Paddlesport Start is designed as an encouragement award, that candidates should be able to achieve in a basic starter session of about 2 hours on sheltered water.

The award is obtained by taking the assessment in any style of paddlesport boat including crew boats (e.g. bell boats, katakanu, K2/K4 etc.)

• Paddlesport Start Syllabus
• Paddlesport Start Trainer Notes
• Paddlesport Start - Guidance for Coaches

If the paddler is under 14 the learning program of Paddle Power might be more appropriate.

The BCU One Star is a clear stepping stone to becoming a paddler.  Designed as a basic award, the one star takes place on sheltered water and is the level people would typically reach after an introductory course of six hours quality water time.

The award is obtained by taking the assessment in any style of kayak or canoe (e.g. sit-on-top, slalom C2, polo boat, sea kayak, racing canoe etc.).

• Syllabus
• Trainers Notes
• Assessor Notes

If the paddler is under 14 the learning program of Paddle Power might be more appropriate.

 

The BCU Two Star 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 of the paddle, boat and water interact.

The award is obtained by taking the assessment in both a kayak and a canoe.  Any style of kayak or canoe is permissible e.g. Sea Kayak, River Kayak, Open Canoe, Racing C1 etc.

The BCU have produced a Two Star Support DVD which provides a useful resource for both those who aspire to Two Star and for those who are new to assessing the award.  The DVD is available from the SCA Shop.

• Syllabus
• Trainers Notes
• Assessor Notes

If the paddler is under 14 the learning program of Paddle Power might be more appropriate.

*This award is significantly different to the old (pre August 2007) 2 star, with a change to develop generic movement skills that can transfer to any discipline and with an assessed journey. Assessors will need to be able to assess the award in a variety of craft.

Successful completion of the BCU 3 Star Sea Kayak Award demonstrates that the candidate has the level of skill, understanding and knowledge of an able improving sea paddler and beyond that of a beginner. 

The assessment will take the form of a continuous assessment whilst journeying in a moderate tidal environment as part of a led group with winds of no more than Force 4.

The BCU have produced a Three Star and Four Star Leader Support DVD which provides a useful resource for both those who aspire to Three Star or Four Star Leader and for those who are new to assessing the awards.  The DVD is available from the SCA Shop.

• Syllabus
• Trainer and Assessor Notes

Successful completion of the BCU 3 Star Open Canoe award means that a candidate can consider themselves an intermediate canoe paddler.  During the assessment the candidate will be asked to demonstrate personal competence in paddling open water in wind conditions of force 2-3 and on simple moving water as part of a led group.

• Syllabus
• Trainers Notes
• Assessor Notes

 Successful completion of the BCU 3 Star White Water indicates that  paddler can consider themselves an intermediate kayaker, as they can now paddle on moving water. They can do this in a competent manner as part of a led group and have the knowledge and ability to help in the smooth running of a trip while being led down a section of a frade 2 river. 

• Syllabus
• Trainers Notes
• Assessor Notes

Successful completion of the BCU 3 Star Surf Award demonstrates that the candidate has the competence to cope with UK Surf conditions across a range of beaches and varying tidal conditions.

• Syllabus
• Trainer Notes
• Assessor Notes

The touring award shows a competent intermediate standard of paddling in either a canoe or kayak in a variety of environments; including open water with wind up to force 2-3 and moving water / rivers with green flow but doesn't include rapids of any grade. Topics covered will include: forward and backward paddling, stopping, moving the boat sideways, supporting and dealing with environmental factors. For the full course syllabus, please see below.

• Syllabus
• Trainers Notes

 

Successful performance at this level indicates that the paddler understands the corecompetencies of freestyle and can perform at a base level. This award is suitablefor those candidates paddling either K1 or C1 freestyle craft.

Syllabus

Guidance notes