A wide choice of coaching and leadership pathways
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The new offering of instructor , coach and leadership qualifications allows for individual choice , opening up specific pathways , as well as qualifications that cover coaching and leading a multitude of different craft .
The Paddlesport Instructor qualification can be accessed from the age of 14 and is perfect for anyone involved in running paddlesport taster / starter sessions within the safety management systems of clubs , centres or other organisations in very sheltered water environments .
The primary role of the Paddlesport Instructor is to deliver safe and enjoyable taster / starter sessions based on their group ’ s needs and aspirations . This qualification will provide the instructor with practical skills such as kitting up a group and getting afloat . The course will also cover initial familiarisation activities , games and activities to support learning , plus how to use mini journeys to support learning , inspire adventure and exploration .
This will be enhanced with support on how to deliver these sessions in an enjoyable , safe and rewarding way . The qualification is designed so that the instructor can choose the craft to use and can look after others in a range of stable craft including kayaks , open canoes , sit on tops , and stand up paddleboards .
The Coach Award is designed for people who coach paddlers wanting to gain and improve their paddlesport skills within a specific discipline . Holding this qualification will enable the individual to plan , deliver and review progressive sessions safely , effectively and independently . The Coach Award is discipline specific and available in 22 disciplines including stand up paddleboard , sea , white water , canoeing , surf and a range of competition disciplines . The Core Coach aspect of the training can be accessed either as a traditional face to face course or an online programme , depending on an individual ’ s circumstances .
The Performance Coach is aimed at experienced coaches who want to gain recognition of their experience and aim to continually develop to ensure they support the paddlers they work with . With 21 pathways to choose from there is something for every coach working across the diverse range of paddlepsorts .
Whether pursuing further development or work opportunities , working for an organisation or volunteering at a local club , the Performance Coach has a high level of applied coaching sophistication , aimed around individualisation with comprehensive levels of technical understanding .
The Leadership and Rafting qualifications offer pathways in all environments , craft type and has direct access opportunities to assessment . This qualification allows clubs and organisations to train their own members of staff , ‘ on the job ’ to prepare them for assessment . The formal British Canoeing leadership or raft guide training courses are also available and enable individuals to develop their skills under the watchful eye of highly experienced providers .
With 23 unique pathways to choose from , the awards are ideal for clubs , centres and activity providers looking to lead groups on single or mixed craft journeys , from sheltered water to advanced water . Stand up paddleboard , touring and leading on artificial white water courses are new awards available within the suite , as well as the opportunity to choose a tidal or non-tidal sea kayak leader awards .
Continual Professional Development ( CPD )
The newly designed continual professional development system allows an instructor , coach or leader to choose appropriate learning and development , depending on their individual circumstances and where they want to develop , refresh or learn more . All CPD , informal or formal , is recognised and includes CPD carried out in an informal setting such as working with peers , observing experienced practitioners or attending a course .
This provides choice and an individualised approach to development whilst providing an agile , cost effective option for individuals , clubs and commercial operators .
Canoe Focus Late Spring 2021