Journey's End

Well, as I expected the assessment was an intense and uncompromising experience. It would be hard to imagine anyone wanting it to last more than two days! For those that don't know the process, Day 1 is spent with two unknown students and Day 2 is spent with your long term students. Each day is runs under the watchful eye of an established Level 5 assessor who adopts a non-interventionist approach which is an element no amount of practice can quite prepare you for :0/

Photo: Ann & Ali

I was that exhausted from expending so much nervous energy on the Saturday under the careful gaze of Franco Ferrero that on the Sunday I was almost too laid back for Mike McClure's liking. Now bear in mind that neither assessor speaks to the other, or the candidate, about the performance they observed until the end of the second day, I really had no idea what the outcome might be. So when Lara Tipper, course director, shook my hand and said "Congratulations Mark, you've passed" I had to ask her to say again, and slowly, what she'd just announced!

Photo: Paul Williams

It was a tremendous relief to drive away from Moelfre with Lara's words ringing in my ears and the comprehensive written feedback I'd received from Mike and Franco sitting on the passenger seat. I felt a huge sense of satisfaction knowing that the hard work and preparation had paid off. It was just such a damn shame that my mobile phone had no power, so some poor pedestrian had to endure me dancing on the pavement as the realisation of my achievement sunk in.

Photo: Richard Janes

On reflection I feel that all the circumstances came together at the right time for me in order that this might have a happy ending. Paul and Richard made an immense effort to commit to a long term development programme. In particular, Richard overcame a back injury at the 11th hour to ensure the team was complete for the Sunday. They both showed an unbending faith in my abilities which I think cemented the coach/student relationship so well. Nick Cunliffe did his uppermost to offer guidance, humour, wisdom and limitless support whenever I asked for it. He was there to pick me up when I thought my paddling mojo had been lost and kept me in line when my ideas got too fanciful. Without these folk it may have been a different story.

Photo: Nick Cunliffe

It goes without saying that there are many others who have contributed to my success. Gordon Brown provided several doses of no-nonsense advice. Jen Kleck made numerous helpful observations about her assessment experiences that I know played a pivotal role in my own planning. I'm grateful to Aled Williams of Tiderace Kayaks and Mike Webb of Rockpool for the use their boats. Also Aled for his unique insights into boat handling which will always make him a 6* paddler in my eyes. Sid Sinfield certainly played a part in his own inimitable way as have many others who I hope don't take umbrage for not being named here. Fair to say, a big thank you goes out to one and all, fellow coaches and students alike for being there along the way.

..........I'm also very aware that whilst this journey has come to an end the road still stretches out before me :0)