Technical Skills and Training

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Training and Technical Notes

Training Events
Walk Leader Notes
Technical Notes and Tips
Walks Library

Training Events

Training Events Dates for 2011/12 will be sent out via the mailing list.

Walk Leader Notes

1. On the Day and on the Walk

2. Walking on Roads

3. Walk Planning

4. To Recce or not to Recce?

5. Getting People There

</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="775"> <a name="Walking Leading Notes">Walking Leading Notes</a><o:p> </o:p> <o:p>On The Day<o:p> </o:p> As Walk Leader, YOU control all aspects of the walk. <ul> <li> At the Start Point<o:p> </o:p> </li> <li> Arrive in good time.</li> <li> This will give you time to organise yourself and your kit.</li> </ul> Potentially there are other things to do: <ul> <li> Organise parking</li> <li> Take calls/texts from people who are running late or lost</li> <li> Welcome people who have not been walking with the CWW before</li> <li> Count the walkers</li> <li> Appoint a Backmarker and brief them on what you want them to do.</li> </ul> <o:p> Backmarker<o:p> </o:p> Before the walk explain exactly what you want them to do. This may include: <ul> <li> Warning you if the pace is too fast</li> <li> Informing you of anyone who is having problems</li> <li> On sections with vehicle traffic call out “car behind” to warn the group</li> <li> Ensuring that anyone taking a loo break is not left behind</li> </ul> Intro to the Walk<o:p> </o:p> <ul> <li> Should in 1 minute or less cover:</li> <li> Welcome, where the walk is going, length of walk, points of interest, any hazards, details of any lunch stop, likely finish time, end of walk drink/refreshments</li> <li> Tell them who is Backmarking and to keep between you and the Backmarker</li> </ul> Start<o:p> </o:p> Set off at the appointed time. If not, keep the group informed of what is happening.It’s Behind You, Not Just in Front of You<o:p> </o:p> As Walk Leader you should always: <ul> <li> Lead from the front and stay at the front</li> <li> Know exactly where you are on the route</li> <li> Be aware of what is going on behind you</li> <li> Maintain visual contact with the Backmarker</li> </ul> Pace<o:p> </o:p> As Walk Leader: <ul> <li> YOU set the pace</li> <li> DO NOT allow others to set the pace</li> <li> Normal walking pace is 4 kph or 2.5 mph. Most people can maintain this pace comfortably.</li> <li> During your recce you will have noted where the pace may vary, eg up hills.</li> <li> Make sure that you are aware of what is going on behind you, if the group strings out, alter the pace or take a breather at an appropriate point.</li> </ul> Breathers<o:p> </o:p> Take breathers where necessary. You will have noted places for these during your recce, eg top of a hill. <ul> <li> Allow the whole group to catch up, take a breather and refresh themselves. Do not set off again as soon as the Backmarker arrives with the slowest people, they need a break too.</li> <li> Walk around the group and talk to people, assess their readiness for the next part of the walk.</li> <li> Check with the Backmarker about pace and any problems.</li> </ul> Natural Breaks<o:p> </o:p> Natural Breaks, such as styles and gates, will also act as breathers. But, be aware of what is going on behind you after you pass a Natural Break. Navigational Errors<o:p> </o:p> Even the best Walk Leaders get lost sometimes. If you have done a proper recce, hopefully you won’t. If you do, take your time to: <ul> <li> Check the map to see where you are and where you should be.</li> <li> Do not be afraid to ask for help from within the group if you need it<o:p> </o:p> .</li> </ul> Lunch<o:p> </o:p> When the lunch stop is reached: <ul> <li> Make sure that everyone knows how long they have for lunch.</li> <li> Give a "ready to go" warning a few minutes before the restart.</li> <li> Ask the Backmarker to count the group again as they set off.</li> </ul> End of the Walk<o:p> </o:p> <ul> <li> Make sure everyone returned.</li> <li> Thank people for coming.</li> <li> Thank the Backmarker.</li> <li> Give details of post walk refreshments.</li> <li> Take details of new people who want to go on the mailing list.</li> </ul> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="775"> <a name="Tech_Notes">Technical Notes & Tips<o:p> </o:p> </a> This section will contain all the notes for the Training Events. You can read them online or print them out if you choose.</o:p> There will also be articles on "exciting walking topics". </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="775"> <o:p> <a name="Walks Library "> Walks Library</a></o:p> <o:p> In this section we will be starting to build a library of walks. </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="775">   If you have questions on this section please contact <a href="mailto:training@chilternsww.co.uk?subject=CWW Web Site">Bob Smith.</a>   </td> </tr> </table>  </td></tr></table><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tr><td> Copyright © 2012 Chilterns Weekend Walkers. All rights reserved. </td></tr></table></body> </html>