Paddlesports Leader Assessment
2 Day(s)

This course is designed for those who wish to deliver starter/taster sessions in the very sheltered water environment. These sessions will be many peoples introduction to paddle sports.

The assessment process will take place over 2 environments:
- Open water lake (at least 200m wide)
- Slow moving water with no noticeable features (must be ungraded)

The remit of the paddle sports leader can also include coastal locations. Please see course guidance for more information.

Over the course you will be required to lead a 45 minute session in each environment. In this you will be expected to match the pace, interest level, and challenges to the group to provide an fun, inspirational journey that would bring people back for more.

As this is a leadership qualification it is key to remember the focus is on the journey itself and not coaching aspects, however it is acceptable to provide solutions to common faults such as holding the paddle incorrectly or problems with trim.

You will lead a minimum of 1 canoe, kayak, and SUP with a minimum of 4 people being lead.

We do everything we can to take the stress out of assessments, we are focused on the journey and not the destination. The experience will be safe, engaging and enjoyable, with you at the heart of the process, involving you in as much of the decision making as possible.

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

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

For more information here are links to the BC assessment skills checklist
https://www.britishcanoeingawarding.org.uk/download/603/