The Paddlesport Leader is aimed at paddlers taking on formal leadership responsibilities in benign, sheltered water environments and aims to support Leaders to run safe, quality, enjoyable trips based on their group’s needs and aspirations.

Informal learning, experience based learning, and an availability of individualised choices are important to developing skilled leaders. To supplement this, British Canoeing provides quality training opportunities for those that seek them. It is important that you take an active role in deciding the appropriate preparation, training and experience that you need prior to presenting yourself for assessment. Guidance is offered below to help you construct this personalised development journey.

 British Canoeing Training  

British Canoeing Paddlesport Leader Training courses are available to support you in your development of the required skills. These courses typically cover leadership skills, and the associated personal skills, safety and rescue skills. As this training is delivered by British Canoeing Paddlesport Leader Providers, they will also be able to help you identify an appropriate action plan to support your progress towards a successful assessment. This is the comprehensive option; courses are normally offered as 2-5 day programmes, with longer courses providing more time for you to practice and develop the skills. 

Other Training Opportunities  

You may wish to opt for more bespoke training opportunities. For example, private tuition, in-house training through your work place, working alongside/shadowing other Leaders, or conference/symposium workshops. Many British Canoeing Paddlesport Leader providers are willing to offer bespoke training to individuals or groups of individuals. The benefit of working with a Paddlesport Leader Provider is that they have explicit knowledge of the award requirements. However, there are a great many other experienced Leaders who may be in a position to support your development; the Paddlesport Leader Assessment Guidance (available to download from Home Nation Association website) can be used as a steer as to the skills required.  

Paddlers wishing to complete a Paddlesport Leader Assessment are required to register with their Home Nation before they are able to attend the assessment.

It is advisable to do this at least 2-weeks prior to the assessment date. At the point of registration, evidence of the following is required: 

• Valid (within 3 years) British Canoeing recognised 1-day First Aid award
• Full Home Nation Association Membership 
• Registration Fee: £45

You must be aged 16 or over at the time of assessment. Note that you cannot be deemed responsible for leadership by law until you turn 18 years of age. 

The interactive Leadership eLearning will take you through some of the key principles behind the British Canoeing Model of Leadership, ensuring Leaders have a basic knowledge of those principles. 

This activity covers an introduction to:

1. Questions for Leaders
2. Influences
3. Leader behaviour
4. Leadership style
5. Leader decision making
6. Observation and monitoring

Click here to access the Leadership eLearning. 

The eLearning is free and open to anyone wanting to explore the British Canoeing Model of Leadership Principles. 

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