White Water Coach – Alex Littlechild Case Study

We caught up with White Water paddler Alex Littlechild about their journey and experience in becoming a White Water Coach.

Photo provided by Alex Littlechild.

Words by Alex

What made you want to become a coach? How did you start your career in paddlesports?

Initially the thing that drew me to coaching was living by the river and being able to share the river with others who maybe haven’t experienced it before. 

My first interaction with coaching was through my whitewater leader training which I did with Chris Evans. A few small hints and tips changed the way I interacted with the river and those have stuck with me.

What do you enjoy most about coaching white water paddlers in particular?

The best thing about coaching whitewater kayakers is experiencing those lightbulb moments. Seeing people experience a new sensation; a clean boof, front surf or tomohawk for the first time. It’s a real privilege to work with people who are motivated by progression in the same way that I am and see that progress in action.

Has there been a standout moment as a coach? Have you seen your paddlers achieve something they didn’t think was possible?

One of the most important things for me as a coach is being able to help kayakers develop independence in their own learning. Giving people the skills to go and scout and run hard rapids with peers is incredible rewarding to see. 

This summer I got to work with a kayaker developing their waterfall kayaking technique and got to see him step up and nail the line on the biggest waterfall they had done. Seeing them trust their instincts and be purposeful under pressure was inspiring to watch.

Photo provided by Alex Littlechild.

What advice would you give to someone on their white water journey?

Pull hard, be purposeful and trust the stroke. 

What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in becoming a coach?

Get your foot in the door! The sooner you start the process and start picking up qualifications, the more experience you can acquire. Try and spend as much time on the water as possible and do it for the love!

Do you have any personal paddling or coaching goals you’re working towards? Any skills or qualifications or new programs you’d like to run?

I’d like to keep rounding my skillset as a coach by working with as many different people as possible!

Interesting in becoming a White Water Kayak Coach?First of all, you will be joining a community of like minded individuals, keen to learn, develop and have fun whilst sharing their love of paddlesport. The Coach Award takes what you know and supports you through formal and informal development opportunities, part of your journey will involve an assessment, but the assessment isn’t the end as we believe in life long opportunities for learning.

Interested in trying white water kayaking? Why not try the White Water Award. The White Water Award will give you the skills needed for a safe and fun day out white water paddling. This will be on rivers up to grade 2. You will learn how to use the environmental factors to identify where and when to paddle. This includes the water grade, the weather, other paddlers and the features. You will learn to choose the best equipment to keep you warm and safe on the water. As well as any water etiquette that there may be for the water on which you wish to paddle.