British Canoeing Paddlesports Instructor Course

The Paddlesports Instructor 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.

On the course, you will be asked to choose to paddle one type of stable craft for the personal paddling and rescue skills assessment. This can be kayak (closed or open cockpit), sit on top, open canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. The Paddlesport Instructor Course Guide and Assessment Guidance provide specific information about the required standard. The Paddlesport Instructor course has been designed on the premise that you have the required personal and rescue skills prior to attending the course. Please note that these components are assessed (but not trained) during the course therefore please ensure you are able to meet these requirements prior to attending the course. The Paddlesport Instructor Course Guide and Assessment Guidance can be found at: https://www.britishcanoeingawarding.org.uk/paddlesport-instructor-resources/

Before you book you need to make sure the following pre-requisites have been met: 

• Foundation Safety and Rescue Training course completed at least 10 days prior to the Paddlesports Instructors course – if you are attending an FSRT course within a couple of weeks of the Paddlesport Instructor Award course, please ask the provider for the course number and bring this to your course. You will need to be practised at rescuing a range of crafts from yours ahead of this course.
• Have paddle ability equivalent to 2 Star or the Explore Award
• Register for the course through British Canoeing, this will cost £45 – https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/coaching-leadership/guidance-resources/registration-guidance
• Have a valid British Canoeing membership

Once you have registered for the course via the above link, you will be sent an email with a copy of your Course Registration form. Please make sure you print off a copy of the Course Registration form and bring it with you for the start of the course.

British Canoeing has produced a set of e-learning resources for the Paddlesport Instructor course. The e-learning can also be found at: https://www.britishcanoeingawarding.org.uk/resource/paddlesport-instructor-elearning/. The e-learning is not compulsory, but it is highly recommended that you complete the e-learning prior to attending the course and that you download and bring the resources above with you to the course.

Please note, this is a very practical course and will involve getting wet a number of times. Make sure you have adequate gear and spare clothing for the weather conditions.

The price includes the certificate and training.

Minimum age 14 years.

9am – 6pm on the first day and 9am – 5pm on the second day.