The second episode of our "from the vaults" rerun mini-series, is a conversation with Helena Russo, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead at British Canoeing in 2021.  Helena will be delving deeper into the subject of Equality, Diversity and Diversity (EDI), with an episode focusing on Neurodiversity in Sport coming soon.

In this re-released introductory episode Helena explains why we need to consider Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and how to embed that into our coaching practice. She gives examples of some barriers to participation in paddlesport as well as explains how we can develop our understanding of EDI and overcome the barriers we may have to providing truly inclusive coaching. Download a transcript of the episode here.

In a follow-up conversation, Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, talks to Ben Woodruff about his further research study into the role of entrapment in coach burnout. 

In this episode Lee and Ben discuss what entrapment is, the different ways entrapment impacts coach burnout, what to look out for as a coach and how also deployers can best support coaches to mitigate the risk of burnout. 

You can find Ben's research paper here

A transcript for this episode is available here

If you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health, please seek help:

• Mind

This episode is the third and final episode of a three-part Strength & Conditioning Series, in this part we talk about how coaches and paddlers can incorporate strength and conditioning into a training programme and what principles should be followed.

To discuss this topic area Daniel Thompson, British Canoeing Talent Operations Coordinator, is joined by Ben Lewis, British Canoeing Pathway Strength and Conditioning Coordinator.   

Download a transcript of the episode here.

The first episode of our "from the vaults" rerun mini-series, is a conversation on Coach Burnout between Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, and Ben Woodruff, recorded in 2021 during Ben's time in the Coaching Team.  Another part of this conversation will be coming soon, following Ben's further research on the topic.

This episode covers Ben's original research into the personal and situational stressors that lead to burnout in sports coaches, as well as how to spot burnout, and how to prevent yourself or others burning out.

Before you listen, please be aware that this podcast covers some sensitive subjects around mental health, with some content that may be triggering for those with mental health conditions. It’s an important conversation, but please only listen if you can.

You can find the research conducted by Ben here.

You can download the episode transcript here.

Struggling with mental health?

If you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health, please seek help:

• Mind

Want to learn more?

Want to learn more about how to support the paddlers you coach or those around you with their mental health? Visit the below:

• Open University

The Coaching Podcast is back for season 4 with a conversation about Coaching from the Bank. Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, is joined again by Scott Hynds, Sprint Coach Developer in the Talent Programme, for today's episode. 

Scott and Lee discuss topics including how to best prepare for coaching paddlers from a pushbike, what to consider depending on the season and the feedback benefits for athletes. Scott shares practical tips from his wide experience to help coaches get the most out of bank-based coaching sessions. 

Download a transcript of the episode here.

For the final episode of 2022, Lee Pooley, British Canoeing Director of Coaching and Qualifications, and Sid Sinfield, Performance Coach Developer, are looking back at the year in conversation with Debbie Thompson, Digital Learning Designer. 

Lee and Sid share their highlights from the podcast, as well as paddling experiences both professional and personal. We also look forward to what's coming in another busy year in 2023.

You can find links to the podcast episodes mentioned below:

Decision making

Coach Burnout

Role of a Performance Psychologist

Role of a Performance Analyst 

Thanks for listening, we'll be back in January with a new episode. 

Decision Making is the focus of today's conversation between Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, and two members of the British Canoeing White Water Technical Group: Georgina Maxwell and Dan Wilkinson. 

Georgina and Dan share insight from their wide paddling experience on different types of decision making and the impact our decisions can have, as well as giving guidance on how we can use reflection to improve our decisions in future. 

Download a transcript of the episode here.

This episode is the second of a three-part Strength & Conditioning series from the England Talent Programme. In this part we talk about the purpose of Strength and Conditioning, address some concerns people might have around S&C, as well as highlighting the benefits. Finally, we begin to look at how S&C can be structured in a training programme. 

To discuss this topic area Daniel Thompson, British Canoeing Talent Operations Coordinator, is joined by Ben Lewis, British Canoeing Pathway Strength and Conditioning Coordinator.   

Download a transcript of the episode here.

Touring in Winter is the topic of conversation in this episode today between Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, and Pia Philbey, from the British Canoeing Touring Technical Group. 

Pia shares tips on all aspects of preparation for touring during the winter months, including clothes, kit and planning. Lee and Pia also cover adapting to challenging conditions and touring with mixed-craft groups. 

Download a transcript of the episode here.

How to train smarter, whatever the discipline, is the topic of conversation today between Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, and Ian Wynne, performance consultant, coach and Olympic bronze medallist.

Lee and Ian discuss the importance of data and benchmarking, overcoming coach and athlete reluctance to benchmarking, and tips for coaches on using data, as well as Ian’s own journey in paddlesport to the Olympics and beyond. 

Download a transcript of the episode here.