Policies for course candidates, providers, tutors, assessors. Accredited Prior Learning Appeals Procedure Brexit and Carnet Code of Conduct Coaching Workforce Candidate Registration Guidance Certification Guidance Complaints Procedure Conflict Of Interest Course Authorisation Advertising and Results Submission Data Retention Chart Data Collection Guide Delivery Centre Bespoke Agreement Policy Delivery Centre Fees Equality and Diversity Policy Health…
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Paddles Up Training is pleased to share that Provider Applications open on 1st April 2026! We are currently recruiting for the majority of Provider roles until noon on the 30th April 2026. Being a Provider is demanding but also very rewarding as you will be directly supporting, mentoring and assessing candidates who go on to introduce, support…
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We caught up with White Water paddler Alex Littlechild about their journey and experience in becoming a White Water Coach. Words by Alex What made you want to become a coach? How did you start your career in paddlesports? Initially the thing that drew me to coaching was living by the river and being able…
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In Series 7, Episode 4 of the BCAB Coaching Podcast, we are joined by one of the UK’s most respected white water coaches, Lowri Davies. For almost two decades, Lowri has worked at the cutting edge of white water coaching and guiding around the world. Through her North Wales-based company, FlowFree, she delivers a full…
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“I have worked with young people with additional needs since November 2010. I started at Truro College and within the first couple of years, I realised that most of the activities that neuro-typical young people undertake whilst on holiday seemed to be deemed unsuitable for those who may be neuro-divergent, so families coming on holiday…
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It’s a very special episode of the BCAB Coaching Podcast today as we introduce new host, Georgina Maxwell. Taking the helm from the brilliant Chris Brain, Georgina is set to elevate your coaching and leadership journey in Season 7. Listen to it here Hailing from the north of Scotland, Georgina isn’t just a white water…
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Paddles Up Training has recently caught up with Brad about how their combined Paddle Safer and SUP Sheltered Water Personal Performance Awards. Here’s what they had to say! In a recent delivery of paddlesport awards, I combined two Paddle UK Awarding Body qualifications—the Paddle Safer Award and the SUP Sheltered Water Award—to create a comprehensive…
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Assisting students with their practical assessments can be challenging—particularly when the qualification involves an activity that the teacher or assessor has little or no direct experience with. If you are approached by a student seeking support with their GCSE or A Level assessment in a water sport listed on the OCR approved activity list, the…
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It’s UK Coaching Week! UK Coaching’s annual event that celebrates the amazing work of coaches like you! Coaches shape lives. It can build confidence, ignite passion, unlock potential and so much more – in both sport and physical activity and in life. Everyone has a coach who inspired them. This year’s theme, ‘Pass It On: The…
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Paddles Up Training would like to congratulate Jonathan for becoming a Performance Slalom Coach! We hear from Jonathan who talks us through his journey . I must admit my initial motivation to engage with the Performance Coach award was that I was told I had to! I have recently qualified to run the Slalom Coach…
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A paddler can develop faster and more effectively if they can tune in to the feedback they’re offered from a range of sources, some of this feedback can come from traditional sources such as a professional coach or someone else observing your paddling. However, some of the feedback may be found internally, from the personal…
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Maybe you’re dreaming of a river that you’d love to one day paddle. Maybe you’re working towards success in a competitive discipline like Slalom, Sprint or Freestyle. Maybe you want to paddle with a group of paddlers who are better than you, and you want to feel like a valuable team member, not a burden…
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There is fun and adventure to be had on every grade of white water. Being adventurers at heart however, paddlers will rarely be satisfied by doing the same style and grade of kayaking forever. The technical challenge of putting our skills to the test on white water that we find engaging will always attract us…
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Paddling white water has to be one of the most holistically fulfilling hobbies out there. The simple act of putting on your gear, hopping in a boat, and using nothing but your own skill and power to navigate a section of running river, is one that ticks a million boxes. It is engaging, challenging and…
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We are pleased to share that single craft pathways for the Paddlesport Leader and Paddlesport Touring Leader are now available. This exciting development allows aspiring leaders to specialise in canoe, kayak, stand up paddleboard (SUP), or opt for the existing multi-craft pathway. This change is being introduced based on feedback from the paddling community, addressing…
