In a bid to enhance the capabilities of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets Adventure Training Support team, Exercise Coach Development 2025 was launched. This expedition aimed to support a team member in completing a series of assessments by a Paddles Up Training National Trainer, enabling them to deliver the British Canoeing Awarding Body Coach Award qualification.
The initial assessment, focussed on the Core Coach Training course, required detailed technical knowledge of coaching theory and how to put this into practice on the water, as well as the ability to teach and inspire others. In addition to this, the expedition required detailed preparation and training in advance of the assessment day in order to complete the orientation process required by Paddles Up Training.
Successfully completing the first assessment meant that the Adventure Training Support Team now has the ability to start to generate a pipeline of Paddlesport Coaches in house through, significantly boosting the unit’s training capabilities. The Coach Award is essential for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets to support newer instructors, enabling cadets to paddle more frequently and confidently as well as providing a developmental route to give adults the skills needed to become instructors. Additionally, it helps generate technical advisors who can provide support and guidance to other Paddlesport instructors, ensuring a robust and well-rounded training program.
The impact of the expedition will be realised in the next few years once the remaining assessments are completed as the team begin to offer coach award courses as part of the national training offer. The unit now holds a coach educator who can train others to the highest standards, ensuring that future expeditions and training sessions are conducted with greater expertise and confidence. For the participant, the expedition was a transformative experience, marking a significant milestone in their professional development.
Reflecting on the experience, the team member undertaking the expedition shared, “This journey to become a Coach Award provider has been challenging but rewarding – it has stretched me to enhance my knowledge and develop my practices across a number of areas. Whilst a long process, and still with some more to go, it has been an enjoyable and challenging experience.”
One of the participants on the course gave the following feedback:
“The course was challenging and really stimulated my thinking around how we teach paddlesports; the bits of personal skills coaching were amazing for my development and it’s inspired me to move forward with my training and become a fully qualified coach.”
Exercise Coach Development 2025 is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets Adventure Training Support team, paving the way for future advancements in the national Paddlesport training offer.
