Learning the ropes for guiding

At Achilles new guides will be provided with training at their first session. We also recommend that new guides pair with an experienced guide for 2-3 additional training sessions to observe and for support in initial guiding. It is then up to the guide to ensure that they feel comfortable guiding solo, please speak up if you want additional support in your guiding. 

Getting to know your running/walking partner:

• Introduce yourself
• Make sure you know what the person’s disability is – if they are vision impaired, ask what they can and can’t see
• Ask which side is best to guide on
• Ask them what they’d like to get out of the day’s session – a light jog, a long run, a relaxing walk

Getting started:

• Do not rush, start slowly – you must feel that you are in control
• Give clear, loud commands (see below for some common lingo)
• Use two to three word sentences, i.e. avoid being wordy and do not give unnecessary commands / information about obstacles- it makes concentrating harder
• Look ahead and prepare your athlete with information about the terrain or environment (e.g. group of children up ahead, hill approaching, narrow paths ahead)
• Direction commands take priority over general conversation – interrupt the conversation if required (we won’t think you’re rude!)
• If the unexpected happens and you are losing control of the situation, say “STOP” and stop immediately

Get comfortable:

• Run or walk next to the person, not in front (unless there is a need to do so) and never behind someone who is blind
• Relax your arm and hand holding the guiding strap – the strap must not be taut. If it is tight, movement is being impeded
• Have fun! We are a social club so get to know the person you’re guiding and enjoy your time together
• If you’re guiding someone with vision loss tell them about things of interest – scenery, flowers etc
• Ask questions during the walking/running session: e.g. how can I best guide you? Ask for feedback during the exercise session as to how you are guiding

Navigating obstacles:

• ​Try to allow more room between you and obstacles/cars than is necessary in case of the unpredictable
• Approach steps at 90 degrees. Pause (not stop) before negotiating stairs. Walk up/down stairs – don’t run. Offer a hand rail if available
• If you are going through a narrow area, always lead; the blind person will follow you (guide from the front, not the back) 
• When going past low obstructions eg bollards, line the blind person up to keep going straight and you move to avoid the obstacle
• If people ahead are blocking your path, warn pedestrians ahead by calling/shouting “blind runner coming through” 

It is your responsibility to keep the athlete with a disability safe. If you are having trouble guiding, please ask for help. 

Key Guiding Terms

Cut in road:   Ramp up/ramp down
Overhead hazard:  Duck & remember to say “clear” once overhead hazard is cleared
Oncoming bike:  Bike up           
Bike passing behind:  Bike back
Uneven ground/leaves/sticks: Lift feet
Bollards: Bollard (left or right), come close
Through narrow gaps: Go behind (guides always lead from the front)
Steps / Kerbs:   Steps – up or down. Slow at start of steps and indicate the first and last step. 
Uphill/downhill:  Uphill/downhill or incline/decline [indicate steepness and length]
Gentle curves:  Gentle turn to left/right – keeps left/right for 40 metres OR may not require verbal instruction as can feel tether tension
Unexpected hazard: STOP

​Check out these two short video’s on guiding technique put together by United in Stride – View guiding technique and Achilles International – View Achilles International guiding technique

Be clear and decisive with your language. Do not try to over communicate and always interrupt normal conversation to advise of an obstacle.