Canoe Open Water 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 Paddlesport team at paddlesport@tollymore.com

• 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 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 Open Water Leader training is a prerequisite for those wishing to attend Canoe Open water Leader Assessment.

CANOE OPEN WATER LEADER TRAINING

Typically run over two days, the British Canoeing Awarding Body Canoe Open Water Leader training course will support the development of your personal skill level and leadership ability to lead a group of paddlers in large areas of open water. The training emphasises the application of a variety of techniques appropriate for exposed open water, requiring the paddler to perform appropriate and effective manoeuvres in real situations. The training covers four key areas:

• Personal paddling skills
• Rescue skills
• Safety, leadership and group skills
• Theory

Formal training is not mandatory, however if you chose to access the training you will have a great couple of days, develop your community of practice, as well as make friends and paddle with like minded paddlers. It's your development pathway! You choose if you want to attend formal training courses or develop your personal skills, leadership and safety and rescue, with a mentor or through your Club/Organisation.

If you’re looking to lead canoeists on 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.  

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 British Canoeing - Leadership Models