Paddlesport Instructor Training and Assessment

• • Minimum age: 14 years. (Candidates under 18 years of age should contact the centre prior to booking)
  • Full Home Nation Delivery Centre Membership
  • Home Nation Delivery Centre registration
  • Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course or FSRT. All candidates are required to have completed their PSRC or FSRT prior to the course.
  • Boat/Board handling skills: ‘The instructor is required to show efficient and effective personal skills in their chosen craft, in a Very Sheltered Water environment’. To get the most out of your course British Canoeing recommend that you complete a Personal performance awards but this is not a pre requisite for attending.For example, Explore award .See link for full details on Paddlesport InstructorPaddlesport Instructor Level 1 (britishcanoeingawarding.org.uk)

The Paddlesport Instructor is a two day Training and Assessment programme designed to equip those attending with the necessary skills to deliver a quality taster session and lead a short journey in a very sheltered environment. The 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. The qualification will explore instructing and leading a range of stable craft including kayak (this can be open-cockpit or closed-cockpit), open canoe, sit on top (SOT) and stand up paddleboard (SUP) from the candidates chosen craft. Candidates are expected to select a boat, SOT or SUP (as listed above) to instruct from, and will be certificated in this craft. Having completed the programme candidates will be equipped to instruct/ manage a mixed fleet. By the end of the course, learners are required to have demonstrated knowledge and skills as identified in the following three areas:

• Professional Standards
• Personal Paddling Skills
• Rescue Skills

For more information on the Paddlesport Instructor assessment process please refer to the Paddlesport Instructor Assessment Guidance.

  The Paddlesport Instructor is aimed at those who wish to deliver taster/starter sessions and short journeys in very sheltered water environments, within the safety management systems of clubs/centres or other organisations

• Paddlesport 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. Our staff will be required to vet for suitability equipment 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 there are plenty to choose from! If you’re 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.

Residential course fee includes. 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.   Non-residential fee includes. The course fee includes kit, equipment, in course transport, coaching, teas and coffee. Also includes two lunches and a dinner. (no b&b included)