Open Water Canoe Leader Training

Become a Canoe Open Water Leader!

1. Do you want to lead a group of canoeists in open water?
2. Are you a canoeist or do you have experience canoeing in moderate conditions?
3. Do you want to support your club?

If so, the Canoe Open Water Leader could be for you!

First of all, the Canoe Open Water Leader is open to anyone with experience of paddling in open water. The award will enable you to lead fun, safe and enjoyable trips for groups of canoeists, in solo and tandem canoes, with a range of experience.

Secondly, you will be supported to develop your personal and leadership skills during two days of training, with like-minded canoeists. Alternatively, if you have sufficient experience you could go straight to assessment.

Furthermore, this award is used by clubs, outdoor centres and organisations to support their canoe journeys in open water.

Your award will support you to lead safe and enjoyable journeys. You will lead canoeists with a range of experience on trips based on their needs and aspirations in open water.

As a Leader, you can work independently or be deployed by a club, centre or organisation to lead trips and journeys. The purpose of these trips may be wide ranging from educational experiences, social adventures or trying something new.

You will be able to provide British Canoeing Awarding Body Awards and Training, such as:

1. Personal Performance Awards – Paddle Start Award, Paddle Discover Award and the Canoe Award 

To get the most from your course, you will need to feel comfortable in a canoe and be able to paddle in open water environments. We would recommend holding the Progressive Canoe Award before booking on to your training.

Your paddling should be at a standard where you are comfortable in open water locations with wind strengths up to and including Force 4

You will require all of your own kit to ensure a safe and enjoyable day on the water. A craft suitable for the course with flotation and any rescue equipment you deem suitable. Dry suit or similar and buoyancy aid. Helmets may be required on some courses.

Please let me know if you have any questions

We will work together to cover paddling skills including deep water strokes.

Platforms for travel to assist our led participants.

Leadership strategies

Rescues and assisting injured team members