Coach Interview - Peter Head

Owner Operator of Elements Watersports. Peter is also a Yachting New Zealand Course Facilitator. Many of you coaches will have been taught by Peter in becoming a Learn to Sail Coach, qualified powerboat driver or windsurfer. I caught up with Peter to ask him about the changing environments we face as coaches and what makes a good coach.

Q - How did you get into coaching and how long have you been involved?

A - 20 odd years ago I trained as an instructor after leaving school, 4-5 years teaching during the British summers , and the winters studying Coaching and Maritime Management at  college and then  Southampton University. After that I headed off around the world working in various sides of the watersports industry. 

Q - How many days a year are you on the water and what do you spend most time doing/teaching?

A - I spend most of my time delivering sailing, windsurfing and powerboating courses. This is a mix of taster, entry level through to instructor and commercial boat courses in Tauranga and around the New Zealand.

Q - You are involved in coaching and Instructing windsurfing and Sailing, what main differences do you come across, and how do you adapt your style?

A - With the right boats and weather it is easy to get people sailing around under control, the challenge is then to get them to recognise there is more to it and so much more they can do,  places they can go with it. It’s also straight forward to get a windsurfer up and going on beginner kit, but  they soon realise that they are a long way off doing the windsurfing secene on a windy day locally or on video clips.  I tend to teach windsurfing more from a board, when students see it being done right next to them then they have no excuses but to give it a go.

Q - What do you find the best way of delivering skills are? Are you using more video, hands on?

A - The more practical and  hands on the tuition is, the more students tend to enjoy it and want to come back for more. The ease of taking and sharing photo’s and video has made it so much easier to get students to coach themselves.

Q - What is the best way for young coaches wanting to get into coaching as a job?

A - Sailors and windsurfers can make coaching into a career, get into a YNZ Coach Course, get to as many locations as possible. Explor and apply different forms of learning.  Making watersports a career can be accelerated by Taking a Coaching or Sports Management course at University or one of the outdoor Polytechnics around the country. There is plenty of work out there for those that want to take Watersports professionally.

Q - As a YNZ facilitator, what skills make a young coach stand out?

A - Sailors with empathy for their students tend to remember what it was like to learn and be able to work out the best key points for the student at the time. Having new (young and older) blood getting into sailing is important for fresh ideas and energy to keep sailing strong.

Q - What do you never go on the water without?

A - A plan.

Q - Strangest thing you have ever seen coaching on the water?

A - Some crazy DIY inventions and additions to boats, defying normal design, stability and often common sense!  They always smile and wave.

“Safety - not a gadget but a state of mind”

Learn from accidents and develop a safety mindset.

In recent times there have been a number of recreational boating accidents that have made the headlines.

There are a number that specifically come to mind. First is the Gairloch tragedy in which three young children drowned.

Second the mother and daughter who died on board a motorboat on Lake Windermere from carbon monoxide poisoning, and most recently the Padstow RIB accident in which a father and daughter lost their lives and other family members were seriously injured.

So what went wrong?

It is a striking fact that the majority of watersport activities are safe, but what is immediately clear in these cases is that quite unexpectedly what should have been a fun, rewarding and enjoyable day out ended in tragic circumstances and inconsolable grief for family, friends and loved ones.

So what went wrong? Clearly, until any formal examination and investigation is complete in each case we will not know for sure.

Even then in some instances, such as that of Ouzo in which three men lost their lives in August 2006, mystery may continue to surround an accident and what exactly happened may never be known.

Speculation; positive or negative?

What is equally clear is that in the flurry of media interest that followed all of these accidents, the absence of concrete facts has never prevented a considerable amount of speculation and guesswork as to why each incident happened.

There is something unsavoury about the self-appointed experts who are lined up to give their opinions in the aftermath of a fatal accident.

However, having listened to the speculation, I am not sure now that speculation is a bad thing if it reduces complacency and gets us all thinking about hazards and dangers.

In particular, those risks which we can do something about by taking sensible seamanlike precautions.

I have just witnessed a woman verbally berating her partner for not wearing a kill cord when they are out on their powerboat! They are both consciously aware that there is no room for complacency and that using a kill cord is a sensible thing to do, irrespective of the outcome of the Padstow case.

Our own attitude to safety on the water

I am the first to admit that it is not always easy to identify hazards and how we could be vulnerable to events that might go badly wrong.

That is why there is great merit in learning lessons from others if it gets us thinking about our own attitudes and behaviour when out on the water.

The RYA’s key safety messages are aimed at providing simple safety information based on gaining knowledge and skills, looking after yourself, having a plan and ensuring you can communicate in case of an emergency.

I am sure that everyone who reads this article will think carefully about wearing an appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid dependant on what type of boating they are doing, but do we give equal thought to checking the forecast before setting off for the day?

