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 on their group’s needs and aspirations.
The SUP Sheltered Water Leader is aimed at paddleboarders who wish to lead others on journeys in sheltered waters (both wind affected and slow moving water).
The SUP Tidal Leader is suitable for those leading trips in simple areas of coastline, which includes defined beaches and sheltered bays where the group could easily land and in winds not above Beaufort force 3 and within estuarine/tidal (flowing water) environments.
The journey to become a SUP Leader is personalised to suit your own development. You can choose optional BCAB Leadership Training or you may wish to opt for more bespoke training opportunities. For example, private tuition, in-house training through your work place, working alongside/shadowing other Leaders, or conference/symposium workshops. Your development journey is concluded by an assessment which is run over 1 – 2 days.
As the National Governing Body for Stand Up Paddleboarding, it is vital that we design programmes that the industry need. We have worked with leading figures within the SUP and outdoor industry to developed these two awards aimed at those wanting to lead stand up paddleboard journeys. Choosing the right programme is so important. At British Canoeing Awarding Body, we want paddlers to have choice, as well as have the assurance that as an organisation regulated by Ofqual/CCEA/Qualification Wales and CIMSPA, you will receive a high quality, recognised qualification.
Lee Pooley, Paddle UK Director of Recreation and Development
Please note, there will also be a change in remit for the SUP Inland Open Water Leader. The SUP Inland Open Water Leader qualification will support you to lead others on journeys on inland open water. This includes large areas of open water that exceed the sheltered water definition, where the paddlers are no more than 500 metres offshore and in wind strengths that do not exceed Beaufort force 4. The change in remit and assessment undertaken will be from today, 3rd January 2025.
Follow the links below to find out more and book your upcoming course today.
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