Paddlesports skills and British Canoeing qualification courses
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You're a solo paddler or tandem team that wants to hone your performance to make you a true master of your craft. Spend a week with our experts on the spectacular Snowdonia waters developing your paddling skills to help you achieve the level you're aiming for.
Read moreYou'll spend two days honing your intermediate or advanced white water skills on Eryri's (Snowdonia) rivers getting a personal improvement programme from our expert coaches.
Read moreOur top coaches will put you through your paces, coaching you to hone your technique, during this five-day programme. You'll work closely with our experienced and qualified coaches to help you take your paddling skills further than you ever thought possible. You'll enjoy lots of great paddling and you'll feel your skill level soar as the week goes on. A great week of technique coaching for competent grade III paddlers with some experience of grade IV and a reliable moving water roll.
Read moreJoin us at the National Outdoor Centre for your introduction to adventure in the great outdoors. We offer: Expert supervision from fully qualified and psyched instructors The best adventure experience in North Wales All adventure equipment is included in the price Perfect environment to learn and enjoy something new! Maximum of 10 people per group | Ages 6+ | £40 per person per half day. For kids under the age of 16 years, please note that a parent or guardian has to take part in the activity as well. Don’t worry about the weather – your session will never be cancelled; we may need to make some adjustments to your chosen activities, but you’ll still have an awesome time. Read more
Join us at the National Outdoor Centre for your introduction to adventure in the great outdoors. We offer: Expert supervision from fully qualified and psyched instructors The best adventure experience in North Wales All adventure equipment is included in the price Perfect environment to learn and enjoy something new! Maximum of 10 people per group | Ages 6+ | £40 per person per half day. For kids under the age of 16 years, please note that a parent or guardian has to take part in the activity as well. Don’t worry about the weather – your session will never be cancelled; we may need to make some adjustments to your chosen activities, but you’ll still have an awesome time. Read more
Spend five days with us covering all the elements of both the British Canoeing advanced open water canoe leader training and the British Canoeing advanced white water leader training. This five day comprehensive offering will set you up with a realistic, individualised and personalised pathway and action plan to becoming a successful open canoe leader in both advanced environments. Time will be spent developing and challenging personal skills (both solo and tandem) and leadership skills to bring the syllabus and standards of the British Canoeing advanced canoe leader awards to life. Read more
This course is ideal if you already hold an advanced leadership award in another discipline, or want to top up on training that you've recieved previously (it's the minimum requirement to attain Advanced Canoe Leader award). You'll cover paddling, leadership, and safety skills (both solo and as part of a tandem crew), but the exact course content is up to you as it's an opportunity to recap on areas that you specifically want or need to revisit.
Read moreThis course is ideal if you already hold an advanced leadership award in another discipline, or want to top up on training that you've received previously (it's the minimum requirement to attain Advanced Sea Kayak Leader award). You'll cover paddling, leadership, and safety skills (both solo and as part of a tandem crew), but the exact course content is up to you as it's an opportunity to recap on areas that you specifically want or need to revisit.
Read moreThis two day course will cover in detail all of the elements of the advanced canoe leader training syllabus for the open water environment. During the course things like leadership, navigation, rescues and decision making in the environment will be covered as well as things like canoe sailing options. You’ll leave with a personalised and individualised action plan around your pathway to becoming a canoe leader in the advanced open water environment. Read more
On this five day programme, you'll cover the paddling, leadership and safety skills necessary to prepare you for your Advanced White Water Leader Assessment.. We've designed it to exceed the normal training requirements for this award (it incorporates The British Canoeing Advanced White Water Safety and Rescue course). You'll also be equipped with a personalised action plan, designed to help you reach your goal of a successful assessment.
Read moreThis course is aimed at anyone going into an advanced white water environment and wanting to know the relevant skills to make decisions and remain safe. We'll cover all aspects of the British Canoeing white water safety and rescue syllabus.
Read moreNorth Wales is blessed with some stunning locations for canoeing. Numerous lakes and slow-moving rivers make it an ideal venue for those wanting to develop their canoeing skills. Using British Canoeing’s Canoe award as our guide our highly qualified and experienced canoe coaches we will help you to develop your open canoe handling skills. You will also be developing your ability to make appropriate decisions for an enjoyable and safe day out on the water. Helping you to understand how the wind or river current may affect your journey and what to do if things don’t quite go to plan. By the end of the week, you’ll have the chance to get assessed and an action plan for future progress developed.
