Surf sport coaches play a crucial role in developing, inspiring and leading athletes to achieve their goals within Surf Life Saving. Each fortnight we'll be profiling some of the incredible coaches from around NSW and finding out their tips and tricks and what they enjoy most about being a surf sports coach.


Michael Clues, North Curl Curl SLSC



Coaching Discipline: Ski, Swim, Board and Iron



Brief coaching background: I have been coaching the past 6 years at North Curl Curl SLSC and two years development at Manly LSC.



How and why did you get started in coaching?



My kids took an interest and I got involved as a coach to help them enjoy what I did as a competitor.



What has been your biggest coaching success?



Five years of hard work finally coming to fruition to win state Age Championships with 95% of our own local juniors being a part of a first for North Curl Curl SLSC.



Who or what has had the biggest influence on your coaching career?



The kids/Competitors – 100%



What sort of recovery methods do your athletes undertake?



Active rest (a lot of surfing) and getting away from the beach.



How important is technique work in training for your athletes?



Very important. You must understand the basics of good technique, however surf has and sometimes dictates otherwise, so don’t get too hung up on it.



How do you go about keeping your athletes motivated?



Keep it interesting, if possible. Mix up the location of training, do something completely unique to our sport to appreciate how good it is.



What do you enjoy most about coaching?



The laughter and smiles, the friendships you make and to see the kids develop.



What are three pieces of advice you would pass on to aspiring coaches?




  1. Make it fun!

  2. Understand all kids develop at different stages and no two kids are the same and to also take an interest in something outside of Surf Life Saving.

  3. Team before individual – this builds a better culture at clubs with morale and stronger bonds with the kids/competitors.



 



Wednesday 2 September 2020