Stand Up Paddleboard Inland Open Water Leader award

The Paddle UK (British Canoeing) SUP Inland Open Water Leader qualification is suitable for those who wish to lead others on safe and enjoyable trips on moderate open water and on slow moving rivers. As an Open Water Leader you could lead other paddleboarders on open water up to 500m from shore and in winds of up to force 4, including lakes  estuaries (up to 0.5 knot of tide). You could also operate on rivers (up to grade 1).

Training:

The 2 day training course covers all the required leadership skills, personal skills and safety and rescue skills, with plenty of time for you to practice and develop your skills. At the end we will help you identify an appropriate action plan to support your progress towards a successful assessment. We usually run these courses near Stoke Gabriel and Buckfastleigh, and can bring courses to other suitable locations as required.

Assessment:

The assessment usually takes place over 2 days (or 1 long day) to enable us to assess your skills both in an open water environment and a suitable river. You will be assessed leading a group of 3-6 paddlers on SUPs.

By the end of the assessment, you will have to demonstrate knowledge and skills in four areas:

  • Participant focused leadership skills
  • Personal paddling skills
  • Rescue skills
  • Underpinning background knowledge, understanding and experience

 See full details of the qualification and syllabus here.   

Prerequisites prior to booking an assessment:

  • Be a member of Paddle UK (British Canoeing) (‘full Home Nation membership’)
  • On your Paddle UK membership portal register that you wish to become a SUP Inland Open Water Leader
  • Make sure that your paddling skills are of a suitable level for force 4 winds and grade 1 rivers
  • Hold a suitable first aid certificate
  • Hold a suitable safeguarding training
  • Minimum age 16

What to bring:
Bring your usual paddling gear and board and some dry clothes for afterwards. Since we will be spending some time in the water as well as on it a wetsuit or drysuit is very useful if you have access to one!

 

SUP Inland Open Water Leader Training course:

Cost: £195

Course dates:

  • 21-22 May 2024
  • 10-11 October 2024

Contact us to arrange your booking or Book now online.

If these dates do not suit, do contact us. It may be possible to arrange additional training courses.

 

SUP Inland Open Water Leader Assessments:

To arrange an assessment do please contact us.