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. 

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 and 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 early in your development journey as possible to access all of the support and learning resources. 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 CONTENT

There are lots of ways you can prepare for your Paddlesport Leader assessment. It is important that you take an active role in deciding the appropriate preparation, training and experience that you need, before booking your assessment. Informal learning and experience based learning are important for your development as a leader.

OPTIONAL BRITISH CANOEING TRAINING

British Canoeing Paddlesport Leader Training courses are available to support you in your development of the required skills. These courses will cover all the required leadership skills, personal skills and safety and rescue skills to support your development journey. As this training is delivered by British Canoeing Paddlesport Leader Providers, they are well placed to help you identify an appropriate action plan to support your progress towards a successful assessment. These training courses are usually between 2 and 5 day programmes, with longer courses giving you more time to practice and develop your 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 Paddlesport Leader Provider on an individualised programme as they have explicit knowledge of the award requirements. No matter which development journey you choose, the Paddlesport Leader Assessment Guidance and Skills Checklist can be used as a guide of the skills required.

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, however, you can check your readiness for assessment using:

•  The Paddlesport Leader Assessment Guidance – this explains in detail the standard required
•  Skills Checklist – can be used to self-profile and check if you’re ready for assessment

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

The Paddlesport Leader journey is personalised to anyone who takes the award and depends on your existing experience. There is optional Paddlesport Leader training, which covers the required leadership skills and associated personal skills, safety and rescue skill. These courses vary between 2 and 5 days, with longer courses giving you more opportunity to practice. Alternatively, you can opt for bespoke training opportunities, for example shadowing at your club or centre, private tuition, symposiums, to up-skill in the areas that you need. The assessment takes place over 1 or 2 days depending on the logistics relating to access to suitable environments. The assessment takes place over 1 or 2 days depending on the logistics relating to access to suitable environments.