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About the course
The British Canoeing Awarding Body Paddlesport Instructor is an entry level point qualification for people who are running taster style sessions in simple paddling environments in stable craft.
The qualification will support the instructor with practical skills such as kitting up a group and getting afloat, initial familiarisation activities, games and activities to support learning and how to use mini journeys to support learning, inspire adventure and exploration. This will be enhanced with support on how these sessions can be delivered in a way that is enjoyable, safe and rewarding.
It is a 2-day combined training and assessment covering Professional Standards, Personal Paddling Skills in your chosen craft and Safety and Rescue skills.
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Prior to attending the course you need to ensure you have the following:
Current British Canoeing “On the Water” Member
Ensure you have attended a Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course in the last 3 years.
Ensure your Personal Paddling in your chosen craft are at a good level. The Explore award is a good benchmark.
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This is a 2-day combined training and assessment. The days run from 09:00 to 18:00 both days.
Day 1
Course introduction (Classroom)
Getting Ready – (Bank side)
Getting the Group on the water (Bank side and on the water)
Introducing some Basics (On the water)
Games and Activities to introduce skills
Clearing Up and Concluding (Bank side)
Rescue Assessment (on the water)
Day 2
Supporting Learning, running sessions (On the water)
Journeying (On the water)
Rescues assessment (On the water)
Course Close – Candidate feedback and Action plans (Classroom)
The Paddlesport Instructor Award assesses 3 Area: Professional standards; Personal Paddling and Rescue Skills. These are a mix of holistic, ongoing assessment, self reflection and Assessed tasks.
Here is a link to the Paddlesport Instructor Award - Assessment Guidance. Feel free to look at this to get a clear idea on how you will be assessed.
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Ensure you have current British Canoeing “On the Water” Membership (or other Home Nation Governing Body) https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/membership/join-us-online-here
Register for the Award via the Paddle UK Membership Portal. This is £48.80.
Ensure your Personal Paddling and Rescue Skills are at a good level in your chosen craft(s). There are no specific personal performance award requirements but the Explore awards is a good benchmark.
Make sure you have a printed copy of the Paddlesport Instructor Learner Development Pack
Download a copy of the Paddlesport Instructor Course Guide
It would be useful if you can have a look at the Paddlesport Instructor E-Learning Modules prior to the course.
For the course you will need Personal Paddling Kit appropriate for the time of year and emersion and any Safety and rescue kit you would normally carry. Including a Buoyancy aid/PFD and Helmet.
You can bring your own craft if you would like or you can use on of our Hou Prospectors or RedPaddleCo Boards.
Rock River Coaching can provide Canoes, SUPs, a limited selection of Kayaks, paddles, PFDs, and Paddling kit by prior arrangement.
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This is a physically intensive course with significant time spent in the water, however we endeavour to make our courses as inclusive as possible. If you have any concerns or additional physical or learning requirements please highlight these on the Candidate Information Google Form or feel free to get in touch to discuss things with the team. For further information you can view the BCAB Equal Opportunities for Access and Fairness in Assessment Policy
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Please read our full terms and conditions before booking.
The course covers BCAB awarding fees and launching fees/river licences.
Membership fees, candidate registration and parking are not included.
Get in touch.
If you have any questions about this or other courses or if you would like us to come to your club, organisation or centre to deliver this course for you, please contact us to discuss opportunities.
Related Courses
The Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor qualification is designed for instructors running Paddleboard taster/starter sessions within the safety management systems of clubs, centres or other organisations in Very Sheltered Water environments: i.e. canals, small lakes.
Using Paddleboards suitable for a first-time experience.
The qualification aims to help prepare candidates for their first paddleboard instructing role; ‘primed and ready’.