Congratulations to Kostas, NEW Performance SUP Open Water Coach

Paddles Up Training would like to congratulate Kostas for becoming the first Performance SUP Open Water Coach!

Kostas takes us through his journey through coaching and why he decided to become a Performance Coach.

I have been coaching and working as an outdoor educator for almost a decade now. I began my journey like the majority of people working within the industry – by completing my Level 1 coaching qualification. On completion, I had the privilege of introducing thousands of beginners to paddle sports, mainly to kayaking and canoeing.

After a couple of years of instructing I felt the need to evolve and develop the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to help and support others that wanted to take the next step and learn more about paddlesports than a taster session. I went on to complete the UKCC Level 2 coaching qualification which gave me the opportunity to develop not only in my career but, most importantly, as a person.

It was around this period that stand up paddleboarding (SUP) was becoming popular and I remember falling in love with the sport straight away. Every single day I was paddling and coaching and enjoying every single moment of it.
I then took the next step to start the Performance Coach Award. Back then, the training was 3 days of core training and, honestly, when I signed up for it, I had no idea why I was doing it, nor what I would gain from it. But I was determined to learn and I wanted a new challenge for myself. There were a number of different reasons that attracted me to this award but the main ones were my passion and love for stand up paddleboarding, combined with my keenness to always learn and evolve.

During the last 3 years I have spent a lot of time studying, learning, reading, reflecting, coaching as well as doing a lot of paddling of course, not to mention going through a pandemic! And so, I am proud to say, my hard work paid off and a few days ago I passed my assessment and now I am a Performance Stand up Paddleboard Coach for open water conditions.

 

Moving forwards my plans are to continue coaching…

Helping, and supporting anyone who wants to try something new, develop their skills or reach their personal goals.My next steps personally are to explore and learn more in depth about the competitive side of the sport – specifically SUP racing and definitely to try a bit more of white water stand up paddle boarding.

I would like to take this opportunity to say that I would recommend this course to individuals who want to progress and develop their personal coaching and mentoring skills. It is a course that will teach you different skills and the most importantly will help you find your own coaching style and coaching philosophy.

P.S. have fun and be safe on the water!

Become a Performance Coach

The Performance Coach is aimed at experienced coaches who want to get better at coaching the paddlers they work with, and for those who seek recognition that their delivery meets enhanced levels of sophistication. Becoming a Performance Coach can have a huge impact on your professional and personal life. Be it exploring coaching to further develop your ability to help others, to support your coaching career or a quest for a sense of purpose.

There are 21 pathways available, covering all of our disciplines and involvements. Find out more and start your Performance Coach journey today.