Guidance

Male and Female paddler passing a paddle between themselves

Paddlesport Instructors Upskilling in a Different Craft

Supporting your Paddlesport Instructors Upskilling in a Different Craft. The Paddlesport Instructor is aimed at those running starter and taster sessions and short journeys, within the safety management systems of clubs/centres or other organisations. Paddlesport Instructors are qualified in one stable craft, either Canoe, Kayak, Sit-on-Top or Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP). Paddlesport Instructors and deployers, (clubs and centres), could use…
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NEW Paddlesport Touring Leader in snowy Scotland

Launched in January 2021, the NEW Paddlesport Touring Leader supports you to lead fun, safe and enjoyable mixed craft journeys, on moderate inland water. This new award is already proving popular and we hear from Grant, Emily and Piotr. Hear from Grant, who recently ran the NEW Paddlesport Touring Leader… It’s a really great award…
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a computer screen with a powerpoint presentation and the candidates attending their online training

Delivering the online Core Coach Training

Hear from Dan and Paul who recently delivered one of the first online core coach training courses. Delivering the online core coach training course was really interesting. As providers, it gave us a new challenge – how to make the content as practical as possible whilst we were all in different physical locations. We managed…
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Coaching Code of Conduct

The Coaching Code of Conduct incorporates the UK Coaching (formerly Sports Coach UK) Code of Practice for Sports Coaches. The code defines all that is best in good coaching practice. Regardless of the badge, qualification or title, the Code is relevant to us all. British Canoeing acknowledge and appreciate the contribution made by coaches throughout…
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two men sea kayaking with a lighthouse in the distance

The first Sea Kayak Leader (tidal) assessment in Norway

Hear from Ronny who’s recently run the first NEW Sea Kayak Leader (tidal) Assessment in Norway. British Canoeing Awarding Body is continuously developing, and I’ve been looking forward to running the new Sea Kayak Leader (tidal) assessment on the West Coast of Norway. All the candidates had done official British Canoeing Awarding Body training, most…
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A man in a sea kayak on the sea, pointing

Becoming a Sea Kayak Leader (tidal) in Norway

Hear from Samuel, one of the first to become a NEW Sea Kayak Leader (tidal) in Norway… I remember when I started paddling, I think I was around 12 years old in a three-man canoe at the school camp. I did not really enjoy being in a canoe, but I felt a connection to paddling…
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How your mind can impact your paddling

Here’s our top 5 picks from the British Canoeing Awarding Body Digital Library exploring various aspect of how your mind can impact your paddling. As well as how coaches and parents can have impact and influence this. The Psychology of Young Athletes Listen to this podcast ‘Create an Athlete’ which is a round-table chat on…
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Supporting your journey to becoming a Paddlesport Leader or Paddlesport Touring Leader

There are a range of NEW resources that aspirant or existing Leaders can access to support your development journey from the comfort of your sofa. The Paddlesport Leader and Paddlesport Touring Leader are ideal for clubs, centres and activity providers who go on mixed craft journeys. From SUPs to canoes, kayaks and racing craft, you…
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A raft Guide and Crew paddling fast on flat water

Supporting your Raft Guide development journey

There are a range of NEW resources that aspirant and existing Raft Guides can access to support your development journey. Informal learning, experience based learning, and an availability of individualised choices are important to developing skilled Stadium Raft Guides, Raft Guides and River Trip Leaders. Whether you’ve been raft guiding for many years or are looking…
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Stand Up Paddleboard Coastal Leader Provider

Supporting your leadership development journey

There are a range of resources that aspirant and existing Leaders can access to support your development journey from the comfort of your sofa. Informal learning, experience based learning, and an availability of individualised choices are important to developing skilled leaders. Whether you’ve been leading trips for many years or are looking to complete your…
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What is Catch Up with Coaching?

Catch Up with Coaching is a monthly eNewsletter aimed at Instructors, Coaches, Leaders and Guides from across the UK and internationally. Sent from British Canoeing Awarding Body, the eNewsletter is designed to be an informative resource. It includes key information, updates and changes as well as resources to support your learning and development. Catch Up…
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The first Community of Learning event

Hear from Darren, who facilitated the first Performance Coach Community of Learning event in England. At the start of the Autumn, I was privileged enough to be part of the facilitation team for Paddles Up Training’s first ever Performance Coach Community of Learning event, hosted at the Mount Batten Centre in Plymouth. What a weekend…
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Using webinars for training. Image of laptop and people using it.

Keeping Your Records Up To Date!

With such a great sport, likeminded people and a beautiful environment to explore, keeping your records up to date! is probably the last thing on your mind! However as an Helm, Instructor, Coach, Leader or Guide we know you understand the importance of keeping things up to date. In this article we explore a few…
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A Paddlesport Leader looking after their group

The New Paddlesport Touring Leader

At Paddles Up Training we are really excited about the launch of British Canoeing Awarding Body’s NEW Leadership Awards! But the Paddlesport Touring Leader has really caught our eye, lets explore why! Why Is The New Paddlesport Touring Leader A Game Changer? It’s all about deployability for me! Darryll Shaw – Paddles Up Training Delivery…
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Choosing Your SUP Leash!