Does someone know where we are going and when we will be back?

Do we continue to think about these things when moored for the night if we are using the dinghy to go ashore? Kill cords and lifejackets should not be considered as optional extras on the way back from the pub.

You can read more about your safety on the water in Safety Information

How we can reduce the risk to ourselves

Safe behaviour and practice ultimately protects life and equipment and is vital for the enjoyment of recreational boating at every level that it takes place.

The RYA recognises that realistically, we can never eliminate danger completely; nevertheless, we continue to promote and to supplement personal knowledge, skills and experience and to build on the RYA ethos of self-reliance and responsibility for safety on board.

It would therefore be foolish and complacent not to add to this learning from accidents, it would be equally foolish for any of us not to consider the issues that arise in media speculation and to ask ourselves if there are things that we could usefully do to reduce the risk to ourselves.

Stuart Carruthers, RYA Cruising Manager

Quote: "safety not a gadget but a state of mind" Eleanor Everet, safety expert.

Tackling RYA Powerboat Level

Find out how I (RYA Author) did on my Powerboat Level 2 course with my colleagues James and Chris.

• VIDEO: Powerboating Top Tips - With Jon Kirby

I don’t profess to be an amazing sailor but I have completed a few courses and have some sea miles under my belt. However, when it comes to power boating I’m a complete novice. As the RYA’s Press Officer and editor of Up to Speed I’m often out in RIBs working with the RYA’s video producer, interviewing boaters and taking photos and have watched and admired the skill of our RIB drivers as they whizz around race courses keeping ahead of the action, manoeuvre effortlessly in to what sometime appear to be the tiniest of gaps and gently apply the throttle for a smooth ride.

After numerous outings holding on at the back I decided it was time I got my hands on the throttle, so, along with my colleagues James and Chris, I signed up to tackle RYA Powerboat Level 2 and get some skills of my own.

Hear how James, Chris and I got on when we visited one of our local training centres, Southampton Water Activity Centre (SWAC) in Southampton, where our instructor Jon Kirby put us through our paces and honed out skills to claim our PB Level 2 certificates.

Why did you want to take the course?

Chris: It’s a course that I have wanted to do for a while as a sailor with access to RIBS, as it gives you an understanding of using powerboats but more importantly, for me, access to an ICC.

Emma: I wanted to take the course so that when I’m out on the water doing interviews if I needed to take control of the boat I would know what to do. Also I think it’s a really useful skill to have.

James: As the RYA’s video producer I’m often out in RIBs so I needed to know how to drive one in case of an emergency.

What expectations did you have for the course? What did you think it would involve? Anything you were concerned about before doing it?

Emma: I was hoping that we would have lots of time actually doing the skills. I knew there would be classroom elements to the course but I am a practical person and learn best by doing. My biggest concern was the possibly of me doing something wrong and crashing the boat!

Chris: Truthfully I wasn’t expecting so much hands-on experience. I was expecting a fair amount of it to be classroom based, so was surprised at the amount of time we had in the boats. I knew the course was about boat handling skills and safety, as I have friends that have done the course. The only concern was how cold the weather was going to be!

Chris (left) in the classroom

James: I wasn’t really sure what to expect but being a novice on the water I was concerned about the pace of the course and if I’d be able to keep up with the boating terminology.

Can you talk us through what you did on the course?

Chris: The course I did at SWAC was a 2 day course. Firstly we were introduced to the RIB. We were shown around all areas of the RIB explaining what things were and what they did, but most importantly the kill cord and grab bag. After this is we firstly talked through and then launched of the RIB from a trailer. It was then out on the water where we did some basic manoeuvres so we knew how the boat would handle, figure of 8’s forwards and backwards etc. Then it was in to the classroom to talk about weather and first aid. From here it was back out on the boat to do some tight space handling, followed by some slow speed approaches to a mooring buoy. We also discussed ColRegs in the class room and when we were on the water.

On the second day we were using a bigger RIB with twin engines. To start the day, as a group we did some navigation work, planning where we were going and the length of time it would take. We were then off to the RIB, where we started with some slow speed handling in confined spaces to get use to how this bigger RIB handled. It was then time to fuel up which involved tackling a lock. From here we started our passage plan and did some high-speed turns. The emphasis here was about the whole boat communicating and being part of what we were doing. After lunch we did the return passage, when we did a lot of man-over-board practice. We finished our time on the water with some final coming alongside practice and close quarters handling. It was then back to the classroom for a bit of rope work.

Emma: As you can see from Chris’s account it was a pretty full on two days but great fun. Our instructor was excellent at answering any questions or concerns we had and giving us all plenty of time to really get to grips with what we were learning. One thing I did find surprising was when we launched the RIB for the first time how easy it was to push the trailer with the RIB on it and manoeuvre it to the water, easily managing to do it on my own!

