Young Paddlesport Instructor Profiles: Mansie Gee
Get to know some of the SCA's young paddlesport instructors! Every few weeks we will feature a young PSI. This week it's all about Mansie Gee.
Mansie achieved his Paddlesport Instructor - Kayak qualification when he was 15 years old, completing the course with Mags Duncan and Steve Mackinnon at Kirkwell.
Tell us a bit about how you got into paddling?
I got into paddling mainly because some of my family already did paddling and were part of the local club. I also had always wanted to try water sports and paddling seemed a great way to do that. I was about 11 when I started and I have been paddling ever since.
What do you love about paddling?
I love paddling and watersport because you can explore and enjoy the nature in a unique way. When you are on the water you can hear the waves lapping and the seabirds. With the Kirkwall Kayak Club we often go out on trips along Orkney's coast and see lots of cool things.
Why did you do the Paddlesport Instructor Course?
I did the paddlesport instructor course because I thought it would be awesome to learn the new skills required to be a paddlesport instructor and take my kayaking to the next level. I was inspired to do the course by my uncle Peter who is also part of the Kirkwall Kayak Club, he was also the one who told me about the course.
What was good about the course?
The course was great because I learnt lots of new skills particularly the different ways of doing the rescues. Overall the course was great fun and I would definitely recommend it to others interested in paddlesport.
Tell us a bit about any Paddlesport Instructing you have done since?
Since doing the course I have helped out a little at my local kayak club. I have also gone kayaking with my brother who has never been in a kayak before.
What do you think needs to be done to get more young people to get into instructing?
I think for more young people to get into instructing they need to know that this opportunity is out there and that it is something that they can do no matter their age.
What are your ambitions moving forwards?
I think moving forward I would like to help out and keep kayaking with Kirkwall Kayak Club and going on trips with them. I will also keep learning more and have fun with kayaking and paddlesport.
Paddlesport Instructor Training Course - more info
The BCAB Paddlesport Instructor course is open to anyone aged 14 or over. This two day course helps you develop practical skills to support learning, inspire adventure and exploration, and sets you up to run taster/introductory sessions within clubs or centres.
Paddlesport Instructors are often the first point of contact for newcomers to our sport, and play a really important role. First impressions from these sessions can have a lasting impact on the likelihood of the person returning to do more in the future. Delivering sessions that are safe, enjoyable and rewarding are cornerstones of the Paddlesport Instructor role, and threads that run through all elements of the course.
Not only does this qualification help get you started delivering sessions, for many it is the first step on the formal qualification pathway. The course is open to people who have basic paddling skills in kayak, open canoe, sit on top, or stand up paddleboard. You’ll need to feel comfortable getting around where you want to go in/on your preferred craft, in calm benign conditions, close to easy bank-side access.
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