BCU Moderate Water Endorsment
The BCU Moderate Water Endorsment enables BCU UKCC Level 2 coaches to take their coaching abilities into specific moderate water environments. This discipline specific award is available for those who wish to coach sea kayaking, surf kayaking, open canoeing, touring and white water kayaking. It focuses on the application of current coaching knowledge in the moderate water environment and covers topics such as:
- how to coach discipline-specific skills and tactics
- physiological and psychological considerations for the discipline
- establishing a safe coaching environment
- developing paddlers' performance
Training Pre-requisites
To attend training candidates will require the following pre-requisits:
- BCU Moderate Water Registration (via CR Form)
- BCU UKCC Level 2 Certificate in Copaching Paddlesport
- BCU 4 Star Leader Award in the appropriate discipline
- First Aid (2 Day)
- Be 18 years old or over
Assessment Pre-requisites
To sit an assessment candidates will require the following pre-requisites:
- Have completed BCU Moderate Water Training within the last three years
- Have gained a minimum of 10 logged coaching hours in the sheltered water environment post gaining BCU UKCC Level 2
- Have gained a minimum of 20 leading hours in the specific moderate water environment post holding 4 Star Leader (in open canoe this is divided into 10 hours leading journeys on lakes/ lochs in moderate water conditions and 10 hours on moving water)
The candidate could sit their Assessment on the day following training if all the pre-requisites are in place prior to the training day. The candidate is advised to have a conversation with the provider before training commences to ensure they are ready to proceed to assessment the day after their training.
For more information please see the Moderate Water Endorsment Course Guide.
BCU Advanced Water Endorsment
The BCU Advanced Water Endorsment is designed for Coaches working in Advanced Water Environments, and will be available in White Water Kayak, White Water Canoe, Open Water Canoe, Sea and Surf. This new award will replace the 'old' Level 5 Coach Award and is designed to help Moderate Water Coaches and 'old' Level 3 Coaches take the next steps to coaching in advanced environments.
Pre-requisites
The trainig will be open to coaches with the following prerequisites;
- BCU Moderate Water Endorsment in the relevent discipline (Or BCU Level 3 (in relevant discipline) and one of Coaching Process, 2 day BCU UKCC Level 2 Transfer or BCU UKCC Level 2 Training, within the previous 5 years.
- BCU 5 Star Leader or 5 Star Award in the appropriate discipline
- 18 years of age or older
- Recognised 2 day first aid award
- A minimum of 20 logged coaching hours in the Moderate Water Environment
- A minimum of 20 logged leading hours in the specific Advanced Wate Environment
Training
Once registered candidates will complete a training course. This will be run over a minimum of two days and will focus on the skills required to plan, deliver and review progressive coaching sessions in the Advanced Water Environment. The course will help candidates apply skills developed through previous qualifications, to coach paddlers working in advanced water situations.
Development Phase
Candidates have a maximum of three years after training to present for a final assessment. Prior to the assessment it is important coaches have time to practice their skills, a minimum of 15 logged days coaching in the specific advanced water environment, including a minimum of 3 different geographical areas after training is required.
Assessment
The Assessment will take place over 1 day. Candidates will be assessed working with a 'real' group of paddlers at, or around, 4 Star technical standard. The day will consist of two coaching sessions, candidates will be expected to show sound performance that provides suitable progressions and coaching to the needs of the learners. Personal paddling, safety management and leadership skills will be assessed alongside coaching performance. Coaching practice will be assessed at a similar standard to that expected at BCU UKCC Level 2, although now applied in a more dynamic and changing environment.
For more information please see the Advanced Water Endorsment Course Guide and Tutor Notes.