Read moreYou want to develop or improve your navigational ability on the sea. This one day land-based British Canoeing module is designed to provide you with the tools to plan and navigate efficiently in a moderate sea environment. You'll fine -tune your ability to navigate coastal journeys (including islands up to 2 nautical miles offshore in areas of tidal movement up to up to 2 knots and winds of up to force 4). It's a theory-based course but is also highly practical, so you'll participate in a variety of practical planning exercises where you'll learn to; interpret sources of information including maps, charts, coastal pilots and tide tables, navigate on the water using visual references and simple pilotage techniques e.g. transits, dead reckoning and a compass. We'll show you how to source, interpret and apply a weather forecast to the marine environment.
Read moreThis course is designed to help you reach the level where you can coach paddlers who want to gain or improve paddlesport skills within their chosen discipline; technical/tactical skill development, physical/psychological development, or helping them to gain the skills that will enable them to paddle safely without the need for a coach. You'll learn how to plan, deliver and review progressive sessions safely, effectively and independently, focussing on the ‘How’ and ‘Why’ skills as they relate to the Coach’s role. It's the first step along your progression to becoming a British Canoeing Coach in whichever paddlesports discipline you're interested in. You'll be supported in evolving your personal coaching development plan to enable you to put your learning into practice after the course
Read moreSpend two days with us bringing to life the information from the Core Coach training into the open water canoe environment building an action plan and a pathway to assessment.
Read moreTwo day training course covering all the necessary elements to set you on your pathway to becoming a British Canoeing open water canoe leader. This will include delving into personal skills, leadership skills, rescue skills, sailing and decision making. You’ll receive a personalised and individualised action plan based around your current strengths and areas of improvement and the British Canoeing open water canoe leader syllabus. Read more
The sea can be an unforgiving and harsh place. Crossing large expanses of open water requires an effective planning structure. Ensure that you are in the right place at the right time to enjoy the challenge this environment offers. Read more
The Paddlesport Instructor qualification is for people whose main focus of work is delivering paddlesport taster/starter sessions within clubs, centres or other organisations. The qualification is not discipline specific and is suitable for instructors who work with paddlers from any of the competitive and non-competitive paddlesport disciplines.
Read moreLeading and facilitating safe and enjoyable activity is a rewarding process. Learn from our years of experience doing this to fast track your development. Read more
Some of the best sea kayaking in the UK can be found along the coastlines of Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsular, so why not carry on your sea kayaking journey with us here in North Wales? Using British Canoeing’s Sea Kayaker award as our guide, our highly qualified and experienced sea kayak coaches will help you to develop your boat handling skills. You will also be developing your ability to make appropriate decisions for an enjoyable and safe day out on the sea. Helping you to understand how tides and the wind may affect your journey and what to do if things don’t quite go to plan. By the end of the week, you’ll have the chance to get assessed and an action plan for future progress developed.
Read moreYou'll get plenty of practical advice that supports your journey towards the Sea Kayak Coach Award Qualification on this two day course. Or you can simply use it as a repeatable, stand-alone course to support your ongoing learning and development. Alongside our friendly, highly experienced team, you'll explore different approaches to coaching and understanding and enabling learning. You'll also gain some core coaching skills as they apply to coaching Sea Kayaking on Moderate Tidal Waters of up to and including - Sea state 4, Beaufort wind 4, moderate surf (>1m) and tidal flow up to 2 knots. We'll support you in evolving your personal coaching development plan so that you have plenty of guidance to take away and put your learning into practice after the course.
Read moreThis five-day training course covers all the elements of the 'Sea Kayak Leader Training' and 'Coastal Navigation and Tide Planning' programmes. This course aims to give you a comprehensive leadership training package and action plan to help you move you towards being a sea kayak leader.
Read moreYou'll spend two days on this course (formerly the BCU 4 Star Sea Kayak Leaders Award Training) completing the minimum training requirements for this award. With our friendly, highly experienced team, you'll cover the personal paddling and leadership skills necessary to prepare you for your Sea Kayak Leader assessment, taking in the stunning North Wales coastline as you do.
