Where can the Paddle-sport Leader operate?

We recommend that the Paddle-sport Leader is an appropriate qualification for taking on formal leadership responsibilities in benign, sheltered water. The overall ethos is that the group will be able to quickly and easily land, avoid hazards present and stay within the chosen safe working area. This may include trips on canals, ungraded sections of slow moving rivers, open water (e.g. lakes and lochs), small enclosed bays or harbors, defined beaches or slow moving estuaries, in conditions that are appropriate for the group but not more than 200m off-shore or in wind strengths exceeding Beaufort force 3.

What is the Paddle-sport Leader qualified to do?

Lead, supervise, or facilitate safe, quality, enjoyable trips (in benign, sheltered water environments), based on their group’s needs and aspirations. This may include:

  • Leading club trips
  • Leading journeys that are part of a school or outdoor education experience
  • Leading social paddling trips
  • Taking people to visit or explore new places
  • Looking after groups who wish to practice their skills (staff/club training trips)
  • Supporting a Duke of Edinburgh group on a journey

The award does not include progressive coaching of technical skills but focuses on learning through experience.
British Canoeing recommends that the Paddle sport Leader could work with groups of up to 8 boats (reduced to 6 with open canoes), and no more than 12 people when using tandem/crew boats.Actual group size will depend on the specific group needs.

What formal training is required?

None. Direct entry to assessment is available to those aged 16 or over who have valid first aid training (1-day) and Home Nation Association Membership. Candidates will be responsible for making decisions about what preparation they need prior to assessment. Optional British Canoeing Paddle sport Leader Training courses will be available for those who wish to access them. This is something we also offer so please get in touch to see how we can tailor your training for hopeful a successful assessment in the future.

How will it be assessed?

Candidates’ leadership, personal and safety and rescue skills will be assessed in both wind affected open water and slow moving water; this could involve rivers, inland open water and/or tidal waters.Each candidate will be seen leading a group of real students, paddling a mixed fleet, in both environments.

Assessment courses will normally run over 1 or 2 days. This will depend on the course ratios and logistics relating to access to suitable environments. 1:1 or 1:2 assessments may take 1 day, whilst 2 day assessments can run at a 1:4 ratio.

Please have a look through these links to familiarise yourself with the award.

2 Day PaddleSport Leader Training course.

Price : individual price £225.00

Dates:  

20 -21st May – South wales area

12 – 13th June  – Snowdonia

22 – 23rd July – South Wales area

16 – 17th August – South Wales area

4 – 5th September – Bristol Area

This two day course will be accredited by British Canoeing , and candidates will be given a full individual action plan to help them progress towards a successful future assessment. There are many options for training, depending on individual needs. This is a minimum of two days, but if you think you may require additional days/ sessions then please get in touch to see how we can help tailor a course for you.

Book Here

1 or 2 Day PaddleSport Leader Assessments:

Once you are confident you meet the qualification criteria and have logged the require leadership hours with various groups, crafts and locations, its time to think about booking your assessment.

Duration: 1 day for up to 2 persons – 2 days for 3 or 4 persons)

Price:

£270.00 per person ( minimum 2 candidates )

£350.00 per person (1-2-1 price) please contact us to arrange this directly

It would be ideal to do your assessment at your place of work or club, it should have open water and a section to lead a group on benign moving water.  We require a lead time of 2 weeks to arrange a suitable assessment date for you. Please get in touch to arrange this and to find out more of what  to expect on the assessment day.

Dates:

5th November 2023 – Bristol area

Assessments are very easy to arrange, and these are generally agreed with candidates who are ready to make that commitment, and usually we agree on the venue, structure and mock students with the assessment candidate in advance. Please get in touch so we can help you arrange your assessment though us.

Candidates can book assessment dates directly with us as this is usually easier.

British Canoeing additional Training Modules/Days can be provided to meet individual needs in all areas of the award. Please get in touch for more information.

Book Here