The PaddlerUK magazine July 2015 issue 3 | Page 29

I no longer believe in disability,
I only believe in ability

I think the key to a successful coach-student relationship no
matter your strengths or weaknesses, is complete honesty and
communication. Some hurdles that you might have may be
invisible to the naked eye, such as lethargy, pain, or processing
problems. If you don’t communicate that you do not understand
something and that the instruction needs rephrasing or that you
are in pain or tired and need a break, how can they support you
whilst being the best possible coach they can be in order ensure
you are achieving your maximum potential?

From day one I knew I needed to be 100% open with Chris,
and by doing so, the support and guidance I received was
unquestionably bespoke, where in the end, he knew me so
well, that he was able to read me with ease, and so a trusting
and almost innate symbiosis was born. He would take me far
out of my comfort zone, but would be aware of any limits
should they arise, and was always on hand with a buoyancy
aid sweet treat.

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