Junior Members

WADAA KINGFISHERS

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS.

Many of our junior members simply join to fish the club’s waters under the guidance of friends or relatives – we only see them from time to time when we are around the fisheries. But for youngsters whose parents have little or no knowledge of fishing we can provide a safe and guided introduction into the sport through our annual programme of coaching sessions and other events.

SAFETY AND CARE

WADAA holds Sport England’s ‘Clubmark’ accreditation – the benchmark safety standard for sports clubs who work with young people. Events are organised to strict safety guidelines and to high standards of care and child protection. Normally two fully licensed Angling Coaches will be present at each event. Other adults act in the capacity of Coaching Assistants. At least one female assistant will be present at any event involving female participants. The minimum coach/participant ratio is 1:4 and frequently less. Licensed Angling Coaches are not only highly competent at a technical level but have also undergone training in coaching techniques, the organisation of events, first aid and child protection. They are fully insured and authorised by their National Governing Body to run these types of activities.

INVOLVEMENT OF PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

We welcome as much involvement as you would like to have. We may even start you fishing as well! For the first couple of sessions younger children in particular will be reassured by the presence of a parent and all youngsters are generally delighted that a parent can witness and share their successes and achievements. However, once both of you are confident, we are happy to take responsibility for your child during an event.

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD.

There is always a wide range of age, ability and personality at these events. The more we know beforehand about your child the better we can plan our coaching to suit their particular needs. You are asked to supply contact details, medical information and other information on your child’s membership application. If there is anything else you think we ought to be aware of please let us know. All the information you supply will be treated in strict confidence.

CONTACT AND COMMUNICATION

The clubs website is the starting point for information about when and where events are taking place. We also send out regular email bulletins and reminders. There will usually be adequate places at each event but it is wise to book early. All you have to do is contact us and let us know your child will be attending. We will send you more details three or four days before the event.

• If advanced booking is required for an event please do not just turn up on the day – we will not be able to include your child on that basis.

• Please let us know straight away if you have to cancel so that we can offer your place to someone else.

• Please make sure that you arrive on time and collect your child promptly at the end of each event.

SUITABILITY OF EVENTS

Coaching events are run at different levels from beginner through to expert and the event details will indicate the level of experience needed. We also have an awards scheme which is used to classify a number of the more advanced sessions. If you are not sure which events would be the best for your child the following pointers may be useful.

• Younger children can find it difficult to concentrate for long periods of time particularly if on the day the fishing is slow. They are still very welcome but as a precaution you might like to turn up before the end of the event just in case they’ve had enough!

• In very cold, windy, wet, or in very hot weather, youngsters can soon become uncomfortable. We will adjust or postpone the session in the event of truly adverse weather. You would be advised to avoid full day events for the youngest children if the weather is likely to be particularly bad or at least be prepared to collect them early.

• Coarse fishing is suitable for any age group, does not require any great physical ability, and most children from the age of seven or eight upwards will catch fish quite readily in good conditions. They can get underway after a very short period of instruction and enjoy a degree of success almost immediately.

• Learning to fly fish is initially more demanding. Before they can catch fish regularly fly fishers have to achieve some degree of casting proficiency. This requires ability and coordination together with a level of persistence and practise. Very few children under the age of 10 will have developed the physical ability and coordination to achieve a level of skill sufficient for regular success. But of course there are exceptions to the rule – in both directions. The first fly fishing session on the programme will allow us to gauge which children are likely to gain success and we may recommend that your child waits another year before picking up a fly rod. All part of growing up!

• On the plus side fly fishing is more energetic and more proactive – ideal for those that can’t sit still and wait for the fish to come to them!

CLOTHING AND OTHER EQUIPMENT

You will need to make sure that your child is adequately clothed for the prevailing weather. The weather at the fishery may be nothing like the weather you left at home so please check the forecast and err on the safe side. Too much clothing is far better than too little. It is always a sensible precaution to bring a spare change of clothes; these can be left in a vehicle and need not be carried around. Good waterproofs are the most essential items plus:

• A baseball type cap. This helps to protect your child from glare and weather.

• Sunglasses or other eye protection. Eye injuries caused by hooks are very uncommon but can happen. Wearing sunglasses or other eye protection significantly reduces the potential risk to an absolute minimum. Good sunglasses will also protect your child’s eyes from UV damage – and if they are polarised will allow them to see into the water. Always a bonus!

• Waterproof boots or Wellingtons with good gripping soles are essential. Lake margins are invariably boggy in places, and banks can be rocky and uneven so good footwear is important.

• It is also a sensible precaution to check that any cuts or grazes are covered with a plaster. This will prevent any infection.

FISHING TACKLE.

We can provide all the tackle needed for each event. If your child is just starting it is probably wise to see how things go before spending any amount of money. Once the bug has bitten and new tackle becomes a priority please talk to us. We will be able to give you impartial advice as to what would be most suitable for your youngster. It need not cost a fortune but it is very easy to make expensive mistakes.

WHO TO CONTACT

Neil Birkinshaw.

Neil is WADAA’s Association Manager. He is responsible for the running of WADAA Kingfishers and the Events Programme. Neil’s background is in teaching Outdoor Education where he has organised courses for literally thousands of children, young people and adults during his career. Neil is a licensed Angling Coach (Game).

If you have any questions at all then don’t hesitate to contact Neil through the contact information on the website