Come and try taster
We understand that the prospect of taking up any new sport can be daunting, and our taster sessions are designed for just that. You can turn up any wednesday at the pool and have a go in a nice warm pool environment. If you would like to give it a try fill out the contact us form and we will get back to you.
Beginners
Our beginners courses run for 4 pool sessions and one river session. We’ll teach you the basic strokes and give you an understanding of safety within paddlesport in the pool environment, and then get you out on the river for a couple of hours to put them into practice. Many paddlers who take the beginners courses chose to finish it off with an assesment for a BCU 1 star award. If you think a beginners course is for you then fill out the contact us form and we will get back to you.
BCU junior awards
Paddlepower Start
An entry level award suitable for taster sessions or as part of a series of sessions.
Paddlepower Passport
Four progressive levels based on 24 topics which can be grouped into Safety Awareness, Paddling Skills, Varied Experiences, and Supporting Knowledge. The award is equivalent to 1 Star.
Paddlepower Discover
This follows on from Passport with a further 4 levels to take the young paddler to equivalent of 2 star standard.
Paddlepower Explore
Three different levels take the paddler on an extensive journey exploring the great variety Paddlesport, with topics focused on participation in events and journeys in the competitive and non-competitive disciplines.
Paddlepower Excel
Three levels to test the paddler on all elements of paddlesport including being responsible for self and others, participation in journeys, coaching sessions, training, events/competitions in a variety of disciplines, background knowledge of the sport; access, rules, environmental, nutrition and goal setting.
BCU adult awards
BCU 1 Star
The BCU One Star is a flat water award that demonstrates an individual has basic boat control and foundation skills.
BCU 2 Star
The BCU Two Star is an improvement award that helps paddlers develop fundamental paddlesport skills on flat water. The emphasis is on gaining a breadth of experience, creating the desired movement of the boat and developing an understanding into how the paddle, boat and water interact.
BCU 3 Star
The 3 star awards are discipline specific with awards in Sea Kayak, Surf, Open Canoe, White Water Kayak, Flat Water Kayak and some of the competitive disciplines. The three star paddler will be a competent performer in sheltered to moderate water environments .