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Physical ability Leaders must be physically fit to be able to rescue and tow and be a good role model .
Coaching experience also helps to be able to improve biomechanics and efficiency , saving energy along the way . It ’ s essential though to adapt movement models to the individuals ’ physicality , understanding how peoples differences affect their paddling and adapt around it . For example , a stiff ankle can prevent weight transference or indirectly restrict knee bend . It can make balance more challenging , adapting the technique to accommodate this or using the right board to assist balance will make a world of difference to that individual and their enjoyment of their day .
Individuals will all have different health and general fitness . The leader should have screened and profiled each individual before establishing their strengths and weakness and tailoring the trip to these needs . It is important to understand how much paddling people have done and how comfortable people will be in differing postures out on the water . The endurance and strength needed for each trip should be tailored to the weakest paddler ’ s fitness in the group . If you have a speed demon in the group , you can always set them some challenges , but it becomes a problem if someone struggles to keep up with the team . In these circumstances , it will become necessary to tow or assist that person but remember this will take up your time away from the rest of the group , so it ’ s best to pitch the activity appropriately .
To prevent fatigue , people should bring food and drinks , but also they need to be dressed correctly for the conditions . It ’ s the group leaders responsibility to make sure the team remain healthy and happy . If a person becomes ill , it can have serious consequences out on the water , and a sugar low will often have an adverse effect on psychology and the chimps come out to play .
Technical considerations The leader ’ s personal skills need to be good enough to handle more than the group environment dictates , but they don ’ t need to be the next Kai Lenny . Skills generally required for coastal waters are the ability to trim the board up and downwind , handle