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.

We feel the British Canoeing Awarding Body award structure represents the paddlesport industry.  We know it’s the high standards of delivery and training, support and quality assurance of the providers of our programmes that grows that confidence.

British Canoeing Awarding Body have continued to develop qualifications and awards that represent the paddlesport industry by regular consultation, current research and development from various fields. The awards now align to the Educational Philosophy. This is all about providing choice, autonomy, enabling progression and development, embracing individualisation and empowering the paddler.

To further reinforce our commitment to the International accessibility of our qualifications, we have recently rebranded our Delivery Centre function and launched this website, which provides an industry leading educational platform.

We have also spent some time considering the way our qualifications are accessed by international paddlers. We have introduced tidal and non-tidal Sea Kayak leadership options, leadership options for Stand up Paddle-boarders, as well as White Water leadership options for OC1 and Stadium paddlers.

Become a Leadership Provider

This review has given us a great opportunity to look at our provider expectations/ requirements, simplifying these. As well as removing of the barriers that faced experienced coaches, where their everyday coaching did not include advanced conditions.

As an example, to become a Sea Kayak Leader Provider (tidal and non-tidal), you will be expected to hold experience of coaching and leading in the moderate sea environment.

This can be by holding one of the following British Canoeing Awarding Body coaching qualifications:

• Sea Kayak Coach
• MWE Sea Kayak Coach
• BCU Level 3 Sea Coach

Whilst holding the Sea Kayak Coach (Advanced Water) (or equivalent) would be seen as desirable, it is no longer essential. Read more about becoming a Sea Kayak Leader Provider.

Alternatively, read about any of our Leadership Provider Roles here.

Become a Paddle Awards Provider

The Paddle Awards, Start, Discover and Explore, are aimed at those brand new to paddlesport, getting into a boat for the first time and working towards independence.

To deliver these awards, Providers will need to complete the Personal Performance Awards eLearning. The activities all the information that Providers need to know about the awards. As well as how best to support paddlers.

Once complete, any qualified Instructor, Coach, Leader, Raft Guide or Bell Boat Helm will be able to deliver the Paddle Start and Paddle Discover Awards.

Anyone who is a BCU Level 3 Coach, BC (UKCC) L2 Coach, BC Coach Award can deliver the Paddle Explore.

Paddlers who hold a BCU Level 2 Coach / BC (UKCC) Level 1 / BC Paddlesport Instructor can deliver the Paddle Explore Award after they have received a recommendation from an existing Provider.

Find out more about becoming Paddle Start and Discover Provider or Paddle Explore Provider.

Become a Personal Performance Award Provider

To provide the PPA’s, you must have completed the British Canoeing Awarding Body Personal Performance Awards Provider eLearning.

You then will need to hold a discipline specific coaching or leading qualification. For example, to provide the Sea Kayak Award (for tidal or non-tidal environments), you will need to hold one of the following –

• Sea Kayak Coach
• MWE Sea Kayak Coach
• BCU Level 3 Sea Coach
• Sea Kayak Leader

There is no application process for becoming a Sea Kayak Award Provider. You just need to complete the eLearning. Then when you are ready, ask a current Provider for your final recommendation.

Find out more about becoming a Sea Kayak Award Provider.

Or read about any of our Personal Performance Provider Roles here.