Paddle sports courses

Introduction to Paddle sport

Candidates for this week-long course do not require any canoeing or kayaking experience, just enthusiasm and an interest in developing as an instructor in the future. You’ll learn basic skills and build your experience on the water. The aim is for each candidate to achieve the BCU 2 Star Award by the end of the week.

Candidates are advised to have read relevant chapters of the BCU Canoe and Kayak Handbook before attending.

Joint Service Canoe Instructor Level 1 Award (Kayak)

The aim of this course is to train and assess candidates in the skills required to safely introduce others to kayaking activities as part of an authorised AT programme.

To apply, you must be of a good BCU 2 Star standard, hold a current First Aid certificate (including Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Expired Air Ventilation (EAV)) and ideally, have some experience of assisting a qualified instructor.

Candidates will be tested for the Canoe Safety Test during the course (if not held) which must be passed to achieve the Level 1 Award.

This award will allow instructors to teach cadets or regular force personnel in sheltered water.

Introduction to Moving Water (Kayak) or BCU 3 star Open Boat Training.

The aim of both of these courses is to qualify candidates able to instruct in flat water to a more challenging, moving water environment. To apply, you must hold the new BCU 2 Star or old BCU 3 Star award in the relevant craft.

The course will develop your personal skills, safety skills and river knowledge, with the aim of training each candidate to be a competent member of a group paddling on moving water.

Candidates are advised to have read relevant chapters of the BCU Canoe and Kayak handbook before attending.