The Power of Unstructured Learning in Coaching and Sport w/ Marianne Davies

Feb 12, 2025

Marianne Davies, an expert in skill acquisition with over 35 years in coaching and adventure sports, dives into the fascinating intersection of language, perception, and learning. She shares how unstructured learning in adventure sports can unlock athletes' potential and discusses the importance of exploration for personal growth. Marianne also highlights the importance of building connections and adapting coaching methods, advocating for a shift away from traditional, structured approaches. Her insights reveal how outdoor challenges can enrich both life and sport.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Exploring Language, Identity, and Connection to Nature

03:21 • 29min

Introducing a New Certification in Coaching

32:14 • 5min

Navigating Complex Relationships and Coaching Challenges

37:26 • 3min

Navigating Problem Types with the Cynefin Framework

40:29 • 3min

Adventures in Team Building

43:11 • 5min

The Future of Coach Development

48:30 • 11min

Designing Learning Environments for Natural Engagement

59:46 • 3min

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In this episode, Javi sits down with Marianne Davies to explore a fascinating blend of topics, from adventure sports and ecological coaching to the power of language and learning. They dive into how language shapes perception, the unique relationship between teaching and learning, and the role of affordance perception in high-risk environments.

Marianne shares her experiences in equestrian sports, adventure coaching, and expedition leadership, emphasizing how outdoor challenges can reshape the way we think, learn, and coach—not just in sports, but in life. They discuss the importance of exploration for both kids and adults, the evolving landscape of coach education, and why less structure in training could unlock greater potential in athletes.

Key Topics Discussed:

✅ How language serves as a constraint and shapes perception

✅ The Welsh concept of “dusky” and how it connects teaching and learning

✅ How adventure sports develop skill and decision-making under real consequences

✅ The unstructured nature of adventure sports vs. traditional coaching

✅ Why adults need adventure experiences just as much as kids

✅ The role of affordance perception and risk in skill acquisition

✅ The future of coach development and shifting from assessment-based coaching

✅ The power of movement and perception beyond traditional sports

Resources & Mentions:

📌 Marianne’s Podcast: River Tiger Podcast

📌 Marianne’s Website: Dynamics Coaching

📌 Follow Marianne on X (Twitter): @marianne_D1

📌 Follow Marianne on Instagram: @river.tiger

📌 Recommended Films: Valley Uprising (climbing culture) & Riding Giants (big wave surfing)

📌 The Cynefin Framework (for understanding complex problems)

If you like today's episode, leave a review here....If you want to reach me directly, contact me on social media or shoot me @javier@emergentmvmt.com.

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Credits: Song- "Starstruck" by Freebeats.io

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