Paddlesports cover a very wide range of environments and a wide range of crafts. These crafts and environments tend to be grouped into “Disciplines”. The BCU Coaching Pathway is structured so that coaches can access training and become qualified in any of these disciplines. This range of awards helps us to ensure that coaching excellence is available to participants in whichever discipline they feel inspired to get involved in.

These levels reflect the experience and expertise of the coach.

1. Level 1 is for those new to coaching and these coaches assist more qualified coaches to deliver their sessions. This is a generic award and covers all disciplines. Pre Requisites for training are the new 2 star award or the old Canoe and Kayak 2 star awards. The foundation safety and rescue award can be taken as part of a five day course or as prior to a four day level one coach training course.

2. A Level 2 coach is able to work alone, delivering sessions safely and effectively. Generally these coaches still operate under the guidance of more experienced coaches. This is a generic award to canoes and kayaks.

3. A Level 3 is a coach who has a degree of specialism and who is able to plan, implement and analyse long term development programmes. This is an appropriate level of coach for a person to be in charge of Paddlesport activities in a club or centre or as a working professional.

4. A Level 4 coach is a very experienced specialist coach with highly developed coaching skills and who can design, implement and evaluate the process and outcomes of long term or specialist coaching programmes in their chosen discipline and in all environments in which their discipline is practised.

5. A Level 5 coach is an expert in their field or specialism, able to coach to an extremely high standard and offer expert advice about their chosen discipline. A Coach, who generates, directs and manages the implementation of cutting-edge coaching solutions and programmes.

The specific areas that the BCU coaching pathway offers

• Racing • Polo • Slalom • Freestyle • Wild Water Racing • Sea Kayak • Surfing • White Water Kayaking • Open Canoeing • Flat Waters