The Scottish Canoe Association welcomes paddlers of all ages, and works hard to support the development of our young paddlers. In 2021 we launched a Young Person Equality Group, and are currently planning to launch a Young Paddlesport Ambassadors programme. This is a space to celebrate our young paddlers too - if you would like to tell your story or get involved in any other way please email Development Manager Lara Cooper.

Check back regularly for more news on the young paddlers of the SCA.

Young Paddlesport Instructors

The BCAB Paddlesport Instructor course is open to anyone aged 14 or over. This two day course helps you develop practical skills to support learning, inspire adventure and exploration, and sets you up to run taster/introductory sessions within clubs or centres.

Paddlesport Instructors are often the first point of contact for newcomers to our sport, and play a really important role. First impressions from these sessions can have a lasting impact on the likelihood of the person returning to do more in the future. Delivering sessions that are safe, enjoyable and rewarding are cornerstones of the Paddlesport Instructor role, and threads that run through all elements of the course. 

Not only does this qualification help get you started delivering sessions, for many it is the first step on the formal qualification pathway. The course is open to people who have basic paddling skills in kayak, open canoe, sit on top, or stand up paddleboard. You’ll need to feel comfortable getting around where you want to go in/on your preferred craft, in calm benign conditions, close to easy bank-side access. 

Get to know some of the SCA's young paddlesport instructors below, and keep an eye on our news feed for more profiles being published on a regular basis.

Latest News

Young Person Equality Group