If you use a Stand Up Paddleboard, choosing your SUP leash is a vital decision for your safety and that of your group when coaching and leading. It keeps you and your paddleboard together when things don’t go to plan. Choosing your SUP leash for the environment and conditions you are paddling in is essential.…
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Becoming A Provider – Paperwork!

So make a coffee, settle down and lets explore Becoming A Provider – Paperwork! When you start to consider becoming a provider there are a lots of things to consider: Prerequisites Application process Orientation/ training course requirements Working alongside or observing existing providers Who can advise or mentor you through the process? These are just…
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introduction slide for the Guide module, showing online delivery

Guiding your learning online

Hear from Matt, who’s started delivering the Guide Modules online during the pandemic. Just like every other outdoor provider, the Covid-19 crisis had a profound effect on our coaching business ‘Kayak Essentials’. With all courses cancelled during the busiest time of the year, we were left pondering what to do. We had already started to…
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Hear from Fabiola, on her journey to become a Canoe and Kayak Coach

I am an Assistant Cubs Leader with the Sea Scouts, mum of two busy and active kids (also Sea Scouts), outdoor swimmer and generally love all water sports. I wanted to help coach our young Cubs and Scouts on the water. It’s a great way to have fun, build confidence and fitness, as well as…
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Challenge Cards

Slalom and Flatwater Racing Challenge Card Resource Challenge cards are a playful, creative resource designed to support coach and paddler development across Canoe Slalom and Flatwater Racing. Available as a free online resource or for purchase as physical cards. You can access the Challenge Cards: Here Flexible in nature, your learners learn by doing! Over…
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Working with Paddlers Worldwide

At Paddles Up Training we are really proud to be working with paddlers worldwide. We have seen a growth in international paddlers using British Canoeing Awarding Body Qualifications and Awards to support their development. British Canoeing Awarding Body recognise and are proud that their qualifications and awards are renowned worldwide and have an outstanding reputation.…
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A close up of the back of one women sitting in her sea kayak as another female sea kayaker paddles towards her

Sea Kayaking with Totnes Canoe Club

Julie is a very busy lady. Chairperson at Totnes Canoe Club, British Canoeing #ShePaddles Ambassador, on her journey to becoming a Performance Coach and recently became an Advanced Sea Kayak Leader. Here she shares the story of a day out on the water for 4 Totnes Canoe Club members, who gained their Sea Kayak Award.…
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a man standing on a SUP, on a white water river

Hear from Callum, on his journey to become a SUP white water Coach

My first experience at white water SUP’ing was in July 2019 at Llangollen. Myself and Aaron went to the Stand Up Paddleboard UK festival. What we didn’t realise was that we had entered into the competition that went along with it. During that competition, I managed to surprise myself by coming second in the B…
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a man on a stand up paddleboard on a white water river

Aaron shares his white water SUP journey

For me, my SUP journey started back in 2015 with the introduction of the SUP Discipline Support Module provided by Phil Hadley (there’s a might be a theme building here …). Since then its been lots of flat water paddling, predominantly providing hundreds of taster sessions and sheltered water development courses. I’ve mostly been self-exploring…
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Cian becomes youngest Paddlesport Instructor on his 14th birthday

Congratulations to the newly qualified Paddlesport Instructors at Merchant Taylors’ School Watersports Centre, which includes Cian who becomes the youngest after completing the course on his 14th birthday. Hear from Ian, who organised the Paddlesport Instructor course… Six of our most experienced kayakers qualified as Instructors last weekend as Joe returned to deliver a two…
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Six FSRT Providers sit on their craft on the water, discussing best practice.

Providers back on the water for FSRT Moderation

Hear from Andy, who recently ran a FSRT Provider Moderation at Lee Valley White Water Centre, following the Governments latest guidelines. The event was run in two groups with Alex and I each working with two socially-distanced pairs of Providers. The entire course was run outside – at the waterfront or on the water. Rain…
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Course Authorisation and Submitting Results

Course Authorisation and Results Submission

This article is to support you to submit Course Authorisation and Results Submission. Administration is rarely a paddlers favourite past time! However if a course is administered correctly, certificates can be with your learners before they get home! It is also an essential thing to get right and forms part of our governance. Playing your…
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What Qualification Does My Team Need?

Choosing the right qualification and/or training for your team can be quite daunting. If your looking for help as an individual try here: Career Start or Develop Skills Introduction Considering the right training for your team is really important, especially when you consider the type of activity you undertake and where it takes place. It…
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Paddlesport Leader Provider Moderation

Hear from Jenna, who recently ran the Paddlesport Leader Provider Moderation. A moderation event is a chance for British Canoeing Awarding Body Providers to make sure they are up to date with current best practices, share their knowledge and experiences of delivering the award and to get any niggling questions they may have answered. For…
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Coach Award Check In

We aim to give you piece of mind through our Coach Award Check In Service. Our Coach Award Check In Service is free and ensures that you have all of your pre requisites for your Coach Award Assessment in place. ASSESSMENT CHECKIN The purpose of Coach Award Check In is to confirm you holds all…
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Registration Guidance

Registration Guidance Anyone wishing to pursue a Coaching or Leadership Qualification is required to centrally register with their appropriate National Association. Our handy how to video guides you through the process! Registration is separate from booking a place on a course; the latter is done directly with the Course Provider. It is worth noting that…
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