Canoe Leader (Training)

To be able to get the most out of your training, we would recommend that you can paddle to the standard of the Progressive Canoe Award. If you have not completed the Progressive Canoe Award assessment and would like to discuss if you have the appropriate skills contact Oisin Hallissey, Head of Paddlesport on 02843722158.

Registration with CANI (or another Home Nation) is required prior to attending the course, you should allow at least two weeks prior to your course. If you require assistance on how to register with CANI click HERE.

If you are a British Canoeing, Scottish Canoeing or Canoe Wales member you will register through your member portal. If you are a Canoeing Ireland Member contact the CANI office for assistance with registration.

The Canoe Leader Award is a prerequisite for those wishing to attain their Canoe Leader Assessment.

For full details of the Canoe Leader Award syllabus and relevant course guidelines, candidates should visit British Canoeing’s Awarding Body website – Click HERE

Achieving your Canoe Leader Award Training is recognition of having the necessary skills and knowledge and a prerequisite to attend the Canoe Leader Assessment course.

If you’re looking to lead canoeists on moderate white water and moderate inland water, this two day training focuses on personal skills and leadership. This emphasises the application of strokes to achieve suitable techniques and boat control in real situations and covers personal paddling skills, rescue skills, safety, leadership and group skills and the theory.

If you have the Progressive Canoe Award Skills and leadership skills in a moderate water environment you can submit an APL application to go straight to the Canoe Leader Assessment.

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.  If you do have any of your own equipment do bring it along, however our staff will be required to vet for suitability any equipment brought such as buoyancy aids and helmets. You should bring the following personal equipment with you: Footwear – wet suit boots, thermal tops, warm outdoor wear (fleece is ideal), hat, gloves, small first aid kit, vacuum flask, personal medication, notebook and pen.

Our equipment stores are by far the best around with a stock of over 100 boats from across the range of models so there are plenty to choose from! If you are thinking of buying a boat come along and ‘try before you buy’ and also get unbiased expert advice from our staff on the most suitable equipment for you.

Again participants are encouraged to bring any of their own personal equipment so they get the opportunity to be coached using the equipment they are most familiar with.

The course fee includes kit, equipment, in course transport, coaching, food and accommodation.

Course accommodation will be in shared twin ensuite rooms. If you would prefer not to share a room, single occupancy may be available for an additional charge.

BCU Canoe & Kayak Handbook  and  BCU Coaching Handbook – both published by Pesda Press