Our all new BCU Start Kayaking/Canoeing Course has been created to provide you with an introduction to a range of paddling skills both for closed cockpit kayaks and open canoeing. We'll get you on the water using some of the latest equipment and the most up to date BCU coaching techniques. You'll discover the fundamentals of paddling that are both fun and challenging.

• a two-part 8 hour course held over a weekend - four hours per day.
• designed for complete beginners, this course introduces the basic elements of closed cockpit kayaking and open canoeing it covers launching, paddling forwards and backwards, safe capsizing and a variety of useful paddle strokes.
• a BCU qualification is awarded on completion of the course.
• all equipment is provided during the course (kayak, canoe, wetsuit, buoyancy aid).
• on completion of this course, equipment hire is available for personal paddling, and improving sessions.

Prerequisites – None.

Our all new BCU 2 Star Paddling is an improvement award that covers the basic strokes and techniques on flat water and designed for people who have completed a beginners course, and spent some extra time on the water practicing but want to further their skills and knowledge. Again using a range of equipment including open canoes and closed cockpit kayaks, the emphasis is on creating the desired movement of the boat through developing an understanding of cause and effect rather than concentrating on rigidly defined strokes. This course really helps develop your paddling experience and confidence. Solo performance at 2 Star level is required for attending a course for the qualification of Level 1 Coach.

• a two-part, 8 hour course held over a weekend -four hours per day.
• this course teaches improved paddle strokes, more advanced capsize technique and methods of rescue.
• BCU qualification is awarded on completion of course, once the candidate has completed an extended trip.
• all equipment is provided on the course (kayak, canoe, wetsuit, buoyancy aid).
• equipment hire is available for personal paddling, and improving sessions.
• links with a local Canoe club provide opportunities for river trips.

Prerequisites – Candidates must have a minimum of BCU 1-Star or equivalent. Where a candidate does not hold this award a small cross-section of 1 Star techniques will be incorporated at the assessor’s discretion.

Book the two above courses together as a package and save £35.00

Foundation Safety & Rescue Training Course - this FSRT course is run in conjunction with level One and Two Coach Training Courses (subject to demand) usually over 1 full day from 9.30 am Until finish.

• this course runs over 1 full day.
• Fundamentally this course is designed for all paddlers irrespective of craft. The objective is to teach simple and safe skills that can be applied appropriately.
• This course aims to provide the student with the key safety and rescue skills required to operate safely in a sheltered water environment and to be able to deal with common emergencies.
• it is a prerequisite for level One & Two BCU Coach courses.

Need to improve your skills? Book a personal tuition session with one of our qualified instructors and get one-on-one coaching for either a one of two hour session.

Feeling rusty since your last course? Try our Sunday morning refresher courses and brush up on your skills. Run 9.30 - 11.30am.