Paddlesport Touring Leader award

The Paddle UK (British Canoeing) Paddlesport Touring Leader qualification is suitable for those who wish to lead others on safe and enjoyable trips on inland open water and on slow moving rivers. As a Paddlesport Touring Leader you could lead a range of mixed craft on journeys down grade 1 rivers, and which may include the occasional short rapid of grade 2. You could also operate in inland tidal water, which includes defined beaches where the group could easily land, slow moving estuaries (less than 0.5 Knots) and in winds not above Beaufort force 4 (force 3 if wind direction is offshore).

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 4-6 paddlers who will be in a mix of kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. You can choose the craft that you wish to be assessed leading from.

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 Paddlesport Touring Leader
  • Make sure that your paddling skills are of a suitable level for open water and grade 2 rivers
  • Hold a suitable first aid certificate
  • Hold a suitable safeguarding training
  • Minimum age 16

What to bring:
Bring your usual paddling gear and boat 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!

We will supply:
We will provide a range of kayaks, sit-on-tops, paddleboards and canoes for you to try. If you do not already possess your own paddling kit then we can also supply buoyancy aid, helmet and wetsuit for you.

 

Paddlesport Touring Leader Training course:

Cost: £195

Course dates:

  • 25-26 November 2024
  • 6-7 February 2025

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.

 

Paddlesport Touring Leader Assessments:

To arrange an assessment do please contact us.