Description

- Do you want to have fun?
- Like to spend time on the water?
- With likeminded people?
- Do you want to introduce people from all walks of life to paddlesport by running fun, engaging taster and starter sessions?
If so your pathway to becoming a Paddlesport Instructor starts here.
Why take the Paddlesport Instructor Award?
First of all, this is the qualification used by outdoor centres, organisations and clubs to support their activity delivery. Secondly it doesn’t matter if you Canoe, Kayak, Sit on Top Kayak, Stand Up Paddleboard, this course allows you to develop your existing skills and passion for paddlesport.
- It’s your journey, our highly experienced tutors are trained to support you throughout this practical course.
- Your course will support you to run games, activities to support learning and inspire adventure for new paddlers.
- This qualification is open to everyone over 14 years of age!



The programme will explore a variety of subjects, here is an outline of what you will cover during your course:
What will I learn on the course?
- How to effectively prepare a group for an activity (e.g. kitting up and getting afloat);
- Together you will play with a range of activities to engage the group (e.g. games, tasks and journeys);
- You will explore a range of motivating activities and games that support learning;
- The tutors will support you to plan ways of using mini journeys to inspire adventure and exploration;
- You will develop ideas that allow you to help participants learn basic skills;
- Our tutors will share top tips and quick fixes for common challenges to accelerate learning;
- You will investigate how to select suitable equipment for participants;
- You will explore methods of maintaining participants’ safety and develop your understanding of deployment matters.
There will be opportunities to develop and progress your own paddling skills and meet likeminded people during the course, many of our course candidates develop long lasting friendships, connections and contacts.
You can read the full course guide here: Paddlesport Instructor Course Guide
You access a sample programme here: Paddlesport Instructor Sample Programme
You access an editable version of the Course Learner Development Pack here: Learner Development Pack
You could also take a look at the Free Instructor eLearning Click here
Registration
Before you book onto your Paddlesport Instructor Course, you will need to be a member of British Canoeing, have attended a Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course (PSRC) or Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (FSRT) and complete your registration.
What is Registration?
Anyone wishing to pursue a Coaching or Leadership Qualification is required to centrally register with the appropriate National Association (British Canoeing, Canoe Wales, Scottish Canoe Association, Canoe Association of Northern Ireland). Registration is the process by which you confirm your intention to study towards a particular qualification. It includes:
- Checking of previous qualifications
- Completing and signing the Registration Form
- Medical Declaration (if required)
- Setting up and providing access to course resources and eLearning (where applicable)
- Acceptance of the terms and conditions of study and helps you understand your rights
- Whilst undertaking the qualification and how your data will be used.
Once you are registered you become a learner with the National Association and we are able to contact you with relevant information and updates to your course of study, help you find a course and local support or mentoring.
When and where does registration take place?
We would recommend that you register as early in your development journey as possible to access all of the support and learning resources. As a bare minimum and to support your learning we would recommend registering at least two weeks before starting your course. Registration is an online process through your British Canoeing membership portal. Registration is separate from booking a place on a course; the latter is done directly with the Course Provider. It is worth noting that many Course Providers want to see evidence of Registration at the point of booking.
What Safety Training Do I Need?
Before you register you will need to have attended a Paddlesport Safety and Rescue course (PSRC) or FSRT. (Please note, the FSRT is no longer available but will be accepted for those who have already attended this course). Our highly trained and experienced tutors will explore the knowledge and skills required to keep you and your fellow paddlers safe on sheltered water paddling trips, this fun practical day will be spent looking at simple situations faced by paddlers utilising problem solving and your normally paddling equipment to provide solutions. We recommend you take this training at least 2 weeks before your Paddlesport Instructor course to allow for you to practice and develop your skills before they are assessed during the Paddlesport Instructor CourseYou can do both of these things, and find available Paddlesport Instructor courses, using the finder. Click or tap the relevant links below.