Read moreThis two-day training brings to life all the elements of the core coach training in the sheltered water environment. Be that kayak or canoe, many coaching theories and practices will be explored in line with the standard set by British Canoeing. You will leave with an action plan to help your progress as a coach and move you towards sheltered water coach assessment. Read more
If you’re looking for guidance in how to introduce learners to the exciting world of paddling boarding then this two days is for you. We cover all the elements of the BCAB (British Canoeing Awarding Body) Stand Up Paddle Board instructor course in detail. We’ll train and assess the required personal paddling skills, instructing skills and rescue skills to the standards set by the governing body. Read more
North Wales is the home of white water paddling in Wales. With numerous rivers on our doorstep, we can always find an ideal location for developing your skills. Using British Canoeing’s White Water award as our guide our highly qualified and experienced white water coaches we will help you to develop your white water skills whether you paddle a white water kayak, C1 or OC1. You will also be developing your ability to make appropriate decisions for an enjoyable and safe day out on the water. Helping you to understand the dynamics of flow and current and what to do if things don’t quite go to plan. By the end of the week, you’ll have the chance to get assessed and an action plan for future progress developed.
Read moreThis course aims to bring to life all of the theoretical and practical elements of the core coach training in the white water environment. Two days will be spent covering the 'White Water Canoe Coach' syllabus to build an action plan for assessment.
Read moreTwo day training course covering all the necessary elements to set you on your pathway to becoming a British Canoeing white water canoe leader. This will include delving into personal skills, leadership skills, rescue skills and decision making. You’ll receive a personalised and individualised action plan based around your current strengths and areas of improvement and the British Canoeing white water canoe leader syllabus. Read more
This course aims to bring to life all of the theoretical and practical elements of the core coach training in the white water environment. Two days will be spent covering the 'White Water Kayak Coach' syllabus to build an action plan for assessment. Read more
On this five-day enhanced course, you'll work with our highly qualified team to move your leadership skills to the standard set by British Canoeing. You'll paddle white water in spectacular Eryri (Snowdonia) whilst you hone the skills you need to lead a group of paddlers in appropriate locations, up to moderate white water conditions. We'll show you how to judge the conditions, and the standard of the group, then make appropriate decisions along with the need to modify plans as required. You'll also cover the WWSR course.
Read moreTwo days will be spent covering the 'White Water Kayak Leader Training' syllabus in a moderate environment (grade II to III rivers locally). We'll delve into the required assessment standard as set by British Canoeing and build a personalised action plan aimed at this assessment and making you a better leader on white water.
Read moreYou're a recreational white water paddler who wants to be more skilled in staying safe in the water, and using valuable rescue techniques to help others if needed. This course is run in conjunction with British Canoeing and we'll cover all aspects within the white water safety and rescue syllabus.
Read moreThis weekend course gives you an enjoyable introduction to canoeing. You'll cover everything - from what clothing and equipment to choose right up to basic rescue skills, not to mention plenty of paddling. By the end of the weekend you'll have all of the foundation skills to progress confidently in your new sport.
Read moreThis is a women only course which will give you an enjoyable introduction to canoeing. You'll cover everything - from what clothing and equipment to choose right up to basic rescue skills, not to mention plenty of paddling. By the end of the weekend you'll have all of the foundation skills to progress confidently in your new sport. Read more
There really is nothing quite like 'messing about in boats' and the kayak is a flexible and adaptable craft that will provide you with endless hours of enjoyment. Come and learn the foundation skills with us and start yourself off on a lifetime of exploration Read more
There really is nothing quite like 'messing about in boats' and the kayak is a flexible and adaptable craft that will provide you with endless hours of enjoyment. Come and learn the foundation skills with us and start yourself off on a lifetime of exploration on this Discover Kayaking for Women 2 day course. Read more
Some of the best sea kayaking in the UK can be found along the coastlines of Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsular. So why not start sea kayaking with us here in North Wales? We’ll help you to learn the basics of sea kayak handling as well as developing your skills and ability to make appropriate decisions for an enjoyable and safe day out on the sea. Gain confidence as you plan and undertake journeys on the sea in suitable conditions to fit your level of ability. Understand how tides and the wind may affect your journey and what to do if things don't quite go to plan. You’ll get to do all of this amongst some of the best sea kayaking Wales has to offer, with some of the UK's most experienced coaches.