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I started paddleboarding about five years ago, after buying a paddleboard when I was made redundant during Covid. I wanted to use my redundancy money for something fun. I had some lessons to get to know the basics of paddleboarding before I started practicing and going out on the water with friends. Joining clubs like…
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We are delighted to share single craft pathways for the Paddlesport Leader and Paddlesport Touring Leader will be available from 1st May 2025. This exciting development allows you to specialise in canoe, kayak, stand up paddleboard (SUP), or opt for the existing multi-craft pathway. The Leadership awards enable you to run safe, quality, enjoyable trips,…
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We are pleased to share that we will be introducing single craft pathways for the Paddlesport Leader and Paddlesport Touring Leader from 1st May 2025. This exciting development allows aspiring leaders to specialise in canoe, kayak, stand up paddleboard (SUP), or opt for the existing multi-craft pathway. This change is being introduced based on feedback…
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We are pleased to share that Provider applications open on 1st April 2026. We are currently recruiting for the majority of roles until midday on the 30th April 2026. Being a Provider is demanding but also very rewarding. You will be directly supporting, mentoring and assessing candidates who go on to introduce, support and develop…
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It’s fun, it ups the skill level and allows you to move across the river more efficiently. Many of the skills transfer directly to running down a lake in a strong tail wind. It is hard learning the skills on anything but the smallest wave. On bigger stuff it will feel so quick, so hectic…
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There is an explosion into coastal sup and exploration with newfound confidence and skills growing, plus newly qualified coaches and leaders excited to put their theory to the test. People have mastered the basics, and now the horizon and taste of adventure are within their grasp. As the famous ocean scientist and explorer Jacques Yves…
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Aspects of Freestyle: the Cartwheel by Mike Shaw – www.londonkayakschool.com. Instagram. Facebook. In this article, we will explore the fundamental techniques, individual moves and tricks that make up the sport of freestyle kayaking, with technical knowledge and top tips from the world’s best freestyle paddlers. We will be looking in depth at the cartwheel with…
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Coaching is one of the most rewarding and impactful ways to contribute to the world of paddlesports. Whether you’re working with elite athletes or dedicated paddlers looking to improve, the role of a Performance Coach is critical to helping individuals achieve their potential. For those seeking a structured and highly respected pathway into performance coaching,…
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We are delighted to share two brand new eLearning packages: Navigation for Paddlers and Open Crossings. Navigate the water with confidence The Navigation for Paddlers eLearning is ideal for anyone navigating on the water, including sea and river paddlers, stand up paddleboarders, clubs, coaches and leaders. This module introduces both pre-trip planning and on-the-water navigating,…
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The BCAB Educational Philosophy puts the paddler at the heart of the process involving them in their own learning and development and providing choice. From February 2025, the NEW Weather, Tides, Surf and Swell, Navigation and Open Water Navigation Modules can be accessed by learners through eLearning, online and face to face, or as a…
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We are delighted to announce the launch of the NEW SUP Sheltered Water Leader and the NEW SUP Tidal Leader. The awards complement the existing SUP Leader Awards, which include the SUP White Water Leader, SUP Coastal Leader and SUP Inland Open Water Leader. All awards support leaders to run safe, quality, enjoyable trips, based…
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We are delighted to share the new BCAB Surf and Swell eLearning. The Surf and Swell module gives paddlers an introduction to ground and wind swell, as well as surf forecasts. The eLearning also explores how different environmental considerations can affect surf and swell including tide races, overfalls and rip currents. This module also covers…
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Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) has rapidly gained popularity worldwide for its accessibility, fun and diverse ways of engaging with nature. Whether on calm lakes, rivers, or coastal areas, SUP offers something for everyone—from fitness enthusiasts to adventure seekers. As the sport continues to grow, so does the need for skilled, knowledgeable, and passionate SUP Leaders…
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We are delighted to share that the NEW SUP Sheltered Water Leader and NEW SUP Tidal Leader will be available from January 2025. These NEW awards complement the existing SUP Leadership Awards, which include the SUP White Water Leader, SUP Coastal Leader and SUP Inland Open Water Leader. All of our awards support leaders to…
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We catch up with Charlotte, who recently completed her White Water Leader assessment. Kayaking is one of those sports where you never stop learning – every river, no matter how many times you have run it, always has something different from the way you remembered originally. Whether it be a new line, a new hazard…
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