Tom Lincoln - Whitewater Leadership
Robson took me from a fun time kayaker at white water centres to being able to confidently lead grade 3 water rivers. Passing my Kayak WWL assessment last year.
His relaxed but very professional style leaves you to learn at your own pace, while knowing that everything is covered. Not afraid to join in and have a laugh with the group, but ready to give you honest feedback when required.
He is the perfect coach for all your needs
Dani Abram - Intro to Kayaking
Robson was the coach on my very first kayaking experience, an introduction to whitewater kayaking weekend course in North Wales. He has a calming and grounding effect on first-time-nerves, with a perfect blend of humour and encouragement! I couldn’t have wished to learn under a better coach, he is perfect for confidence building!
I remember words and techniques he showed that weekend often - and I have been kayaking two years now!! I look forward to needing him again when I am ready to take my boating to the next level. Highly recommend!
Mike Taylor - Canoe Skills
Robson has he been transformative in my paddling, he’s also made me laugh, a lot. I first paddled with him on a course for people wanting to consolidate skills on moving water, my goal was to be paddling Grade 3 comfortably.
Since then he has guided me through my whitewater journey. There have been lots of firsts. First time on a Grade 3 rapid at Abbey Rapids, first time on the Tryweryn and, most importantly, first time smiling on harder rapids
He’s a great coach and a great bloke.
Katy Winterborn
Whitewater Kayak Skills
My husband and I started whitewater kayaking with Robson in November 2022 after a couple of bad experiences and having had my confidence shaken after a nasty swim. I can honestly say Robson has completely rebuilt my confidence in myself and through his coaching I have fallen back in love with the sport again.
I am a nervous paddler and Robson is mindful that I never feel pressured or like any part of the day is not 100% my choice. Having said that he does push me in my paddling and I feel like I have improved massively because of that. When I have swum, I felt looked after and like my welfare was the number one concern, ensuring I was warm and OK before continuing.
Locations are discussed in advance and we feel like we can make suggestions of rivers we want to try, while always loving the rivers he suggests. Sessions have a goal which is discussed in advance and range from skills-based sessions to longer trips, getting a feel for different rapids, and just having fun.
Liz Mcyntyre - Open Canoe Expedition
I had the privilege of canoeing across Scotland with Robson as a guide. The 100km trip bought together eight strangers of different abilities and experience which presented some challenges due to conditions on some days (strong winds and heavy rain).
Robson was skilled in fostering a sense of team very quickly which undoubtedly led to our ability to complete the trip in full. He provided excellent briefings and ongoing advice and tips for improving technique and dealing with wind, as well as continually motivating the team.
After five days, the sense of achievement and camaraderie was tangible, this was largely down to Robson’s influence and support.
Thank you for a fantastic trip, for the laughs and for pushing us (safely) out of our comfort zones
Cpl Jack Rogers RAF Kayak Instructor
Robsons local knowledge was second to none, through varying river levels he was able to take us to locations and environments that constantly challenged us and pushed us to be better paddlers and leaders.
The level of challenge was appropriate, and we were always given the choice of what to run if anything ever felt above our ability. Early in the week we chose not to run a Grade 4 rapid but by the end of the week, under Robsons guidance, we were all running Grade 4. There was an excellent balance between talking/reviewing and being busy paddling. A quick stop to offer valuable coaching points or group management techniques was always followed by plenty of opportunity to try them all out.
Abi Bown - Canoe Skills
I have paddled on courses lead by Robson many times and will continue to choose to paddle with him As well as being a great coach and leader he’s a lovely guy. He’s improved my canoeing and also my confidence.
I always feel that he listens to everyone he’s leading and will genuinely try and ensure that everyone gets the most out of the day. Some coaches have a ‘one size fits all’ approach to teaching - but with Robson you’ll get to focus on what you want and need to work on. Not only has my paddling been improved but also my river reading, decision making and leading skills.
All of this comes with a smile, patience and some truly corny jokes!
Richard Moses
Long Term Open Canoe Development
Sometimes in life your path crosses with truly unique and empowering individuals. My transition into open canoeing was well under way with an insatiable appetite and eagerness to become the very best open boater I could.
Having worked with several coaches previously, I truly experienced a ‘light bulb’ moment when I first spent time on the water with Robson. He is one of the few individuals that I found entirely relatable and someone that adapted their coaching methods in a highly sophisticated and individualised way.
Robson’s approach is direct when it needs to be but always delivered in such a way that empowers you to believe in your capabilities. He was the first coach that convinced me that it was ‘OK’ to make mistakes and to laugh at myself when things go wrong – as often they would!
Following a long-term mentorship with Robson, I have now achieved my lifelong goal of building a successful adventure sports coaching business – Red River Guiding
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