1 Star
A Flat water award that demonstrates an individual has basic boat control and foundation skills. The one star can be taken in any kind of paddlesport craft (e.g. sit-on-top, slalom C2, polo boat, sea kayak, open canoe etc.)
2 Star
An improvement award that helps paddlers develop fundamental paddlesport skills on flat water. The emphasis is on gaining a breadth of experience, creating the desired movement of the boat and developing an understanding into how the paddle, boat and water interact.
This award is significantly different to the old 2 star, with a change to develop generic movement skills that can transfer to any discipline and with an assessed journey. Assessors
3 Star
Successful performance at this level indicates that a candidate can consider themselves an intermediate paddler rather than a beginner. Unlike the existing award this will be discipline specific with awards in Sea, Surf, Canoe, WW Kayak, FW Kayak and some of the competitive disciplines. The three star paddler will be a competent performer in sheltered to moderate water environments and have the ability to paddle unsupervised, with similar standard paddlers on sheltered water. The new award will look similar in structure to the existing 4 star, but with the skills applicable in an easier environment
4 Star
This discipline specific test is designed to indicate that the candidate has the skill level to safely paddle and lead other competent paddlers on sections of moderate water. A four Star paddler will have the all round paddling ability, safety, rescue and basic leadership required to undertake trips on sheltered - moderate water with a group of paddlers able themselves to be able to operate in a self-sufficient manner. The new award looks much the same structurally to the old 5 star, but the personal skills and leadership reflect an easier environment.
5 Star
At this level the holder has the personal, leadership and safety skills required to lead groups, (in formal and informal settings) in discipline specific advanced environments. The new award looks much the same structurally to the old 5 star, but the personal skills and leadership have been updated in line with current developments where appropriate.
Foundation Safety and Rescue Training
This is an essential safety course for paddlers wanting to explore the possibilities of paddlesport in sheltered water environments. The course aims to provide key safety and rescue skills required to operate safely and be able to deal with any common emergencies that may arise.
White Water Safety & Rescue Training
The BCU WWSR training course is designed for all paddlers operating in a moderate to advanced white water environment in either kayak or canoe. In addition, the training is required for those seeking their 4 star leader (white water or open canoe) award.
Advanced White Water Safety and Rescue Training
The Advanced WWS&R training course is designed for all paddlers operating in advanced white water environments. In addition, the training is required for those seeking their 5 star leader (white water) award.
The course syllabus still needs to be confirmed by the BCU and is currently not available release dates will be announced on our news section.
Aquatic First Aid
This award is intended to address the first aid incidents most likely to arise during the majority of canoeing situations, which take place on very sheltered to moderate water and within a reasonable distance of medical assistance.
The course is designed to cover First Aid techniques relevant to canoeing and other water-based activities.
