What is My Personal Philosophy?

I'm quite reflective with my work, often analysing how a session, a day or a job went, maybe sometimes focusing too much if I could have done more or if people could have had a better or more rewarding time with me.

This got me thinking:

Why do I do what I do?

Where do I focus my efforts when I'm working?

What do my clients want?

What kind of paddlesport professional do I want to be?

I travel job all over the UK and I run paddlesports of all levels across several disciplines, SUP, Kayak, Canoe, Expeditions, Taster Sessions, Advanced Whitewater. All of these are for recreation, not for competetive side of the sport, even the Leadership and Safety courses I run are for people who themselves will work in 'recreational paddling.'

Paddlboarding on Windemere with a school group

Instructor, Coach, Leader or Guide?

Sometimes I've got a specific job and it will normally come under one of these titles but what is the difference and how do I describe myself? I have different qualifications that have these words in the title but I like to think that I spend my time doing a blend of each; dipping in and out different skillsets according to what the situation and the person requires.

A client taking on his first grade three whitewater river

Common Theme

Whether I'm running a SUP taster session with lots of splashing around and falling in or coaching whitewater skills the thing that all my clients have in common is that they are doing it for fun, enjoyment, smiles, memories and good times. How people get this is different; some people get their enjoyment from being skilful, others from challenging themselves mentally, physically or emotionally. Sometimes people just enjoy the escapism that the natural world allows. So I guess learning more about WHY people are taking part will help me focus on what they need to help them have a good time.

My Wife & Daughter Canoeing on Coniston

What is Fun?

Fun is often categorised in these ways.

Type 1 Fun - "this is great, I'm loving it and I want to do more"

Type 2 Fun - "That was hard, I didn't enjoy it at the time but I'm glad I did it and would do it again"

Type 3 Fun - "That was hard, I didn't enjoy it at the time and I'm glad I did it but I won't do it again"

Clients trying Canoeing for the First Time on the Spey

Smiles, Laughter and Support

I've got a bit of a reputation for telling jokes, I belive that whether you love or hate a pun or a dad joke it adds to the enjoyment and sets the scene for the environment that I want my courses to have: one where enjoyment is the primary focus. Not being the best paddler you can be without compromise but accepting that we're all out there for different reasons and that we all progress and achieve in different ways. I want YOU the individual to be my focus and for every person to go away from spending time with me as a professional saying 'I had a great time'.

Me and My Daugter on the Tryweryn

Why do I do this Job?

From a very young age I wanted to share this world I've been lucky enough to explore with others, I gain satisfaction vicariously through others' experiences. The most special day on the water in recent years was with my family on the Tryweryn in Wales, a place that I've been paddling for more than 20 years. Because it was their first time it felt like it was mine too.

Have I answered my questions? Maybe. Have I created a load more? Yes. The fun of it all is the process of finding out and constantly evolving and adapting what I do but for now I'm going to keep putting FUN at the top of my agenda.