Read moreBuild your open water, solo and tandem open canoe experience in Snowdonia. Canoes are a great way to get out exploring on rivers and lakes. During this course you will learn paddling techniques and boat controls in a safe and controlled environment. This course will equip you with the skills you need to get out paddling. Read more
Five-day kayaking session, for anyone who wishes to try out the sport of kayaking in a safe and professional environment, in some of the most stunning locations in Eryri (Snowdonia). Further develop your skills, broaden your ability and progress into different environments, such as sea kayaking and white water kayaking if appropriate. Read more
This camp is a fun and exciting introduction to kayaking for young people aged 12 - 17 years old. With their infectious enthusiasm for the activities on this five day course, our experienced, highly qualified coaches will give you a thorough grounding in kayaking. They'll introduce you to all the equipment and the basic kayaking skills on local rivers, lakes and the sea, and they'll help you choose the level of adventure that's right for you. You'll have plenty of opportunity for coaching and progression in white water and sea kayaking, because we work in small groups so that we can give you individual attention.
Read moreThe confidence a strong, dependable roll can bring to your enjoyment of kayaking is immense, and will serve you well on the water for years to come. On our two-day clinic, you will be coached by our expert team towards a roll that you can rely on. Over two days of personalised coaching, we'll make use of our purpose-built heated rolling pool to help you find the best technique for you.
Read moreRolling a sea kayak demands technique and finesse in equal measure but once you've nailed it, your journeys on the sea will be far more rewarding. Hone your skills in our indoor heated rolling pool and private lake. During the two days, we'll cover all the rolling techniques to find one that works for you to help you on your path to rolling.
Read moreLearn the basics of sea kayaking whilst you take in the spectacular Anglesey and North Wales coastline on this five day course. You don't need any previous experience of sea kayaking, you just need be fired up to learn. And you'll be learning from the best in their field whose passion for the sport is infectious, and who are keen to give you the benefit of their expertise.
Read moreYou're a capable flat water paddler, either solo or tandem, and now you've got your sights set on some white water action. You'll spend two days with our highly experienced coaches who'll develop your white water boat-handling skills, covering techniques like; breaking in and out, ferry gliding and surfing standing waves. You'll also cover strategies for navigating rivers as safely as possible.
Read moreIf you like the idea of experiencing the thrills and spills of moving water, this 2-day white water kayaking course is a great introduction. Spend two days on some of the UK’s best white-water rivers learning and developing confidence in your new sport. You'll cover everything from foundation white water skills to clothing and equipment.
Read moreYou already enjoy flat water paddling, and now it's time to stretch yourself to specialise in white water. Or you're already bitten by the white water bug and want to build confidence and control by improving your technique. Come and refine your existing paddling skills in our unique Snowdonia setting. Our specialists will coach you to move your existing paddling skills up a level, and achieve more advanced techniques during five days on grade II and easy grade III water. If the idea of learning about breaking in and out, ferry gliding, surfing standing waves and small stoppers appeals, this is for you.
Read moreYou're not a beginner, you've been out on sea- but you don't quite feel confident or experienced enough to embark on a 'journey holiday' so you'd like to find something in between that'll move you up to that level. Our friendly, highly qualified instructors will get you there on this five day course. You'll revisit and develop your existing sea kayak techniques, enjoying some of the UK's most stunning coastal waters as you do. And you'll develop your roll in our heated indoor pool.
Read moreThis five-day course on grade II and III white water is an ideal confidence booster - whether you have limited experience on moving water, you've had a knock in confidence due to a 'big swim', or you've simply been 'out of your boat' for a few years. Our friendly, highly qualified team will spend time helping you to consolidate your existing paddling skills before developing your balance and moving on to more advanced techniques.
Read moreEnjoy a weekend break off the stunning North Wales coast, taking in breath-taking views and natural wildlife from the tranquillity of a sea kayak. Our experienced coaches will take you on a tour of some of the most memorable paddling spots the area has to offer. The emphasis is on increasing your paddling experience rather than skills development, and is an ideal way of putting what you learned on our 'Discover Sea Kayaking' or 'Introduction to Sea Kayaking' courses into practice.
Read moreThis 3 day course is for everyone who had an introduction to sea kayaking already and would like to have a fantastic guided sea kayaking holiday while boosting the experience and clock up the miles. You'll take on a different journey each day, enjoying the breath-taking coastal scenery of Anglesey, North Wales and the Llyn Peninsula, taking in some of the Welsh classics along the way. So just kick back, paddle, and enjoy the company, the spectacular sea cliffs, beautiful islands and the abundance of wildlife that will make this a week to remember - and don't forget to bring your camera.
