Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Paddleboard instructor (Level 1)
This qualification, accredited by British Canoeing, gives those looking to become paddlesport activity instructors or group leaders, the skills to run safe, fun, taster or introductory sessions in very sheltered water environments in a range of craft suitable for beginners including kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards and sit on tops. This qualification is particularly useful for leaders or instructors working in clubs, schools, and youth groups.Â
This course will teach you 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.
Coaching is provided by our expert team and we provide all the equipment needed for the session; canoes/kayaks/stand up paddle boards, paddles, buoyancy aids, wetsuits, cags and helmets. Alternatively you can bring your own equipment if you wish.
Practical skills:
- The ability to effectively prepare a group for an activity (e.g. kitting up and getting afloat)
- A repertoire of activities to engage the group (e.g. games, tasks and journeys)
- A range of motivating activities and games that support learning
- A range of strategies for utilising mini journeys to inspire adventure and exploration
- How to help participants learn some basic skills
- Top tips and quick fixes for common challenges to accelerate learning when required
- Selection of suitable equipment for participants
- How to maintain participants’ safety
- Understanding of deployment matters
Engagement and relationship building skills:
- The ability to quickly build relationships with group members; caring, friendly, approachable
- The ability to motivate and inspire the group
- Effective decision making to deliver (and adapt) sessions that are both safe and enjoyable
- Communication skills
Professional Standards Assessment
Personal Paddling and Rescue Skills Assessment
Two days
- This course runs on two full days from 9:00 to 17:30
Attendees who do not meet the required level to achieve accreditation following the two-day course will be provided with a personal action plan and options to attend a re-assessment.
This course is suitable for:
- Beginner
- Intermediate
The prerequisites to attend this Paddlesport Instructor course are:
- You must have a full British Canoeing membership
- You must register with British Canoeing
- You must have completed the Foundation Safety and Rescue Training
- You must be aged 14 or over
Whilst there is no formal personal performance award required to attend this course prior to attending you are expected to have developed personal paddling and rescue competence in your preferred craft. Candidates choose to paddle one type of craft for the personal paddling and rescue skills assessment; kayak, open canoe, sit on top, or stand up paddleboard. These skills are assessed during the course (but not trained).
The Paddlesport Instructor Award requires candidates to perform all skills in very sheltered water environment. Through our affiliation with British Canoeing and our partnership with the Canal and River Trust we have access to over 3000km of canals throughout England and Wales including the famous Leeds to Liverpool canal stretching 204km across the North of England. This access not only gives us the opportunity to journey along some of these magnificent waterways but also provides opportunities for courses in beautiful sheltered areas.
Most of the large bodies of open water in England are concentrated in the Lake District National Park. These magnificent bodies of water, including the longest and deepest lakes in England, Lake Windermere at 17km long and Wastwater at 74m deep, can be accessed by the public at many locations, however, through our partnership with the Youth Hostel Association we have preferential access to some of the best locations in the lakes. You could even combine any of our courses with a stay at one of 150 YHA hostels spread across England and Wales.
