BRITISH CANOEING (BC)CERTIFICATES

 

British Canoeing (BC) in the UK has a parallel function to that of our Spanish Canoeing Federation. Within the BC, the sea kayak is considered a recreational boat, but at the same time, its tradition and long history have led it to create specific qualifications that are now respected internationally

Beginning in January of 2019, the BC launched a new structure of Awards that will replace the old Star Awards. And the qualifications of the coaches who assess the awards will follow a new structure as well.

Below you have a table with the new awards. In yellow  you will see what we are offering during the Symposium:

Initiation	Personal performance	Leadership	Coach
Paddle Start	Sea Kayaker	Sea Kayak Leader	Paddlesport Instructor
Paddle Discover	Coastal Sea Kayaker	Advanced Sea Kayak Leader	Sea Kayak Coach
Paddle Explore	Advanced Sea Kayaker		Performance Sea Kayak Coach
			Coaching Diploma

 

Initiation Awards have 3 levels: Paddle Start, Paddle Discover, Paddle Explore

Personal Performance Awards have 3 levels: Sea Kayaker, Coastal Sea Kayaker, Advanced Sea Kayaker

Leadership Awards have 2 Levels: Sea Kayak Leader, Advanced Sea Kayak Leader

Coaching Awards have 4 levels: Paddlesport Instructor, Sea Kayak Coach, Performance Sea Kayak Coach, Coaching Diploma

 

For those who want to have their personal skills developed and evaluated we will have the Sea Kayaker Award (former BCU 3 Star), from the Coastal Sea Kayaker Award (this one is the personal skills portion of the former BCU 4 Star).

For those who want to work on group leadership skills we will have a training and assessment for the award as a Sea Kayak Leader (formerly the leadership portion of the BCU 4 Star) This is done in moderate wàter conditions (see requirements).

For those who want to get started on the coaching track, we offer you the chance to participate in a Sea Kayak Coach training, and there will be an assessment for those that wish as well. (see requirements).

 

What significance do the proposed certificates have?

 

Sea Kayaker is the first level that demonstrates some technical knowledge (old BCU 3).

Coastal Sea Kayaker is a newly created certificate equivalent to the personal skills of the former BCU 4 or the current Sea Kayak Leader Moderate Water.

Sea Kayak Leader (former BCU 4, Sea Kayak Leader Moderate Water) is the first level that allows you to lead a group of caiacs under moderate conditions.

Sea Kayak Coach is the lowest level of coach that is for a specific discipline (in this case: sea kayaking).

 

 

What requirements are needed to participate in a course or to be assessed?

 

To be assessed as a Sea Kayaker:

• Have the knowledge detailed in the document “Sea Kayaker Award” annexed.

 

To be assessed as a Coastal Sea Kayaker:

• Have the knowledge detailed in the document “Coastal Sea Kayaker Award” annexed.

 

 

To be assessed as a Sea Kayak Leader:

• Having obtained the “Safeguarding training” Certificate electronically. You may do here.
• Become a member of the BC online HERE, paying the registration fees.
• Have a recognized Certificate of First Aid (a 2-day course), within the last 3 years.
• Carry out the Sea Kayak Leader course proposed during the 2023 Pagaia Symposium.
• Have obtained or obtain during the 2023 Pagaia Symposium the Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning Certificate

We suggest reading the document “Sea Kayak Leader Assessment Guidance” and  “Sea Kayak Leader Assessment Checklist” , iand have a look here.

 

What are the dates for the for the courses and assessments at the 2019 Pagaia Symposium?

 

Sea Kayaker Training and Assessment: from April 4 to April 5, 1 day of practice, review of knowledge and 1 day for exam.
Coastal Sea Kayaker Training and Assessment: from April 4 to April 4, 1 day of practice, review of knowledge and 1 day for exam.
Sea Kayak Leader Training Course: from April 4 to April 6, 3 days of work where your technique will be tested as well as your skills to lead a group. Includes the Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning course.
Sea Kayak Leader Assessment: from April 5 to April 6.

All courses and assessments are subject to day change depending on weather conditions.

 

Who are the instructors?

 

Instructors of the BC will be responsible for teaching and assessing candidates.

 

Minimum conditions

 

A minimum of 4 participants are required for Sea Kayaker, Coastal Sea Kayaker, and Sea Kayak Leader.

For the assessment of Sea Kayak Leader a minimum of 1 participants is required.

 Prices

Prices do not include the Certificate fees if you get the Sea Kayaker (20€), Coastal Sea Kayaker (20€), Sea Kayak Leader (50€) assessments, and you will have to pay to the organization of the Symposium.

These prices are subject to modification by the BC and will be updated during the course if there are any changes.