Whitewater Kayak Leadership Development Week
Including Paddle UK/BCAB Whitewater Safety & Whitewater Leader Training
Six
Days
A week long whitewater kayak leadership development course covering all the syllabus of the Paddle UK / BCAB Whitewater Safety and Whitewater Leader Award.
Day One - Skills Shakedown
This day will likely be at a static venue and we'll spend it unpacking our skills, evaluating what we know and coming up with a plan for the week. We'll look at moving our kayak around the river with efficiency and confidence with a view to being in the position of maximum usefulness for when we start thinking of leading a group.
Day Two - River Journey
Building on day one we'll complete a grade 2 (3) river journey with the aim of utting our skills into practice, playing with concepts and reflecting on and learning from our successes and our mistakes.
Day Three - Whitewater Safety
This day will be all about keeping ourselves and others safe, we'll look at a range of solutions to solve common problems found in this environment including swimming and swimmer rescues, chase boating, equipment rescues, retrieving people and boats.
Day Four - Safety in Context
Another grade 2 (3) river journey, this time looking at some group tactics and safe paddling strategy as well as building on the problem solving skills of the previous day with some scenarios. Followed of course by reflection and feedback.
Day Five - Leadership & Decision Making
We've now made sure our skills are up to scratch, we've learned how to keep people safe, now its time to think about taking others on the river, giving them the info they need to have a safe and enjoyable day on the river whilst focusing on their motivations and allowing them to progress as paddlers, challenging themselves if they want and inspiring them to do more. We'll cover safety briefs, equipment, leadership styles and individualised strategies.
Day Six - Putting It All Together
Our final day is all about you, practicing everything you've learnt over the previous five days by leading sections of a trip, reflecting, learning, dealing with scenarios and then working out a personalised development plan, leaving you with a clear vision of what the next step is, whether that is assessment, further development or observing other leaders in action.
£540 per person
25% deposit required on booking.
Full payment due 4 weeks before course start date
FAQs
Am I ready for the training?
If you regularly paddle grade 2/3 rivers and have an interest in leading others then you can attend the training. Your personal skill level should be roughly equivalent to the Progressive Whitewater Award. If you're still not sure then get in touch and we'd be happy to discuss this.
Are there any pre-requisites for training?
No, other than some personal skills and experience anyone can attend this training, If you want it logged then you will need to be a member of your paddlesport home nation (Paddle UK, Canoe Wales etc.)
What equipment should I bring for the training course?
Bring everything that you would normally take on a day our paddling in this environment. We will discuss what you will need to carry for assessment and once qualified.
As a minimum you should have:
- Kayak with airbags
- Paddle
- Bouyancy Aid, Helmet & Spraydeck
- Tape with Karabiner
- Throwline & Knife
- Suitable Clothing (I definitely recommend a drysuit for the safty & rescue days)
- Food & Drink
- Personal Medication
Are there any other pre-requisites for Assessment?
Before presenting for assessment you will have to:
- Be a home nation member (Paddle UK, Canoe Wales etc.)
- Hold a relevant, in date 16hr Outdoor First aid course
- Hold a relevant, in date safeguarding certificate.
Where can I stay?
Check out the 'Reccommendations' page of the website where there are some great options depending on your requirements and budget. As people book we'll start a group chat to allow people to potentially share transport and club together for accommodation if wanted.