- Join British Canoeing here: British Canoeing Membership (On the Water)
- Find PSRC training here: Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course
- Find Paddlesport Instructor courses here: British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Don't forget to register!
Content
We have chosen to provide the British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) Paddlesport Instructor Award for two reasons:
- Firstly BCAB has a longstanding reputation of providing industry leading qualifications that are recognised internationally as well as closer to home
- BCAB is OfQual regulated, consequently this ensures the highest standards and qualification validity
This combined training and assessment course will enable you to run games and activities to support learning and inspire adventure and exploration for new paddlers in stable craft. On this practical course, you will learn skills such as:
- Kitting up a group and getting afloat
- Activities and games to support learning
- How to use mini journeys to promote exploration of the environment
- Keeping your group safe
You need to be able to paddle your Canoe, Kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard independently on flat water. You will also need to be able to keep yourself and others safe on and near the water, for example a paddler falling off their craft. We find that paddlers that have completed the Paddle Explore Award or with around 70 hours of personal paddling experience can focus on the training and get the most out of their course. The Paddlesport Safety and Rescue course takes typically 6 hours and the Paddlesport Instructor course around 15 hours.
- A typical Paddlesport Instructor course takes place over 2 days.
If you want to find out more you can visit the British Canoeing Awarding Body Website: Click here
You could also take a look at the Free Instructor eLearning: Click here
British Canoeing eLearning activities to aid anyone taking part or thinking about the Paddlesport Instructor Course.The British Canoeing Awarding Body Instructor eLearning is designed to support Instructors and aspirant Instructors through varying topics of knowledge and skill. There are 9 topics to choose from, along with a knowledge audit which will help you understand areas you may need to develop further. The activities are free to access, can be accessed in any order and each have a statement of participation that can be downloaded upon completion. Simply choose the package you want to study and then open the link to access the eLearning.
Course Assessment
Our tutors are great at putting you at ease, consequently the assessments are part of the learning and as enjoyable as the rest of the course! By the end of the course, you will have to demonstrate knowledge and skills in three areas:
- Profesional Standards
- Personal Paddling Skills
- Rescue Skills
You will know when, where and how you're going to be assessed and have lots of chances to shape those decisions. Upon successful completion of each of these tasks the tutor will recommend the you for certification. Certificates will be emailed to you with the craft stated your certificate.
Please note, you do not need to repeat the Paddlesport Instructor course to have a certificate for every craft. It will be up to you where you work or volunteer to decide what you need to allow you to work in other craft, this could be by undertaking a Personal Performance Award or a competency check performed by your deployer.
If you're nervous about your personal skills and want to make sure your ready for your course we suggest you speak to a more experienced coach and ask them to support you in gaining your Paddle Explore Award or to use the skills check list (in the course guide) to check your ready.
