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We run Paddlesport Performance Awards
courses. These so-called 1 and 2 star courses are in accordance with the
syllabus of the British Canoe Union.
The full B.C.U syllabus for the courses below can be found as pdf
documents at www.bcu.org.uk
3 star courses, canoe safety test, first aid, level 1 and level 2
coaching courses can be arranged.
The club will provide you with a kayak, paddle, buoyancy aid and
protective helmet. All students are required to bring with them clothing
suitable for watersports – you will get wet!! A wetsuit is ideal,
preferably with short arms but otherwise a couple of thin layers on the
upper body covered by a lightweight windproof jacket will be ample
(along with a pair of shorts/lightweight trousers. An absolute must is a
suitable set of footwear – an old pair of trainers you don’t mind
getting wet, ‘jellies’, beach shoes or wetsuit boots must be brought
with you. Finally, please bring with you a warm change of clothes for
when paddling is finished – you cool down quickly once you stop
exercising. We do have basic changing facilities, but unfortunately no
toilets at present.
We offer many different styles and makes of kayaks to try. If you have
not already purchased a kayak we will help you pick the right boat for
your size, skill and budget.
Please be aware that coaches are only permitted to take a certain
maximum number of students per course so places will be limited and will
be allocated on a first come first served basis.
Please note that all our coaches are operating on a voluntary basis and
you will be required to follow the instructions of the coaches at all
times. The coaches reserve the right to remove you from a course if you
do not follow their instructions or are in any way disruptive. We
encourage families and want everyone to enjoy themselves on and off the
water!
BCU Paddlesport 1 star
The 1 Star courses for
2009 are fully booked - sorry - please try again next year
Prerequisites – none other than ability to swim 25 metres.
Time schedule – Wednesdays 6-8pm for 4 weeks including test
First course commencing Wednesday 6 May. Further courses will be run
through the summer.
For enquiries, course fee details and application forms contact Mark
King (07800791693)
The BCU one star is a flat water award that demonstrates that an
individual has basic boat control and foundation skills. In this course
you will learn what is necessary to participate safely in organised
kayak trips. Through the course you will learn basic strokes, boat
control, outfitting a kayak for safety and what it means to be a
responsible kayaker. The course will include personal paddling skills,
rescue skills, safety, leadership and group skills and theory.
This course is a one star training course and will not make you an
expert paddler. It is intended to lay down a solid foundation on which
to build. Only years of paddling in varying conditions will make you an
expert. The most important attribute a kayaker can have is common sense.
This can’t be taught, but in time on the water and more advance trips
and courses will help. Because you can perform a self-rescue in flat
water does not mean you have the skill to do large crossings or rough
water paddling by yourself. Many beginners are very ambitious and want
to head out into open water. Don’t! Start slow and keep within your
experience level. Paddle with more experienced paddlers and come on some
tours. Join the club and learn from your fellow paddlers. After going on
a few organised trips, take our 2 star training course the following
season.
BCU Paddlesport 2 star
The 2 Star course for
2009 is fully booked - sorry - please try again next year
Prerequisites – BCU 1 star or equivalent and membership of the club.
Time schedule – Wednesdays 6-8pm for minimum 15 weeks including test
Course commencing Wednesday 6 May. Due to length of course, only one
course this year.
For enquiries, course fee details and application forms contact Mark
King (07800791693)
The BCU 2 star course is an improvement award that helps paddlers
develop fundamental paddlesport skills on flat water. The emphasis is on
gaining a breadth of experience creating the desired movement of the
boat and developing an understanding into how the paddle, boat and water
interact.
This course is intended for kayakers who have completed the 1 star
training programme or have equivalent experience.
We ask you to come prepared to work hard and have an enthusiastic
attitude. You will only get as much out of this programme as you put
into it. We offer many different styles and makes of kayak for use on
this course. If you have not already purchased a kayak, this programme
will help you increase your knowledge of which boat fits your needs. The
goal of this course is to improve your skills so you can kayak safely
with more experienced paddlers in protected areas. This course is a 2
star course and will not make you an expert paddler. It will reinforce
the foundation laid down in the 1 star training. As stated already, only
years of paddling in varying conditions will make you an expert.
Topics include fine tuning forward and reverse paddling, stopping, draw,
rudder and sweep strokes, boat edging, support strokes, bow rudder and
low brace turns, paddling different boats in different locations and an
assessed journey. Capsizing and self rescue, peer rescue, safety,
leadership and group skills plus much more. Many of these skills to be
carried out in closed cockpit kayaks and open canoes.
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