Paddlesport Leader Assessment

  This award can be assessed on a 1:1 over a day ratio, if you require a 1:1 please contact the centre. There is no requirement to attend a formal training course prior to assessment; direct entry to assessment is available to those aged 16 or over who have a valid 1 day first aid training (8hrs) and Home Nation Association Membership. Candidates are required to register with CANI prior to the assessment, on completion of registration you will receive a stamped LR form. Please bring your stamped LR form to the assessment.  Candidates will be assessed on their personal paddling skills, rescue skills, leadership skills. Additionally, the relevant background knowledge and understanding will be assessed through a predominantly practical assessment. For full details of assessment criteria visit the CANI website click here  

The British Canoeing Paddlesport Leader award is aimed at paddlers taking on formal leadership responsibilities in sheltered water environments. The Paddlesport Leader award is designed to support Leaders run safe, quality, enjoyable trips based on their group’s needs and aspirations.

Candidates will be assessed operating from the craft of their choice and have the skills, judgement and decision making capabilities to look after a group of four paddlers in a range of craft, including mixed fleets. The paddlesport Leader is expected to have the skills and judgement to select appropriate craft, trips, journey’s for paddlers with a range of experience. This assessment is run over two days on a ratio of one assessor to four candidates, so that you have plenty of opportunity to demonstrate your personal paddling, leadership and safety and rescue skills. The structure of the assessment will usually take the form of two journeys, so that each candidate can be observed operating in both an inland or coastal sheltered water environment and a slow-moving river environment. On your assessment we will arrange for you to lead a group of mock students;  you will also have the opportunity to meet and greet the group, so you can plan an appropriate day,  making the assessment process feel as ‘real’ as possible. At the end of the assessment, we will build an action plan with you, to help continue your improvement into the future. For further information and more detailed syllabus please contact CANI on 028 90 738884 or check out the ‘Leadership’ page on their website located under ‘Learning and Awards’

It is anticipate that the qualification is likely to be used by:

• Leaders in clubs
• Leaders for providers/centres who offer paddlesport activity
• Commercial paddlesport guides
• Leaders within schools, Duke of Edinburgh, youth groups, uniform groups etc.

Candidates are expected to bring all personal and leadership equipment so they get to use the equipment they are most familiar with, we do a have an extensive store and equipment can be borrowed if required. If you wish to borrow equipment please contact the centre in advance to arrange.

The course fee includes lunch, in course transport and your assessor. The fee does not include NGB fees.

British Canoe Union Coaching Handbook