Pushing the boats out

Friday 28 February 2014

Ten months of hard work, on the job and at home, has paid off for two Islanders whose “office” is the waters surrounding Jersey.

Sea kayakers and Jersey Kayak Adventures instructors Clare Robinson and Nic Hairon have successfully completed the British Canoe Union/United Kingdom Coaching Council Level 2 certificate in paddle sport.

To achieve the qualification demanded considerable on the job experience and studying training modules to complete a portfolio documenting their kayaking and coaching progression. The process was completed by an examination with a UK assessor who travelled to the Island, to observe them as they guided a group around the coastline.

Jersey Kayak Adventures is a nationally recognised local sea kayak centre offering tours and courses for all ages and abilities. As part of the company ethos local staff are employed and training forms a key element.

The company’s founder, Derek Hairon, said: “Over the last five years we've tried to train local people because both visitors and local clients like the fact that they are able to get afloat with local coaches who know their island. Plus, as a business, we need to invest in our future.”

“I get lots of enquiries from people wanting to become kayak coaches but many fall by the wayside once they realise the training requires lots of commitment. It's more than just jumping in a kayak and drifting about on the ocean. If there is one thing the Level 2 Certificate demonstrates, it's that people like Nic and Clare are motivated to step up to the national standards.” 

Pic caption: Clare Robinson