Kayakojacko

This course provides the necessary foundation skills required to lead a group of up to 4 competent paddlers (not including themselves), on river trips of grade 2 and on open water with winds up to force 4. The emphasis is on the application of strokes to achieve suitable techniques for moving water, and exposed open water, requiring the paddler to perform appropriate and effective manoeuvres in response to real situations. At the end of the course you will receive a personalised action plan, designed to guide you towards a successful assessment.

The learning outcomes of this course are on performance and leadership on grade 3 white water and exposed environments. If you have an interest in the following development areas this course would have great benefits for you.

Personal Paddling Skills

• Efficient and effective grade 3 river running skills
• Efficient and effective open water skills (wind up to force 5)
• Lining techniques
• Poling techniques
• Navigation skills

Rescue Skills

• Boat and bank based safety and rescue skills, including self rescue
• Incident management and first aid in the 5 star environment
• Being an effective team leader and team member in rescues/incidents

Safety, Leadership and Group Skills

• Application of leadership with both experience and inexperienced advanced paddlers.
• Leadership strategies, judgement and decision making.
• Safety awareness and risk management
• Group control and management

Open Canoe 3 Star standard is the appropriate level of performance for paddlers to begin working towards the Open Canoe 4 Star Award. If you would like any further information or to check your suitability for this course, please call our office on: +44 (0)845 0948276 or use our Contact/Booking Service and one of our team will get back to you.

Assessment takes place over 2days, with you leading throughout whilst expected to demonstrate appropriate paddling ability to full fill their leadership roles. Candidates aged 16 and over can go for assessment, but cannot be deemed responsible for leadership by law until they turn 18, and must hold a current first aid award and have BCU coaching membership or private insurance. You will need the following to go forward for your assessment:

• Have the ability to paddle effectively on Grade 2 water and in open water with upto force 3-4 winds.
• You should be confident in your navigational ability with the ability to use grid references, take and follow a bearing and identify simple contour features.
• Be able to lead a group safely on both open water and rivers whilst demonstrating the ability to make the appropriate leadership decisions, judgment to control the group, facilitating clear communication, and maintain safety group members.
• Present your self with suitable equipment for the venue(s).

Prior to attending assessment candidates are required to:

• Gain a first aid award (minimum of 8 hours training, including CPR).
• Have the relevant BCU 3 Star award (or ‘old’ 4 Star).
• Gather evidence of relevant paddling and leading experience.
• Complete at least two days formal training (with a registered 4 Star Assessor) that develop the personal and leadership skills required for the award.
• Complete the required safety training.
• Be 16 years of age, or older