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Topper and 29er Coaching
Coaching
Topper and 29er coaching is available from Mike who works as a freelance coach to help with funding his sailing campaigns. The cost for training depends upon requirements and venues and these can be obtained by contacting Mike via email. He coaches all abilities from first time racers to those aspiring to compete at national and international level. He can provide everything from one to one training to group training tailored to the sailors needs:
- One to one coaching: Mike can sail with you in a double-handed boat or coach you from a rib.
- One to one coaching: against a sailor with Mike in a boat racing against them.
- Group training: Groups of similar abilities are always best and numbers depend on safety cover/ ribs available.
Mike also uses a video camera when coaching which gives the sailors a great opportunity to assess their own performance and makes the debrief a very useful experience. The typical format for a day would include:
- A briefing to discuss exercises and goals.
- An on the water session followed by lunch then another session.
- Video debrief and goal assessment at the end.
Contact Mike for further information.
A quote from Hugh Brayshaw
"Before mike was coaching me I got a 79th Rutland Nationwide and a 63rd at the inland championship. After the coaching from Mike I got a 16th at the Mumbles Nationwide and a 8th at the Paignton Nationwide. The training was immense and the learning curve has been extremely steep. The camera is a greatly used tool and helps hugely."
Hugh has since been selected for the RYA Topper National Junior Squad and also for a 3 day Invitational Training camp at Weymouth and Portland National Training Accademy.
A quote from Hugh's Dad, Russell
"Hugh was doing ok in the zone squad and showing potential but the great leap forward came when Mike spent four one-to-one sessions after school with Hugh, on the water working solely on boat handling. It was intensive stuff in different wind conditions and the video camera was used very successfully. Mike would swap with Hugh in the Topper and the two styles could be compared - a very effective way to learn!
Mike is a good communicator, very well coached himself and is exceptionally serious about his sailing, he has a lot to give and he gave Hugh loads.
Suddenly Hugh was leading the fleet in races at Topper Nationwide events and I am convinced Mike had a huge influence on that stride forward. Thanks to Mike, Hugh achieved his next goal of getting into the National Squad.
Mike is excellent value - much, much better value than buying a new boat."
Sailing Experience
2004-2005 Topper West Zone Squad
2005-2006 Topper National Junior Squad + Invitational Training + Team GBR Irish nationals squad
2006-2007 Topper National Junior Squad + Invitational Training
2007-2008 29er National youth Squad
Significant Results
2005 Midlands Champion
2006 Midlands Champion, North West Champion, Third Irish Nationals, Bronze Medal Topper Worlds
2007 Topper World Champion, Second topper inland Championships
Coaching Qualifications
Assistant instructor
Powerboat level 1+ 2