Certainly among kayak manufacturers there is competition. And yet here in the UK owners all know each other. Many coming from the same roots. So I am happy to show you Aled Williams first prototype with his new company “IN-UIT”. He brought this first boat to the symposium and has been paddling it daily. He did tell us that with the new manufacturing his new boats would not have the fancy paint jobs that you can get with Rockpool but he is proud of his new design. Everyone who sat in it was quite happy with the initial feel of the boat. Of course for my part I am proud to be sponsored by Rockpool but still wish Aled all the luck in the world. And of course I post this from Nigel Dennis‘ office. Nigel puts on the symposium and opens the doors to Rockpool, In-uit, Valley, and others. There is no real room for bitter rivalries in such a small world.

Today I did part one of my 2 star coach training and am learning much. It’s quite an awakening actually. Especially since coach 2 is really aimed at being the gateway to paddlesports. This means all paddle sports, not just kayaking of course. If we don’t bring the new people in right, they will go away. Coaching first timers is a heavy responsibility when you look at it that way. If we make the first time suck, we may turn them off forever from the sport. Something we don’t want to be responsible for. I walked out of my class today feeling a new sense of responsibility and learning that sometimes the best way for my students to learn is to have me “Shut the *uck up!!” LOL! They’re a little more brutal here in the UK. Good. Just what I needed to be told. But the point was valid. If you talk too much you’re brain is off. You’re not really paying attention to your students. Also when demonstrating a stroke you have to keep your mouth shut so they can focus on your movements and not be distracted by your mouth. Good direct training. Good stuff!

By the way, SeakayakingUK’s new website went online today!! Check out the new color chooser. Great feature!!