James: I was pleased that before we did anything we had a briefing with our instructor so he could establish what level of experience we all had.

What part of the course did you enjoy the most?

James: I loved that the course was very practical and even when you’re not driving the boat you are always busy helping the driver and learning from the instructor.

Chris: I think the most enjoyable part was all of the boat handing I did. It was great to have someone there telling you what you needed to do, but also not being so involved that you weren’t feeling that it was all in your control. Probably the best part is when you complete your first small space manoeuvre.

Chris at the throttle

Emma: Much like Chris I really enjoyed the hands-on part of the course, actually taking control of the throttle and making the decisions about how to manoeuvre the boat, park it, and turn it around.

What elements of the course did you find difficult?

Chris: I did have a bit of difficulty doing some of the slower manoeuvres like approaching the buoy, but the more time I spent doing these, the more and more confident I got.

James: The most difficult aspect of the course for me was the rules of road, but John explained it really clearly to me and kept reinforcing what he was telling me when we were on the water which made things much easier to understand.

Was it easier / harder to do than you may have thought?

Emma: Surprising I actually found it easier than I thought it was going to be, even when we moved into the larger RIB which did have me quite worried the first time I saw it. But having John close by did help build my confidence.

James: It was easier than I thought. Once you have a basic understanding of piloting the RIB it then becomes more about the rules of the road and how the tide and wind will affect your passage.

James getting some instruction before we get underway

Chris: I think it was actually harder than I was expecting, some of the slower speed handling was very difficult to start with.

What did you learn from the course?

James: Tons. It was a real eye opener.

Chris: I learnt a lot, the main thing being that you always wear a kill cord, but also some great techniques and skill of boat handling in confined spaces.

Chris and I listen closely to Jon’s instructions

Emma: I learnt loads, especially the skills needed for manoeuvring in small spaces and bringing the boat alongside and the importance of always wearing a kill cord and communicating with others on board.

Why do you think this is a good course to do?

James: I think anyone that’s thinking about putting themselves at the controls of a RIB needs to go on this course, for their own safety and the safety of their passengers.

Emma: The course gives you a really good appreciation of how important it is to know what you are doing when out on the water and build knowledge and confidence handling your boat.

Chris: It’s a great way for people to learn about using RIBS and powerboats and gain experience and knowledge that will make them safe on the water. I personally think all boat owners should have a qualification like this.

How will you be using the skills your learnt?

Emma: It means that when we have to go interview, film or photograph people on the water I can drive one of the RYA RIBs and not always have to rely on a third party to take us.

Chris: I have gained an ICC so I will hopefully using the PB2 when on honeymoon this year, but mainly, it’s to support the team when they have filming/interviewing duties on the water.

James: The general understanding I have gained from attending the course has given me the basic skills to drive the RIB and what to do in an emergency situation and how to avoid those situations in the first place.

Will you be doing any more PB courses?

Chris: Thinking about doing Safety Boat or Advanced, but after the wedding.

What would you say to someone else thinking about taking the course?

Emma: Just do it. You’d be surprised what you can achieve in just two days. The course is full on but loads of fun and you’ll come away with loads of new skills.

Chris: Do it, it’s a lot of fun and a great way to learn something on the water in two days that gives you an internationally accepted qualification.

Top Tips

Our instructor Jon Kirby from Southampton Watersports Activity Center (SWAC), shares his top tips for powerboat handling.

Want to know more about RYA Powerboat Level 2?

RYA Powerboat Level 2 is a two day course that provides the skills and background knowledge need to drive a powerboat and is the basis of the International Certificate of Competence (ICC).

The course includes close quarters handling, high speed manoeuvres, man overboard recovery and collision regulations and can be taken on inland or coastal waters, with your certificate being endorsed accordingly.

Course overview

Assumed knowledgeNone. May be preceded by Level 1Minimum duration2 days Minimum age12. Candidates under the age of 16 will be issued with an endorsed certificate Course content Launching and recovery, boat handling, securing to a buoy, anchoring, leaving and coming alongside, man overboard Ability after the course Self-sufficient powerboater in the right conditions, aware of own limitations and those of craft

Find out more about RYA Powerboat Level 2 and other RYA courses at RYA Training.

In New Zealand give us a call on 0800 486 729 for info on how Elements Watersports can get you into Powerboating, Windsurfing, sailing or SUP.

Kill Cords - just use them

Kill Cord 

Always, always, always use a kill cord and ensure that it is attached to the driver of the boat.

Small open power boats will normally be fitted with a kill cord which, if used correctly, will stop the engine if the driver becomes dislodged from the helm position.

