Meet Maddy… becoming a Paddlesport Instructor

Quality training from the world's largest paddling course provider

When you have a passion for a paddlesport, you truly never know where it is going to take you.

This year I was privileged to be chosen as a #ShePaddles Ambassador for Paddle UK. My mission was to show women considering trying out SUP that no matter your starting point – you CAN take part.

And on a beautiful sunny day in May this year I did something I thought I’d never do – my Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Certification (PSRC), a prerequisite to becoming a Paddlesport Instructor, so I could help get more women and girls on the water.

I signed up to a course at Bury Lake, Rickmansworth with Thames Paddleboarding. Led by Jane and Ian, on arrival I was instantly reassured by their knowledgeable and friendly approach which focused on making multicraft rescues simple. Initially horribly nervous, by the end of the day, wearing my hired drysuit, I was able to rescue conscious and unconscious paddlers, kayaks, canoes and other SUPs – all without the ‘grunt’!

I couldn’t believe that I was that capable and I left feeling confident and proud … and ready for the next step – instructor training!

Having felt so reassured by the support and wealth of knowledge from Jane and also inspired by seeing a strong female assessor leading the way, I turned up one month later, on a not so sunny day, after completing my eLearning to spend two days learning everything the role of Paddlesport Instructor involved and ready to demonstrate my skills and knowledge as an instructor.

A mix of class-based theory and on the water fundamentals practice, meant that very quickly I got to know my fellow trainees. The support and encouragement I received from every single one was key to my success. It was fantastic to see some young women in our group of 12 and everyone valued each other’s contributions equally and this made it lots of fun!

By the end of the two days, I had gained knowledge, practical ideas for ‘games with aims’ and discovered that I am more capable as a paddler than I thought.

I walked away from Bury Lakes that day a qualified Paddlesports Instructor – SUP, having passed my assessment, exhausted but proud!

I cannot put into words how excited I am to share my love of paddleboarding with new paddlers.

And if you are an existing paddler who wants to do the same – I wholeheartedly encourage you to sign up on Paddles Up Training, as it was a valuable and supportive experience throughout.

Become a Paddlesport Instructor!

If you’re looking to run starter/taster sessions, fun games and short journeys for those new to paddlesport, then the Paddlesport Instructor is for you! Find out more and book your course today.

 

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