What is ultra-low ratio coaching and who does it suit?
Ultra-low ratio coaching is a bit like having a personal trainer. My role is to provide expert instruction, teaching and support whilst you acquire and develop skills, confidence and above all, good seamanship. So each of your sessions will be carefully crafted to meet your individual needs. It is you who will define what you want to learn, and just how fast and how far you want to go.
Contemporary coaching is all about putting you in charge of the learning process. This approach to learning is at the very heart of what I do, and this methodology is encouraged and endorsed by British Canoeing.
Are you getting started as a sea kayaker?
If you are just starting out in a sea kayak then it’s quite easy to see the advantages of this method of coaching. Expert attention will guarantee that those good foundation skills become embedded from the start. You will learn faster and generally avoid picking up bad habits. There will be no distractions or peer pressure and you will be free from embarrassment. Your learning outcomes will be the primary focus for both of us.
Are you an experienced paddler but new to sea kayaking?
Personal coaching is also highly valued by people with experience from other disciplines in the world of watersport. This is especially true where you may already be highly qualified or very experienced and don’t want to go back to nursery school. You have cross-over skills and want these to be recognised, utilised and adapted. You desire accelerated learning and want to be at the top of the class as quickly as possible.
If you’re a white water paddler you’ll probably be accustomed to dynamic conditions. You will have developed fast reactions and great recovery skills. Yet many river paddlers find the transition to sea kayaking more difficult than they expect. A river kayak is short, agile and spins easily but a sea kayak is very long and primarily designed to go well in a straight line. Turning or positioning a sea kayak is fundamentally different, right down to how you edge or lean it. You’ll need to modify your posture and how you connect with your kayak. Even how you use your paddle will need to change. A personal coaching session will de-mystify key factors and you’ll progress quickly, instead of enduring a long and tortuous struggle and the inevitable judgement of your paddling buddies.
Are you already an experienced sea kayaker?
Sea kayak leaders, guides and coaches are already experienced – you’ll be highly respected by your club or centre . Yet none of us are beyond learning new tricks, no matter how much of an old dog we may be! Being coached by another coach can feel a bit uncomfortable and it takes a bit of courage to put the L-plates back on after a few years. But being observed by a professional peer produced great results for me and ultimately my clients benefitted too. My forward paddling improved immediately after a Dutch coach spotted a basic error – my top hand was dropping mid-stroke. Without Yvonne’s input I would still have a sub-optimal forward paddling stroke. It helped to remind me to always be looking for tiny important details.
Session duration and prices
Ultra-low ratio (1:1) sessions are typically 5 hours – any longer and you’re likely to feel that your brain becomes “full”. It’s going to be intensive and you’ll need the headspace to learn, practice and reflect too. There’ll be time for a debrief that identifies key learning areas. These sessions costs £150 and we’ll define and agree your objectives in advance.
You can also book 1:2 (5 hour) sessions. These popular sessions cost £200 and are for those who want to share the learning experience. They are also very useful if you’re getting to grips with rescue and towing techniques – share the wet stuff! Perfect for working on those essential skills with your regular paddling partner.
You can book your sessions now by clicking the button below. See you soon!