WHY BECOME A SURF KAYAK LEADER?

First of all, the Surf Kayak Leader is open to anyone with experience of paddling in moderate surf conditions. The award will enable you to lead fun, safe and enjoyable surf kayaking trips for groups of paddlers. 

Secondly, you will be supported to develop your personal and leadership skills during training, with like-minded surf paddlers. Alternatively, if you have sufficient experience you could go straight to assessment.

This award is also used by clubs, outdoor centres and organisations to support their surf kayak journeys in moderate surf environments. 

WHAT CAN A SURF KAYAK LEADER DO?

Your award will support you to lead surf kayakers in moderate surf environments. You will lead surf kayakers with a range of experience on trips based on their needs and aspirations. You will be able to judge the conditions and standard of the group and make appropriate decisions on your journey. 

As a Leader, you can work independently or be deployed by a club, centre or organisation to lead trips and journeys. The purpose of these trips may be wide ranging from educational experiences, social adventures or trying something new.

You will be able to provide British Canoeing Awards and Training, such as:

Note: other experience, training or qualifications may be required. Find out more in our develop skills section.

• Do you want to lead a group of surf paddlers in moderate surf?
• Are you a surf kayaker or do you have experience paddling in a surf environment?
• Do you want to support your club?
• Personal Performance Awards – the Surf Kayak Award

Ready for Surf Leader assessment? - click here for more 

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE TRAINING COURSE? 

To get the best from your optional training course, you will need to feel comfortable is a surf kayak and be able to paddle in moderate surf environments. We would recommend holding the Progressive Surf Kayak Award before booking onto your training. 

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR THE ASSESSMENT?

There are lots of ways you can prepare for your assessment. It is important that you take an active role in deciding the appropriate training and experience that you need. You could book onto the British Canoeing Surf Kayak Leader Training course to support you in developing the required skills. Alternatively, you can choose bespoke learning opportunities to support your development stage.

COURSE CONTENT

It's your development pathway! You choose if you want to attend formal training courses or develop your personal skills, leadership and safety and rescue, with a mentor or through your Club/Organisation. When you're ready for assessment you are in control. It's your group, your trip and our assessor joins you for the day.

SURF KAYAK LEADER TRAINING 

Typically run over two days, British Canoeing Surf Kayak Leader training courses will support the development of your personal skill level and leadership ability to lead a group of paddlers in a moderate surf environment. The emphasis is on the application of skills in a surf environment, requiring you to perform appropriate and effective manoeuvres in moderate surf. 

The training covers four key areas: 

• Personal paddling skills 
• Rescue skills 
• Safety, leadership and group skills 
• Theory 

Formal training is not mandatory, however if you chose to access the training you will have a great couple of days, develop your community of practice, as well as make friends and paddle with likeminded paddlers.

No course dates currently available.
Please contact us if you would like to arrange or create a new course date.