James coaches the New Zealand womens lightweight double scull and the heavyweight double scull, Both won gold at last year’s World Rowing Championships and are hot prospects for gold at the Tokyo Olympics.

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Timestamps to the show

2:50 Background in rowing

7:10 learning to coach in UK with Chris morsel of Windsor Boys School and getting out with Dick Tonks, Chris Nilson and Duncan Holland.

11:50 It was a time I saw how big rowing was

14:30 New Zealand’s Coach Acceleration programme run for all sports and “horse whispering”

18:15 The learning happens in the bar afterwards

20:40 I love technology and rigging, I try to be innovative. I don’t consider myself a great technical coach.

24:30 Many coaches have a particular focus. What are the big rocks one can change in this athlete? Length of stroke, drive speed.

29:00 Marginal gains are the goal for internationals. Where can club rowers find these?

34:15 The difference between coaching men and women.

29:00mLook for the low hanging fruit that you can influence egg, intensity - be intentional and diligent. Spend more time on the fundamentals of rowing.

34:15 Seating a crew. I look first for the rhythm in the stroke person (length / timing). This must suit the class of boat. Then who’s the best person to be “in the ear” of stroke? Bow is a hard seat to row.

41:40 How does the NZ international team get selected? We run a summer squad.

44:40 Mahe Drysdale is back in the 1x for second two world cups.

48:00 The Olympics. The mens 8 and 4x will go to the qualification regatta at Luzern.

51:00 Corona virus and the Olympics. Germs cost medals.

57:00 Advice for coaches. What would it be like to be coached by you? Get out and see good coaches Never underestimate rigging. Have a good mentor.

1:00:01 Connect with James