Read moreIf you've already had an introduction to sea kayaking, this five-day programme of guided sea paddling is a great way have a fantastic holiday while boost your experience and clock up the miles. You'll take on a different journey each day, enjoying the breath-taking coastal scenery of Anglesey, North Wales and the Llyn Peninsula, taking in some of the Welsh classics along the way. So just kick back, paddle, and enjoy the company, the spectacular sea cliffs, beautiful islands and the abundance of wildlife that will make this a week to remember - and don't forget to bring your camera.
Read moreDay course being led on paddleboards on some of North Wales’s classic journeys. Read more
Tail squirts, splats, rock-spins, cartwheels and soul surfing always looks good and feels amazing. This course covers all the intricacies behind paddling a slicey kayak. Whether the slicey boat is your day to day or if it’s an addition to the quiver the tools to move them around smoothly and efficiently can boost confidence and give practice to the situations we don’t want to find ourself in through controlled practice. The tools to get yourself out of bother…. Read more
Play The River Summer Camp! Jump for joy with our brand-new Summer Camp addition. Tail squirts, splats, rock-spins, cartwheels and soul surfing always looks good and feels amazing. This course covers all the intricacies behind paddling a slicey kayak. Two days of learning all the tools to move around smoothly and efficiently can boost confidence and give practice to the situations we don’t want to find ourselves in through controlled practice. Read more
Having trouble with your roll - or have you 'lost' it all together? This two-day course is ideal for you. Progressing at your own pace, our coaches will assess your roll and design a programme to consolidate and refine your technique. The venues used will be appropriate to your skill level. This could include our heated pool and local water, such as our lake and river.
Read moreYou're a paddler who wants to improve your kayak handling and rough water skills, as well as boost your knowledge of practical and theoretical seamanship and navigation. During this week long course, our friendly, highly experienced team will share their expertise with you, taking you on a tour of some of the finest coastal trips the UK has to offer. They'll make sure you get the most out of each spectacularly scenic journey. There's no better way to broaden your experience and reach the next level in a sport you're passionate about.
Read moreSend your confidence soaring by spending five days with us developing your skills from rolling on flat water towards rolling in moving water. You'll work with our experts in our indoor heated rolling pool to develop the fundamental techniques, before heading out onto the rivers to test out your skills. There'll be plenty of time to follow up and analyse video footage, correct your faults, work on your weaknesses and build on your strengths in our pool and local venues.
Read moreThe sea rough places are a natural draw to sea kayakers looking for adventure. Lets get in amongst it! Read more
Running wild rivers is all about judgement. This week gives you the experience and skills you need to make those decisions as our highly qualified and experienced team help you reach the next level in a sport you're passionate about. You'll concentrate on developing boat positioning skills, refining your judgement and practical techniques to help you become a good white water paddler. Read more
This week gives you the experience and skills you need to move your boat around in the environment and make key decisions on the river. Our highly qualified and experienced team help you reach the next level in a sport you're passionate about. You'll concentrate on developing boat positioning skills, refining your judgement and practical techniques to help you become a good white water paddler.
Read moreYou've decided you like kayaking. Now it's time to experience surfing down the face of a wave, the thrill of white water, and sea kayaking a tide race. A week full of great paddling experiences, during these 5 days we will take you to some of the areas best kayaking locations for white water sea and surf kayaking, our expert coaches will introduce you to all the skills needed to try these amazing disciplines of kayaking. All our staff are qualified and experienced coaches with infectious enthusiasm for the activities. They are experienced in teaching at all levels and most importantly, they have lots of experience helping you to choose the level of adventure that's right for you. Small groups allow us to give you individual attention. Read more
You've decided you like kayaking. Now it's time to experience surfing down the face of a wave, the thrill of white water, and sea kayaking a tide race. Join our enthusiastic coaches as they introduce you to all the techniques you need to handle a boat in the exciting wild water of British rivers and sea. All our staff are qualified and experienced coaches with infectious enthusiasm for the activities. They are experienced in teaching at all levels and most importantly, they have lots of experience helping you to choose the level of adventure that's right for you. Small groups allow us to give you individual attention.
Read moreIf you'd like to pick your own line, we can tailor something just for you - our bookings team will be happy to help.