paddlesport/SUP Instructor Course?
I did my PSI because I wanted to start my journey towards becoming a coach and I always wanted to help at Willowgate, specifically running activities and help improve other peoples paddling. I had a lot of support from Adam and Emily at Willowgate and they inspired me to get more involved and aim for different qualifications.
What was good about the course?
It allowed me to learn how to run sessions in different environments with a range of people at different skill levels, and I still use those skills I learned today. It also allowed me to see how others approach paddling and coach others.
Tell us a bit about any Instructing you have done since?
I've been working at Willowgate for a few months and have helped out with a variety of groups, a highlight has been helping with the Kayak Club and getting them more involved in paddlesports.
What do you think needs to be done to get more young people to get into instructing?
I think there needs to be more access to facilities that can support paddlesports, and better advertising/support for young people who may not know about the courses offered or be able to afford them. I think that as a whole the sport should strive to become more accessible.
What are your ambitions moving forwards?
I'm hoping to work further with Willowgate and assisting with groups, I am also aiming to get my Sheltered Water Coach award this year and eventually be able to running my own session and building confidence towards that.
Paddlesport Instructor Training Course - more info
The BCAB Paddlesport Instructor course is open to anyone aged 14 or over. This two day course helps you develop practical skills to support learning, inspire adventure and exploration, and sets you up to run taster/introductory sessions within clubs or centres.
Paddlesport Instructors are often the first point of contact for newcomers to our sport, and play a really important role. First impressions from these sessions can have a lasting impact on the likelihood of the person returning to do more in the future. Delivering sessions that are safe, enjoyable and rewarding are cornerstones of the Paddlesport Instructor role, and threads that run through all elements of the course.
Not only does this qualification help get you started delivering sessions, for many it is the first step on the formal qualification pathway. The course is open to people who have basic paddling skills in kayak, open canoe, sit on top, or stand up paddleboard. You’ll need to feel comfortable getting around where you want to go in/on your preferred craft, in calm benign conditions, close to easy bank-side access.
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