The Paddle Safer award is exactly what it says on the tin. This practical course gives you top tips and considerations to support you to paddle safer. Over two hours, you will learn how to choose appropriate equipment. You will also develop an understanding of the factors which affect your paddling, such as the  environment.

During the session, you will develop your knowledge, experience and ability to plan your paddles and trips. It will highlight what to expect and look out for, based on the places you paddle.

You will practice a range of rescue techniques, and learn how to support each other and explore possible solutions to common mishaps.

It is for anyone of any age who wants to develop their awareness and skills on the water. You don’t need any previous experience to take your Paddle Safer Award, just the desire for fun and learning! You can use any craft, including kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, sit on tops and inflatables.

There are clubs, Delivery Partners and coaches who offer this award up and down the country. To find a Paddle Safer Award course near you, visit our course provider look up here. You can book your place by contacting the individual club or Delivery Partner near you. They will have all the information you need.

Absolutely not, no! It’s completely up to you whether you take the award or not. But, if you’ve never been in a boat before, or used a stand up paddleboard, it’s definitely something you should consider.

Paddling is very accessible to everyone, but it’s a little like riding a bike… easy if you know how and important for you to stay safe on the water.

• Clothing and equipment information, it covers everything you need to know to physically get yourself on the water, covering all the types of equipment you’ll need, as well as any additional safety equipment you could consider.
• The paddling environment, you will discuss and observe the sheltered water environment, based on the places you usually paddle, as well as what to look out for with the changing weather forecast.
• Learn to plan your journey, with top tips around what to expect and look out for, considering your experience and ability.
• The fun bit, practicing your rescues, you’ll learn about how to stay safe and make the most out of your paddling session, providing practical solutions if you get into difficulty, how to support each other and call for help.

The Paddle Safer is a 2-hour programme aimed at raising awareness of paddling safely. This course is great for those who paddle either kayak, canoe, sit on top, an inflatable or SUP to gain some awareness training, or for those who paddle in groups with different craft, for example, at a club or in a social group where there’s a mixed range of craft.

The SUP Safer course is a 4-hour programme and gives a more in-depth look into safety whilst stand up paddleboarding. This course is deal for those who only use a SUP.

• Completed your Paddle Safer session? Great! When you’ve completed your Paddle Safer Award, there are a range of options:
• Progress onto the Explore Award.
• Head out paddling on your own… our Paddle Trails are a great way to get started
• Make use of your new found planning skills and create your own adventure