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.

This one or two-day assessment is to assess you against the criteria for you to lead groups on sheltered water.

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

Although you do not need to have attended Paddlesport Leader Training prior to assessment, 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. (see Assessment Guidance Notes).

In order to achieve the qualification you need to show competence in the following elements: 

• Participant focused leadership skills  
• Personal paddling skills
• Rescue skills
• Underpinning background knowledge, understanding and experience    

A summary of these areas follows below and further expanded upon in the Paddlesport Leader Assessment Guidance.

British Canoeing have developed an online eLearning resource to support leaders learning and can be accessed using the following link: e-learning

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: £39

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.