What is the Start Award?

The Start Award is exactly what it says on the tin, it’s a place to start your paddling journey. If you’re brand new to the sport and really want to learn the basics to get started, then this is the award for you. You’ll cover everything from getting in and out of the boat, what you need to wear and paddling forward.

Who is it for?

Pretty much anyone of any age who wants to learn how to get started on the water. You don’t need any previous experience to take your Start Award, just the desire for fun! You can take the award in any craft, from kayaks, canoes and SUPs.

Where and how can you do it?

There are clubs, centres and coaches up and down the country who offer this course. To find a Start Award course near you, visit the awards provider look up here. You can book your place by contacting the individual club or centre near you, they will have all the information you need.

Is it a compulsory award to get started?

Absolutely not, no! It’s completely up to you whether you take the award or not. It’s not compulsory, but if you’ve never ever been in a boat before and want to get started in your new hobby, 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. Once you’ve got the basics nailed, the world is your oyster!

What is covered in the Start Award?

• Clothing and equipment information, think of it like a crash course in everything you need to physically get yourself on the water, covering all the types of equipment you’ll need
• Tips for getting on the water including how to get safely in and out of your canoe, kayak or SUP from different places you are likely to paddle
• Learn to paddle with practical skills such as paddling forward, turning and stopping… pretty much everything you need to get started and moving
• Staying safe on and off the water, you’ll learn about how to stay safe and make the most out of your paddle session

What’s next?

Enjoy your first session? Excellent, we knew you would! When you’ve completed your Start Award there are two options for you to progress your paddling skills:

1. Progress onto the Discover Award
2. Head out paddling on your own… check out the Paddle Trails for some inspiration!

What is the Discover Award?

The Discover Award allows you to develop your decision making and practical skills for a fun and safe time on the water, as you become a more skilled and independent paddler. Through this award you will learn how to choose and effectively use equipment, whilst developing an understanding of the factors which affect your paddling.

Who is it for?

Anyone of any age who want to develop their skills on the water. You don’t need any previous experience to take your Discover Award, just the desire for fun and learning! You can take the award from any craft, from kayaks, canoes or SUPs.

Where and how can you do it?

Same as with the Start Award, there are clubs, centres and coaches up and down the country who offer this course. To find a Discover Award course near you, visit the award provider look up here. To book your place, contact the individual club or centre near you offering that award. They will have all the information you need.

Why should I do the Discover Award?

If you want to develop your skills from your Start Award, or feel like you need to expand your basic paddling knowledge further, this is the award you need. The award covers topics such as:

• Encouraging independent decision making on different bodies of water (moving river, canal, estuary, harbour), covering safety and weather aspects too
• Preparing for self-guided adventures
• Equipment you will need for a variety of paddle trips
• Further developing your canoe, kayak or SUP paddling and rescue skills

What’s next?

Completed your Discover Award session? Great! When you’ve completed your Discover Award there are three options:

1. Progress onto the Explore Award.
2. Head out paddling on your own… Paddle Trails are a great way to get started

What is the Explore award?

If you want to become independent on the water, go on self-guided adventures and know how to control your craft and stay safe on the water, this is the award for you. If you’ve never been paddling before, it might be worth starting with the Start and Discover awards. In this award you will take ownership of your own decisions and learn to make confidence choices, based on the places you paddle, wind and weather.

Who is it for?

Anyone can take the Explore award. Designed to help you gain confidence on the water, it is aimed at any craft, age and ability.

Where can you do it?

There are clubs, centres and coaches off this award up and down the country who offer this course. To find an Explore Award course near you, visit awards provider look up here. You can book your place by contacting the individual club or centre near you, they will have all the information you need.

What does it involve?

There’s a strong emphasis on independence with this award, and the Explore award will fill in the gaps of knowledge you might have so you can get out paddling safely on an adventure! The award covers areas like:

• On the water etiquette and how to share the space with other water users
• Different environments you can paddle (lakes, rivers, canals, estuaries)
• Controlling your kayak, canoe or SUP safely
• Clothing and equipment needs for different environments and weather
• Safe exploration

What next?

Completed your Explore Award session? Great! You’re ready to get out and have some fun! As a starting point, why not think about:

1. Heading out on a Paddle Trail
2. Plan a multi-day adventure or take on a challenge route
3. Make use of your new found planning skills and create your own adventure
4. Become an instructor, coach or leader – find that path that suits you and develop your skills further!

There are a range of course providers across the country offering courses to help you gain these Awards. Some are small independent providers, while others are larger centres, such as PGL and the Scouts.

Click here to locate the nearest provider to you offering kayaking courses, canoeing courses, Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) courses and more. Simply search by postcode, and then get in contact.