Coaching while Kayaking: A Unique Approach to Working with Clients
I was recently interviewed by Dr. Deb Elbaum M.D., PCC for her In the Right Direction podcast. This blog shares some of the insights that were shared.
My Background with Kayaking: From Age 8
The interview began with my background as a kayaker. I shared that I have been kayaking since age 8 on Cape Cod. I studied Adventure Recreation and Business Management in Undergrad at Green Mountain College and have a background in experiential learning. In addition, I have Masters degrees in both Organization Development and Adult Education from Alverno College.
When I was in undergrad, I learned how to roll my white water kayak. This required a lot of resilience and grit. It took me one year to perfect the roll on my right-hand side and another year to perfect it on the left. Here is my blog “Kayak Rolls and SLII®: Understanding Development Levels” which includes a synchronized roll video with some friends.
When I lived in Wisconsin from 2001-2011, I taught kayaking for 10 years as a volunteer instructor. I enjoy sea kayaking year-round and white water kayaking in warmer seasons now that I have been back in New England for the past 10 years.
Coaching while Kayaking
I have coached many people while kayaking, although I don't do this every day, as it takes more time than a typical coaching session and is weather dependent. I provide coaching on the Charles River or Mystic Lakes when at my Boston office or on the ocean on Cape Cod when at that home and office.
If you were doing a sea kayaking executive coaching session with me, what should you expect?
I always begin by reviewing safety, even before we get in the boat, including paddle strokes, rules of the river or water, etc. Coachees have to know how to swim, agree to wear a life preserver, and have kayaked before. These coaching sessions are not “learn to kayak” lessons, but instead focus on business challenges while practicing experiential learning and awareness in a different environment.
Coaching takes place once we are on the water through dialogue, questioning, reflection, and discussion possibilities and what if’s.
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The Power of Being on The Water
Being out on the water get's people out of their comfort zone and away from technology. The water seems to help people be much more present. It also provides a change of pace. Kayaking requires and promotes movement in a way that is safe. Often clients trust me very early on when I coach while kayaking because they see how focused I am on keeping them safe - physically and emotionally with the experience.
Movement While Being Coached Provides the Following Benefits:
Reduce anxiety and stress while improving overall mood
Less formal
Clients talk more
More creative ideas
More relaxed conversations
Silence is easier for coach and client
Kick-start endorphins (a feel-good hormone in our body)
Increase heart rate and oxygen levels in our blood and brain
Increased reflection
Confidence building
Help to look up and out and not just down at our phone and the nearest crocodile
In Closing
Coaching while kayaking has been something I have enjoyed as an advanced kayaker and seasoned executive coach in Boston for the past 15+ years! Let’s hope for a sunny summer season.
What are some unique ways that you have experienced kayaking or coaching? Comment Below.
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About the Author:
Sarah Scala is a senior talent management leader and executive coach with 20+ years of experience providing organization development, change management, and leadership development solutions for diverse global and local industries. She is a collaborative consultant, coach, and educator supporting the performance transformation of executives, leaders, and teams. Sarah is a methodical, results-driven leader recognized for helping clients reach their highest potential, increase revenue, reduce turnover, elevate business profitability, build competencies, and improve performance.
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