Level 1 Coach Award

The new UKCC BCU Level 1 Kayak or Canoe Coach Award is aimed at coaches and youth leaders who wish to introduce others to canoeing at a ‘taster’ level, only, using small, sheltered, simple-water sites. It is not a suitable level of qualification for canoeing leaders of clubs or groups for whom the pastime is a main activity. For staff employed at Centres, it is suitable only for ‘first session’ introductory purposes, and only when under the general supervision of a higher award holder.

Candidates must hold or be competent to the level of the relevant BCU 2-Star test. Level 1 Kayak Coaches are regarded as competent to operate closed cockpit kayaks, open cockpit kayaks, and open canoes within the terms of reference stated. However Level 1 Canoe Coaches can only operate with canoes within the terms of reference stated.

The status is intended only as a very basic coaching award, but the holder should be able to transmit a basic understanding to all their charges to enable the purpose of the session to be achieved. It must always be borne in mind that the sphere of operation of the Level 1 Award is restricted, and the overriding priority is 'SAFETY WITH ENJOYMENT'.

It is relevant for use throughout the year, with the provisos listed.

This course is for those who are interested in achieving Personal Proficiency (Star) awards, and or those who are particularly interested in progressing as coaches in Canoe sport.

The BCU Level 1 Kayak or Canoe Coach Award is aimed at coachers and youth leaders who wish to introduce others to canoeing at a ‘taster’ level, only, using small, sheltered, simple-water sites. It is not a suitable level of qualification for canoeing leaders of clubs or groups for whom the pastime is a main activity. For staff employed at Centres, it is suitable only for ‘first session’ introductory purposes, and only when under the general supervision of a higher award holder.

Provide candidates with the skills to safely introduce a group to canoe sport

Develop and apply relevant boat handling, group management and safety skills in a positive learning environment.

Develop a level of confidence and independence through greater knowledge.

For our staff to provide an individually tailored coaching experience.

Please check out the BCU website for full details of all strokes covered.


Outline Programme

It is important to note that the above outline programme is a guide. Times may vary due to weather conditions etc..


Our Staff

The instructor(s) who will work with you are all highly experienced and qualified. Tollymore prides itself in the knowledge and experience that its full time and part time staff bring to its courses. Our staff are all keen canoeists who know all the local ‘hot spots’ enabling them to choose the most suitable site to run your course. You may well have met them on the water in the past, if not you’re sure to bump into them in the future on days when they are not working!

All are obliged to attend annual staff updates and training courses

The following list is of equipment we recommend you bring. All essential equipment is available from our extensive stores. We advise you not to rush out and buy kit for the course, but use it as a chance to find out what would best suit your needs. But if you do have any of your own equipment do bring it along our staff will be required to vet for suitability equipment such as buoyancy aids, boats and helmets.

Tollymore Information

Tollymore Mountain Centre, on the edge of the Mournes, is Northern Ireland’s National Centre for Mountaineering and Canoeing Activities. It is funded and managed by the Sports Council for Northern Ireland as a National Centre. The Centre is an attractive, purpose-built facility of log construction with accommodation for 30 people in 2, 4 and 6 berth bedrooms. Quilts, pillows and bed linen are all provided. The Centre is well appointed with toilets, showers, modern kitchen, lecture room, workshop and drying room. Outside there is ample parking space, a ropes course and a floodlit granite-climbing wall. A modern indoor climbing wall is open year round. The centre is ideally situated on the edge of the Mournes, with quick and easy access to the hills.

The Central Council for Physical Recreation opened Tollymore Mountain Centre in 1969. In 1974, it passed to the newly established Sports Council for Northern Ireland Trust. In 1995, Tollymore achieved the management standard BS EN ISO 9001:2000 for the quality systems it operates. However, as part of Sports Council for Northern Ireland’s ongoing commitment to the development of the National Centre, Tollymore will be undergoing a major redevelopment, commencing in 2006. The facilities will be improved and expanded, to ensure that Tollymore remains as an example of best practice in the provision of mountaineering, hillwalking, climbing and canoeing courses in Northern Ireland.

A full list of clubs is available from The Canoe Association Of Northern Ireland (CANI)

Canoe Association of Northern Ireland
Unit 2 Rivers Edge
13 – 15 Ravenhill Rd
Belfast
BT68DN

Email: office@cani.org.uk

Web: www.cani.org.uk

Tel: 0870 2405065