Hi there…
…and welcome to my first post on my new blog! I thought I’d take a moment to share my plans about the content of my future posts. I’m Nick Cunliffe, a UK sea kayak coach based in North Wales, although my paddling courses and adventures take me all over the place – this summer of 2011, I’ll be paddling in Scotland, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Canada, Ireland – and of course Wales! I’m a BCU level 5 sea kayak coach, with much of my work involved in 4 and 5 star training and assessment courses – I also do plenty of personal skills coaching for paddlers looking to improve and develop their sea kayaking skills.
My work and play brings me into contact with many different paddlers – coaches, clients, colleagues – from whom I’ve learned a great deal over the years. I’d like to think that this blog will become a way of sharing some of that learning – a mix of adventure, education, inspiration, entertainment – along with a few tales of paddling trips along the way…
I’ve been paddling since 1989, when I sat in a white water kayak as a trainee instructor during my first summer in North Wales. Immediately hooked, little did I realise at the time the journey upon which my passion for a new-found sport would lead me, from wild rivers to wild coastlines all around the world. In many different ways kayaking occupies a central place in my working life and my playtime. It’s a shame we didn’t have blogs twenty years ago – I’d be fascinated to look back on my adventures through this excellent medium. Still, there’s always the next twenty years…
I spend much of my working time in and around the tide races of Anglesey, North Wales. This fantastic playground gives me great opportunities to progress in my paddling skills, to coach other paddlers in these amazing playgrounds and to develop leadership and rescue skills in real, challenging environments. Many of my posts will include reflections on my experience of rough water sea kayaking.
Beyond sea kayaking, I also have a passion for outdoor adventures of many different kinds. I love white water paddling and surf kayaking, both of which constantly provide new ideas and experiences to take back to my sea kayak.
I also love mountaineering adventures – which often give me experiences that help me empathise with my clients’ rough water anxieties! The mountain environment is a little like sea kayaking – whether I’m running, skiing or climbing, it’s always a good day in the hills! Many of my experiences provide lessons that help my to develop my knowledge and skills when coaching, guiding or playing on the sea. I hope I’ll be able to make the occasional post about this “other” part of my life!
Most of all, however, this blog will aim to reflect on my sea kayaking experiences, as a coach and paddler – and to share great days out with good friends, in our wonderful kayaking environment. Stick around for a while…
See you on the water!
