Young Paddlesport Instructor Profiles: Lewis Keith
Get to know some of the SCA's young paddlesport instructors! Every few weeks we will feature a young PSI. This week it's all about Lewis Keith.
Lewis Keith, achieved his Paddlesport Instructor - Kayak qualification, completing the course at Willowgate Activity Centre when he was 14 years old.
Tell us a bit about how you got into paddling?
I got the opportunity to go down to Willowgate Activity Centre with my best friend when I was 12 years old.
What do you love about paddling?
I love paddling because of the thrill and the freedom you have on the water. I have met some amazing people throughout the time I have been kayaking.
Why did you do the Paddlesport Instructor Course?
The person who inspired me the most is Adam Burns, the manager of Willowgate Activity Centre. When I learn a new skill, the way it makes me feel - I wanted to make other people feel like that as well.
What was good about the course?
The people who I did the course with were enthusiastic and had a great sense of humour and I learned some amazing things from them.
Tell us a bit about any Paddlesport Instructing you have done since?
I help run sessions with the Kayak Club at Willowgate and help with kayak tasters sessions as well.
What do you think needs to be done to get more young people to get into instructing?
I know the satisfaction that I get from doing this and I want to share that enthusiasm with others. When you are giving people tips and helping others and you’re not afraid of making your voice heard, this is a great way to let others know that they could be instructors too.
We could put stuff on facebook telling people about the course which is a good way to reach a lot of people but doesn’t really cost any money,
What are your ambitions moving forwards?
I have done all the qualifications I can until I'm sixteen :(. When I'm 16 I'm going to do my Whitewater Leader, so I can come along with a group and help lead them down the river safely. I want to pursue this as a career when I am older. My goal is to work at Glenmore Lodge in Aviemore.
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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