Booking Now
UK Courses
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Thu 01-06-2023Jonathan HaldenRiver Stour Trust, Great Cornard, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO100GF
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Thu 01-06-2023Jane Wyndham-SmithBLYM, Frogmoor Lane, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1NB
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Thu 01-06-2023Ian M BowditchBLYM, Frogmoor Lane, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1NB
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Thu 01-06-2023Christopher BealEngage Watersports Ltd, Taplow Lake, Amerden Lane, Taplow, Buckinghamshire, SL6 0EA
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Thu 01-06-2023Ian DoveyExeter
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 03-06-2023Shane ClarkOCKC, Riverside Centre, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 4AZ
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 03-06-2023Liberty RobisonAdventure Access, Seaham Harbour Marina, Seaham, Durham, SR7 7Ey
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 03-06-2023Christina NoakesNottingham
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 03-06-2023Grahame MossSouthwater Watersports, Cripplegate Lane, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 9HN
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Mon 05-06-2023Scott YuillWinsford Marina, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 3DA
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Tue 06-06-2023Chris BrainThe Anderton Centre, New Road, Chorley, LANCASHIRE, PR6 9HG
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Tue 06-06-2023Sean McGrathWild River, Ullswater, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2NA
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Thu 08-06-2023David HuntDoe Park Water Activity Centre, Foster Park View, Denholme, West Yorkshire, bd134ln
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 10-06-2023Richard DavisonWhite Rose CC, Roundhay Lake, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2JL
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 10-06-2023Colin Lee SermonsPaxmead Riverside Base, Dockett Eddy Lane, Shepperton, Surrey, TW17 9NT
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 17-06-2023Sebastian DennisMike Thurston Centre
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Tue 20-06-2023Darren JoyCalshot activity centre, Calshot Rd,, Calshot, Southampton, SO45 1BR
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Thu 22-06-2023Phillip WrightQueenford Farm, Dorchester on Thames, Wallingford, County (optional), OX10 7QT
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Thu 22-06-2023Darren JoyRockley Buddens, Buddens farm, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 7NU
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 24-06-2023Liberty RobisonAdventure Access CIC, Seaham Harbour Marina, Seaham, Durham, SR7 7EY
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 24-06-2023David BatemanAZTEC ADVENTURE, UPTON WARREN, BROMSGROVE, WEST MIDS, B61 7ED
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Wed 28-06-2023Philip A HadleyHelford St,, Norwich, NR2 4LY
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 01-07-2023Chris BrainThe Anderton Centre, New Road, Chorley, LANCASHIRE, PR6 9HG
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 01-07-2023David FoleyESSA Water Activities Centre, Central Lagoon, Meadgate Road, Nazeing, Essex, EN9 2PB
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 01-07-2023Philip A HadleyQueen's Head,, Oswestry, SY11 4EB
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Tue 04-07-2023Andrew OughtonKilby Bridge Wharf, Welford Road, Wigston, Leics, LE18 3TF
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Tue 04-07-2023Ian DoveyExeter, Devon
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Thu 06-07-2023Ian DoveyHaven Banks OEC
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 08-07-2023Sophie DollarLeam Boat Centre, Mill Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV311BE
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 08-07-2023Shane ClarkFalcon Canoe Club, 331 Meadow Lane, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX4 4BJ
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 08-07-2023Ian DoveyCotswold Water Park, Lake, 86 Spine Rd E, Cirencester, GL7 5TL
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 15-07-2023Liberty RobisonAdventure Access CIC, Seaham Harbour Marina, Seaham, Durham, SR7 7EY
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Tue 18-07-2023Simon J HammondBude, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8NE
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Tue 18-07-2023Stuart EllenFrankwell, Shrewsbury
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 22-07-2023Jonathan HaldenRiver Stour Trust, Great Cornard, Sudbury, Suffolk, Co100GF
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 22-07-2023Christina Noakes15th Long Eaton Sea Scouts
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 22-07-2023Simon J HammondBude, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8NE
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Thu 27-07-2023WithDave LtdBrecon Beacons National Park, United Kingdom
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 29-07-2023Shane ClarkBanbury and District Canoe Club, 1 Vicarage Gardens, Cropredy, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX17 1PJ
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Tue 01-08-2023Christopher ConleyWeir Wood Reservoir, Forest Row, East Grinstead, Sussex, RH18 5HT
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Mon 07-08-2023Dave HastieLeicester Sea Cadets, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE4 5HA
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 12-08-2023Canoe Trailkempston outdoor centre, Hill Grounds R, Kempston Bedford, MK428QP