Attaching the kill cord

http://youtu.be/7Lxiwd0chGE

The kill cord is a red lanyard which has a quick-release fitting at one end and a clip at the other end.  When in use, the quick-release fitting is attached to the console and the end with the clip attaches to the driver. The kill cord is normally attached around the driver’s knee and clipped back onto itself. This is shown in the video:

A kill cord is coiled in its design to allow the driver the natural movement required when helming a boat. Should the driver move away from, or be thrown from, the helm position the kill cord will detach from the console and the engine will stop. Detaching the kill cord also allows a crew or passenger to stop the engine if the driver were to become incapacitated whist at the helm – e.g. they fainted.

In most instances the boat will not start without the kill cord in place therefore a second kill cord should be kept on board to allow boat to be re-started if the driver and kill cord have gone overboard. The kill cord should be worn by the driver whenever the engine is running.

Should you for any reason not wish to attach the kill cord around your leg, attach it securely to your personal buoyancy. In either case it should not foul the steering or gear controls.

The kill cord should always be clipped back onto itself.  It should not be clipped onto an item of clothing or attached to any other location where the clip would release from the driver rather than detach from the console as the console end must detach for the kill cord to stop the boat. 

The kill cord prevents the driver moving away from the normal operating position either intentionally or by accident. It might therefore be tempting to use a kill cord that is longer than the item provided by the manufacturer of the engine, to allow you a little more movement, but this could result in the kill cord not doing its job when you really need it to. If you need to leave the command position, or you are changing driver, you should turn the engine off. The engine should only be re-started when the kill cord has been secured to the new driver. 

Check the kill cord works

Check your kill cord works at the start of each day or session by starting the engine and pulling the kill cord to makes sure it stops the engine.

Monitor the kill cord for signs of wear

Kill cords should be protected from the elements. Over time extremes of temperature and UV light will harm the lanyard. Kill cords may become stretched or brittle if stored open to the elements. Monitor the kill cord for signs of wear, rust and reduced elasticity (the kill cord should not droop excessively) and replace it in good time.

When replacing kill cords, purchase a good quality lanyard with a strengthening cord through the middle. Most good chandlers will stock kill cords to suit the different engines, but if in doubt contact the engine manufacturer to source the correct replacement.  

Summary of RYA advice and recommendations:

• The RYA recommends that the kill cord be attached around your leg. It should not foul the steering or gear controls.
• The RYA does not recommend extending the length of the kill cord provided by the manufacturer of the engine.
• Always check your kill cord works at the start of each day or session and check it regularly for signs of wear.
• When replacing kill cords, purchase a good quality lanyard with a strengthening cord through the middle.
• Do not leave kill cords out in the elements. Extremes of temperature and UV light will harm the lanyard in the long term.
• If your lanyard has a fabric outer sheath, but has lost its spiral tension, it is advisable to replace it as it is possible that the inner strengthening cord may be

One drowning every three days this summer

Here is an update straight from WatersafetyNZ.

We run a range of courses supported by WatersafetyNZ, Coastquard, YachtingNZ and Regional Councils with the sole aim of making kids and adults safer around water.

Drop me a line on 0800 486 729 to find out how we can help your family, school and friends.

over to WatersafetyNZ...

Thirty-one people drowned in New Zealand this summer – that’s around one drowning every three days.

The majority of drownings during the official summer period (1 December to 28 February) occurred while the victims were swimming (11 deaths). This is up from seven swimming related drownings last summer.

Twelve drownings occurred at our beaches – double the number from last summer. Traditionally rivers have been New Zealand’s biggest drowning spots but the number of drownings at rivers this summer is half the five-year average at six deaths.

Water Safety New Zealand CEO Matt Claridge says while the number of deaths this summer is down ten from the five-year summer average of 41 and less than last year’s 40, the numbers are still alarmingly high.

Powerboat Safety

Powerboat Safety

Originally posted by Rachel Solon posted on May 08, 2013 16:58

Driving a Powerboat this Summer?
Here are 7 ways to stay safe… 

1 Get Trained
Appropriate training is probably the most effective investment in safety you can make. One and two day courses are run by ISA Training Centres all over the country all year round. See www.sailing.ie for details.

2 Wear A Lifejacket
Wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid appropriate to the area you are 
operating and the activity you are taking part in.

3 Use A Killcord
Ensure that the driver of any powerboat uses a killcord or an engine cut out lanyard at all times and that it will turn the engine off if activated.

4 Mind Your Speed
Always proceed at a low speed when manoeuvring in the vicinity of any other water users. 

5 Watch Where You Are Going
Be aware of the dangers of allowing the driver of a powerboat to be distracted in any way while the boat is underway.

6 Watch That Propeller
Always ensure that your engine is turned off when in the vicinity of people in the water.

7 Be Prepared
Always ensure that your boat is adequately and appropriately manned,  equipped and that it is seaworthy. If you are not sure contact the RNLI for free “Advice on Board” www.rnli.org/adviceonboard.

A safety message from your national authority

Posted in: ISA News