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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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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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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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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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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Professional Performance Coaching: Current themes and issues – 11th March 2026 This webinar is part of the Performance Coach Webinar Series, hosted by Pete White and Ed Christian. What does it mean to be a professional in today’s world? Previously only viewed as being related to specific professions, the concept of acting professionally has become…
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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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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…
Read more
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 are pleased to share the NEW BCAB Personal Performance Award Provider Refresher eLearning, focusing on roles and responsibilities. This eLearning is aimed at existing PPA Providers to ensure continual development, standardisation and delivery of our Educational Philosophy. This educational package covers the responsibilities of a PPA Provider, including risk management, with a focus on…
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Dan Wilkinson is the Lead Standardisation Officer and a National Trainer for Whitewater Kayaking. He is involved with supporting providers and the standards team with quality assurance and standardisation. He is a keen and passionate paddler, happiest on the water. How did you start your career in paddlesports? Through a youth club on the canal…
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We are pleased to share two new Paddle UK Awarding Body eLearning packages, focusing on weather and tides. The Weather eLearning is for any paddler, whether paddling on inland or coastal waters, wanting to increase knowledge of weather forecasting and how different conditions can affect trips. The course topics include wind, visibility and storms, as well…
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I had worked at centres and had done a lot of flat water canoeing and got my three star in 2008 at Symonds Yat. So, when I moved to Llangollen to work, the Dee provided the perfect playground. I booked onto my moderate canoe leader training and at this point I could not really afford…
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Meet the team! Aimee is the Delivery Centre and Partner Lead at Paddle UK and is the font of all knowledge about Paddles Up Training and the Delivery Partner Scheme and supports our Instructors, Coaches, Leaders and Providers. What do you love most about your role? I love that every day is different, you get…
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Meet the team. James is the Provider Workforce Advisor at Paddle UK, supporting Paddles Up Training arranging Provider Orientations and Moderations, as well as answering all your Provider queries, he even finds time to compete internationally at marathon racing. How did you start your career in paddlesports? This is my first full time role since…
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