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 12-08-2023Robin HarrisTaunton Canoe Club, Priory Bridge Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1AP
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 12-08-2023Christopher ConleyStocks Lake, Frogmoor Lane, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1NB
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 19-08-2023WithDave LtdBrecon Beacons National Park, United Kingdom
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 19-08-2023Liberty RobisonAdventure Access CIC, Seaham Harbour Marina, Seaham, Durham, SR7 7EY
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 19-08-2023Jon BestHolme Pierrepont, Nottingham
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Mon 21-08-2023Jenna SandersRoyal Leamington Spa Canoe Club, Adelaide Rd, Leamington Spa, CV32 5AH
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 26-08-2023Kathryn Julia HallWokingham Waterside Centre, Thames Valley Park Drive, Reading, RG61PQ
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Tue 29-08-2023Simon J HammondBude, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8NE
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 02-09-2023Jane Wyndham-SmithLongridge Activity Centre, Quarry Wood Lane, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 1RE
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 02-09-2023Simon J HammondBude, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8NE
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 09-09-2023Grahame MossSouthwater Watersports, Cripplegate Lane, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 9HN
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 09-09-2023Sebastian DennisWhitlingham Adventure, NR14 8TR
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Tue 12-09-2023Simon J HammondBude, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8NE
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Thu 14-09-2023Sean McGrathWild River, Ullswater, Howtown, Cumbria, CA10 2NA
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 16-09-2023Liberty RobisonAdventure Access CIC, Seaham Harbour Marina, Seaham, Durham, SR7 7EY
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 23-09-2023Chris BrainThe Anderton Centre, New Road, Chorley, LANCASHIRE, PR6 9HG
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Mon 09-10-2023Dave HastieLeicester Sea Cadets, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE4 5HA
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 14-10-2023Robin HarrisTaunton Canoe Club, Priory Bridge Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1AP
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 21-10-2023Jonathan HaldenSt Ives Sea Scouts, Church St, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE275BY
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 21-10-2023Sebastian DennisWhitlingham Adventure, NR14 8TR
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 28-10-2023Sophie DollarLeam Boat Centre, Mill Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV311BE
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 25-11-2023Charlotte Boyce-SmithWoodmill Outdoor Center, Woodmill Lane, Southampton, Hampshire, so18 2jr
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 02-12-2023Simon J HammondBude, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 8NE
British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor
- Sat 16-12-2023Charlotte Boyce-SmithWoodmill outdoor center, Woodmill lane, Southampton, Hampshire, so18 2jr

Course Description
- Do you want to have fun?
- Like to spend time on the water?
- With likeminded people?
- Do you want to introduce people from all walks of life to paddlesport by running fun, engaging taster and starter sessions?
If so your pathway to becoming a Paddlesport Instructor starts here.
Why take the Paddlesport Instructor Award?
First of all, this is the qualification used by outdoor centres, organisations and clubs to support their activity delivery. Secondly it doesn’t matter if you Canoe, Kayak, Sit on Top Kayak, Stand Up Paddleboard, this course allows you to develop your existing skills and passion for paddlesport.
- It’s your journey, our highly experienced tutors are trained to support you throughout this practical course.
- Your course will support you to run games, activities to support learning and inspire adventure for new paddlers.
- This qualification is open to everyone over 14 years of age!



The programme will explore a variety of subjects, here is an outline of what you will cover during your course:
What will I learn on the course?
- How to effectively prepare a group for an activity (e.g. kitting up and getting afloat);
- Together you will play with a range of activities to engage the group (e.g. games, tasks and journeys);
- You will explore a range of motivating activities and games that support learning;
- The tutors will support you to plan ways of using mini journeys to inspire adventure and exploration;
- You will develop ideas that allow you to help participants learn basic skills;
- Our tutors will share top tips and quick fixes for common challenges to accelerate learning;
- You will investigate how to select suitable equipment for participants;
- You will explore methods of maintaining participants’ safety and develop your understanding of deployment matters.
There will be opportunities to develop and progress your own paddling skills and meet likeminded people during the course, many of our course candidates develop long lasting friendships, connections and contacts.
You can read the full course guide here: Paddlesport Instructor Course Guide
You access a sample programme here: Paddlesport Instructor Sample Programme
You access an editable version of the Course Learner Development Pack here: Learner Development Pack
You could also take a look at the Free Instructor eLearning Click here