To be able to get the most out of your training, we would recommend that you can paddle to the standard of the Progressive Sea Kayak Award. If you have not completed the Progressive Sea Kayak Award assessment and would like to discuss if you have the appropriate skills contact Caoimhe or Effie, our Canoesport staff, 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 Sea Kayak Leader Award is a prerequisite for those wishing to attain their Sea Kayak Leader Assessment.
↓ Course summary
For full details of the Sea Kayak Leader Award syllabus and relevant course guidelines, candidates should visit British Canoeing’s Awarding Body website – Click HERE
Achieving your Sea Kayak Leader Award Training is recognition of having the necessary skills and knowledge and a prerequisite to attend the Sea Kayak Leader Assessment course.
↓ Who is the course for?
If you’re looking to lead sea kayakers on a moderate tidal water environment, 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 Sea Kayak Award Skills and leadership skills in a moderate water environment you can submit an APL application to go straight to the Sea Kayak Leader Assessment.
↓ What equipment do I need to bring?
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.
↓ What does my course fee include?
The 4 Star Leader Award Training (Sea Kayak) 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.
↓ Useful books and resources
BCU Canoe & Kayak Handbook
BCU Coaching Handbook
Brown, G. Sea Kayak
Cooper, D. Sea Kayak Handling skills
Ferrero, F. Sea Kayak Navigation
All of the above are published by Pesda Press
Lull, J. Sea Kayaking Safely & Rescue – Published by Wilderness Press
Current situation
As you are probably aware the current advice from the Northern Ireland Executive, Health Promotion Agency NI and Health & Safety Executive NI, as well as our expert group within Sport NI is that we cannot deliver any face to face courses for our customers including use of the Hot Rock Climbing Wall.
We know that you and many others like minded folk are very keen to get back on track with your plans to attend and complete a range of personal skills training and qualifications in a range of disciplines.
Believe us when we say we are equally keen to get outside with you and help you reach your goals and complete that journey.
How do we know? Because every day we get emails and phone calls asking when will courses resume and with every NI Executive mention of easing of restrictions the emails and phone calls are more frequent……
