Besides just having a love of paddling, I enjoy helping new paddlers with the progression of their skills so that they are safe and comfortable kayaking anywhere from flat water to the open coast.

While I love paddling in rough water, I think the basics should be taught and practiced in flat water.  My article Make Those Moves Muscle Memory for Canoe & Kayak Magazine describes the importance of flat water practice.

I try and accomplish coaching by giving the student information in small pieces that are relevant to the course being taught. I always say "If you want to know why we are doing it this way please ask. This is a way to do it based on my experience, its not the only way."