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Intro to Whitewater Safety Course

A One Day Paddle UK / BCAB Certified Course

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This one day course is designed for paddlers of any craft who have started paddling moving water and want to learn how to become effective group members to help keem themselves and their peers safe on grade two whitewater.

Throughout the course, paddlers will explore simple strategies and safe skills that can provide the tools to solve common paddling issues. All modules are interactive, practical sessions, discussing and using equipment, and exploring possible solutions to common issues in a moderate, white water (Grade 2) environment. At the end of the day you'll go away feeling more confident on how to avoid problems as well as what to do when things do go wrong!

The Introduction to White Water Safety course is a 6-hour programme that consists of 9 modules.

 

  • Motivations and decisions

  • Clothing and equipment

  • The White Water environment

  • Preparing for the river trip

  • Swimming techniques

  • Choosing how to help a swimmer

  • What to do when we swim

  • Kit retrieval

  • Reflections and skills checklist

Craft Specific?

This course is suitable for paddlers of all craft that are capable of whitewater including sit-in and sit-on-top kayaks, open canoes, OC1s, Paddleboards and Packrafts.

Certification

Whilst not essential, a certificate will be issued and this will be included in the cost.

Bespoke Booking

If you want, this course can be run bespoke on a date and at a venue to suit you, your club or your organisation. Please email for prices and availability. 

£110 per person

11th May 2025 - S.Wales/Herefordshire
4th July 2025 - N.Wales
23rd August 2025 - Aviemore
30th August 2025 - Cumbria
*Bespoke dates available for 2 or more candidates, email to enquire*

FAQs

Is this the right course for me?

To get the most out of this course you should be comfortable paddling as part of a group on simple (grade 1) whitewater.

Will I get wet?

YES! This is a very wet course with lots of time IN the water. we reccomend wearing a drysuit and bringing a hot drink!

What equipment should I bring for the training course?

Bring everything that you would normally take on a day our paddling in this environment. 

- Suitable Whitewater Craft (with airbags if applicable)

- Paddle

- Bouyancy Aid, Helmet (& Spraydeck if applicable)

- Tape with Karabiner

- Safety Knife

- Suitable Clothing

- Food & Drink

- Personal Medication

Where do we meet?

To make the best use of water and weather conditions, the exact venue will be decided the day before, this is normally a dropped pin shared in a whatsapp group chat.

How long are the days?

This is a one day course. We’ll normally meet around 9am and aim to be off the river before 4pm

What do you provide?

A full day of expert coaching tailored to the group and with emphasis on enjoyment and practical learning. This course doesn’t include equipment but I may be able to help with certain items, feel free to ask and I’ll see what I can do. Before buying anything you may need get in touch as you might be in a position to make more informed choices after the course.

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