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. 

• The British Canoeing Leader self-analysis tool will aid you in identifying specific areas of development, helping you to plan your own unique learning journey. Based on your responses you will be provided an indication of areas that you may need to consider for your development. Click here to access the Leader Self-Analysis Tool.
• The digital library is full of resources to support you in your understanding and knowledge, alongside other eLearning such as buoyage, nutrition and looking after the environment.
• The downloadable logbook gives you the option to record your experience, forming a diary to capture and aid reflection. This will help you consider your progress ahead of an assessment as well as keeping a record once qualified.
• The guidance for leading mixed craft is ideal if you’re looking to become a Paddlesport Leader or Paddlesport Touring Leader. Whether you’re driving 20 miles down the road to a new location or planning an overseas expedition, the leading in an unfamiliar environment resource will provide top tips and considerations.
• You may also wish to consider the following more specific British Canoeing courses for some targeted development:
•              British Canoeing Safety Training or Navigation Training
•              Personal Skills Training with Personal Performance Awards
•              British Canoeing Guide Modules

OPTIONAL BRITISH CANOEING TRAINING

British Canoeing Leadership Training courses are available across all of the pathways 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 Leadership 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

There are lots of experienced leaders who can support you in your development in a personalised and individualised way. For example, in-house training at your club or work-place, working alongside of shadowing other leaders, private tuition or conferences, symposiums and workshops, the list is endless! You could also work with a Leadership Provider on an individualised programme as they have explicit knowledge of the award requirements. 

All Canoe Open Water Leaders will require -

• Valid (within 3 years) British Canoeing recognised First Aid award, appropriate for the qualification
• Valid (within 3 years) Safeguarding Training – we offer a range of online Safeguarding packages, as well as face to face courses. 
• SCA Membership 
• Although not a formal requirement, we would consider the Progressive Canoe Award as a suitable measure of personal competence.

Before you book onto your Assessment, you will need to be a member of SCA, 16 years of age (or older) and have an appropriate First Aid Qualification, safeguarding training and complete your registration.

WHAT IS REGISTRATION?

Anyone wishing to pursue a Coaching or Leadership Qualification is required to centrally register with the appropriate National Association (British Canoeing, Canoe Wales, Scottish Canoe Association, Canoe Association of Northern Ireland).Registration is the process by which you confirm your intention to study towards a particular qualification. It includes:

• Checking of previous qualifications
• Completing and signing the Registration Form
• Medical Declaration (if required)
• Setting up and providing access to course resources and eLearning (where applicable)
• Acceptance of the terms and conditions of study and helps you understand your rights whilst undertaking the qualification and how your data will be used.

Once you are registered you become a learner with the National Association, we are able to contact you with relevant information and updates to your course of study, help you find a course and local support or mentoring.

WHEN AND WHERE DOES REGISTRATION TAKE PLACE?

We would recommend that you register as soon as you have all the prerequisites in place.  As a bare minimum and to support your learning we would recommend registering at least two weeks before your Assessment. Registration is an online process through your SCA membership portal. Registration is separate from booking a place on a course; the latter is done directly with the Course Provider. It is worth noting that many Course Providers want to see evidence of Registration at the point of booking.

COURSE ASSESSMENT

We do everything we can to take the stress out of assessments, we are focused on the journey and not the destination. The experience will be safe, engaging and enjoyable, with you at the heart of the process, involving you in as much of the decision making as possible.

By the end of the assessment, you will have to demonstrate knowledge and skills in four areas:

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

HELP AND SUPPORT AHEAD OF YOUR ASSESSMENT

Every leader will prepare differently for their assessment. The resources, courses and other support outlined above will help give you the best chance of success. 

If you’re nervous about your assessment and want to make sure you’re ready, why not ask a Paddlesport Touring Leader Provider to check your readiness for assessment?

 The assessment takes place over 1 or 2 days depending on the logistics relating to access to suitable environments.