Africa building momentum in Sprint Paddle through coach education

Sprint Paddle is continuing to make great progress across Africa as more coaches gained the skills required to develop paddlers from the continent. 

Paddle Worldwide successfully staged a Sprint Paddle Level 2 Coaching Course in cooperation with Paddle Africa in Luanda, Angola from December 2 to 7. 

Coaches from Angola, Djibouti, Ghana, Namibia, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles and Somalia participated in the six-day course, supported by the Angolan Canoe Federation. 

It was held alongside the African Sprint Paddle Championships where many athletes that had benefitted from Paddle Worldwide development programmes achieved medals. 

Paddle Worldwide expert coach Isaac Villa Santos led the course that looked to strengthen the technical and teaching skills of African coaches. 

Advanced paddling technique in canoe and kayak, physical conditions and strength and power development were among the topics covered. 

There were also modules in endurance training sessions, year-round training periodisation and long-term athlete development. 

Among the 15 participants, nine of the coaches were male and six were female. 

Paddle Worldwide Vice President Dr. Cecilia Farias said: “The continual development of Sprint Paddle across Africa is a reflection of the continent’s growing talent, ambition and commitment to our sport.  

“We are continuing to see great progress in athlete performances and coach education, driven by the engagement of National Federations and Paddle Africa. 

“A clear example of this progress was the delivery of the ICF Sprint Paddle Level 2 Coaching Course in Angola which strengthened local expertise and created new pathways for sustainable development. But progress must be inclusive.  

“While it was encouraging to see participation from female coaches on the course, we must continue to empower and encourage women from the African continent. 

“It is also important to increase the participation of female athletes to help develop them to their full potenital. 

“With the support of NFs and Paddle Africa we will continue to strengthen gender equity across our sport in Africa.” 

As well as a coaching course, Luanda staged a seminar for International Technical Officials with the presence of Toshi Furuya, Chair of the Paddle Worldwide Sprint Paddle Committee, and Paddle Worldwide Africa and Europe Continental Manager Ali Hassan.

Mr Furuya added: “It was a great pleasure to attend the African Sprint Paddle Championships in Luanda.

“The event showcased not only outstanding performances on the water but a strong commitment to the education and development of coaches and technical officials.

“These positive strides reflect Africa’s continued progress and its growing contribution to the global development of Sprint Paddle.”