Paddlesport Leader Assessment
  • Plas y Brenin
  • 2 Days
  • 2 People to 1 instructor

Paddlesport Leader Assessment

  • Paddle
  • Paddlesport
  • British Canoeing Award
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Overview

This one day assessment tests that you're ready to lead, supervise, or facilitate safe, quality, enjoyable trips in sheltered waters. We're looking for good judgement in choice of venue, equipment and leadership strategies that match a group's specific needs. You'll show that you're ready to be a; club leader, commercial paddlesport guide, a leaders for providers/centres who offer paddlesport activity, a leader within schools, Duke of Edinburgh, Youth Groups, Uniform groups etc.

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Can I book privately?

Yes. If you would like to book a private course then give us a call to discuss your needs.

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The Objectives

To be successful, you'll show that you can choose the craft you work from and look after others in both single discipline and mixed fleets, for example; touring kayaks, open canoes, suitable sit-on-tops, general purpose kayaks, stand-up-paddleboards, crew boats, or racing craft. You'll also show that you can apply your leadership skills to groups undertaking journeys for different purposes ranging from school or outdoor education activity to commercial paddlesport guiding.

Itinerary

* Please note: Itinerary is subject to weather and availability.

What to Expect

During the day you'll lead a small group of paddlers on two journeys; one on a sheltered lake and one on a slow-moving river.

Experience Required

You should ideally have a minimum of the following experience, gathered through a range of different environments;

  • 12 trips as an active, capable member of a group (of at least 4 hours’ duration)
  • 12 trips acting as leader (of at least 4 hours’ duration)

We also advise that you have:

  • Leading experience in a range of relevant craft, environments and conditions
  • Experience leading in both familiar and unfamiliar situations
  • Experience where you are acting as the main leader with the associated responsibilities
  • Experience working with a range of different people. For example; known and unknown participants with different needs and aspirations
  • Been observed leading and received useful feedback and support

All whilst working within appropriate safety management systems.

Further Prerequisites are:

  1. Full National Association Membership
  2. Valid (within 3 years) British Canoeing recognised 1-day First Aid Award
  3. Valid (within 3 years) Safeguarding Training recognised by British Canoeing

Why Choose Plas y Brenin?

Our instructors are some of the UK’s most experienced. We train other instructors and help to write the national syllabuses for NGB qualifications in mountaineering, paddlesports, cycling and climbing. Our goal is to teach you skills to last a lifetime, and at Plas y Brenin you know you are getting training from the best.

If your course is based at Plas y Brenin, the residential price includes accommodation for the night before, and the duration of your time here. If you’re staying with us, we also provide delicious meals to keep you going as you learn, meaning you can concentrate on enjoying yourself.

When it comes to equipment, at Plas y Brenin we have a wide range of top-quality kit for you to use, all included in your course fee. This means if you’re just starting out, there’s no need to rush out and buy a load of expensive gear, and if you’re already pretty well kitted-out, it’s a great chance to try something new.

We have an extensive fleet of open canoe, touring kayaks, shorter generic kayaks and SUPs for you to paddle during the assessment if required.

What do I need to bring?
Equipment List
How should I prepare?
Preparation guide
You'll need to bring sufficient equipment to enable you to look after a group of paddlers in sheltered water conditions. You should be prepared to deal with emergency situations as well as carry any useful items to deal with likely scenarios. e.g. first aid, hypothermia, tired paddler etc. You should also bring a logbook of experience. This helps the Assessor to understand the experience upon which the decision making is based. A British Canoeing logbook is available from the Home Nation Associations.
No formal training's required, but it's essential that you familiarise yourself with the skills required of a Paddlsport Leader. You'll also need to ensure that you've got the experience listed in the prerequisites section. The ideal preparation would be through our Paddlesport Leader training courses.
Course Schedule

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This course will help you become

A Paddlesport Leader

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