The International Canoe Federation held its first-ever Stand Up Paddling Coaching Course in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, with participants passing with flying colours.
A total of 36 coaches from across the world gathered in the Emirati capital city for the course that ran from October 26 to 28.
The seminar took place ahead of the ICF SUP World Championships, which is being staged in the UAE for the first time.
Coaches from Egypt, Germany, Hungary, Iran, South Africa, Thailand, Turkiye, the UAE, and the United States participated in the three-day course led by Hungary’s Andras Szabo.
Click here for live startlists and results from Abu Dhabi
Paddling and stroke technique, balance and stability, and effective communication were among the topics covered.
Coaches also received important information on safety, both on and off the water, risk management, and injury prevention protocol.
Egypt’s Amr Hamed was among the participants as he made his debut at the World Championships.
“It was a really nice course, especially for those who are just starting out,” said Hamed.
“I have been in the sport for less than one year, and I’m participating in these World Championships for the first time.
“We learnt so much, like the right way to paddle, how to stand, safety measures, and how to communicate with the athletes.
“Stand Up Paddling is growing in Egypt.
“We began racing three years ago, and we are doing well as participation is increasing.
“It’s really important that we are all aligned. We don’t have courses for SUP in Egypt.
“We just train on our own; we don’t have a reference like this.”
Szabo confirmed that all 36 participants passed the examination on Monday to become ICF level one coaches.
“I didn’t know what to expect as it’s a pilot programme, but it was a huge success,” said Szabo.
“The coaches were super proactive and happy to answer the questions.
“Their reflections were valuable, passing on ideas from different perspectives of Stand Up Paddling coaches.
“They set the bar very high for the future of this coaching course.
“I hope this educational programme will be built it up and can go to level two and level three, which is already a demand.
“They want to come together and put their knowledge into a structure so whatever they learn here is similar to over there.”
Kristin Thomas of the US, who is a member of the ICF SUP Committee, was impressed with the passion of the coaches to learn after participating in the course.
“What a great group of enthusiastic paddlers,” said Thomas.
“Our instructor, Andras, led an awesome course over two and a half days.
“The participants worked really well together, with new friendships made.
“The ICF is thrilled to have launched the first level one coaching course focused on Middle Eastern paddlers, but including leaders from all over the world.
“We hope to see Stand Up Paddling grow in the region in the future.”
Full coverage of the ICF SUP World Championships from Friday to Sunday can be viewed on the Planet Canoe YouTube channel.
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