Canoeing

Here at Voyageur Coaching we understand that we coach people and not paddlesport. We are recognised for what we do best and pride ourselves in knowing that we focus on tailoring the coaching style and content to meet the needs of the individual. Our aim being to produce adaptable, skilful paddlers.

This is all delivered with a view to long term learning and retention of skills, together with a personalised action plan to help in your chosen pathway and development after training.

BCU Awards – Personal performance, leadership

Voyageur Coaching is an independent provider of BCU/UKCC awards. We aim to guide you through your chosen pathway, from your training, preparation, and finally leading to a successful assessment.

Experience tells us that assessments can be a very stressful experience, therefore we aim to make the process as enjoyable as possible, by being relaxed and approachable yet professional. We look at assessments as being a continuation of your training, so if you don’t come away from one of our assessments having new ideas and ways of advancing your paddling then we haven’t done our job.

We currently offer the following BCU awards for Canoe:

BCU Awards — Canoe
BCU 1 & 2 Star Awards The 1 Star award is a clear stepping stone to becoming a paddler. Designed as a basic award, the one star is the level people would typically reach after one days coaching. This award may me taken in any craft. 1 star syllabus pdf The 2 Star award 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 how the paddle, boat and water interact. This award is taken in both canoe and kayak and is a pre-requisite for the BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach Award. 2 star syllabus pdf Please contact us for BCU 1 and 2 star course dates, venues and pricing. BCU 3 Star Canoe Award This is a discipline specific award and is the pre-requisite for BCU/UKCC Level 2 Coach Award. On completion of a training course a personalised action plan will be produced, guiding you to a successful assessment. Successful performance at this level indicates that a candidate can consider themselves as an intermediate canoe paddler rather than a beginner. The candidate having demonstrated personal paddling skills in wind conditions of up to force 3 on open water, and on simple moving water as part of a lead group. 3 star canoe syllabus pdf DATES/Venue: TBC Price per person: £150-00 Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable. BCU 4 Star Canoe Leader Award The 4 Star Leader Award is a leadership award and not a coaching award. It is not suitable for introducing beginners to the sport. Successful performance at this level indicates that a candidate has the skill level required to lead a group of no more than 6 competent paddlers, on rivers 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 and boat control in real situations and the candidates ability to judge the conditions, the standard of the group and make appropriate decisions about the planned journey along with the need to modify plans as required. 4 star syllabus pdf Voyageur Coaching currently provides the following options for training and assessment. 4 Star Canoe Leader Training This is a two day course providing the minimum training requirements for the award. During the two days you will cover personal paddling and leadership skills on both open and moving water, helping to prepare you for your forthcoming assessment. As this course does not cover the Safety and Rescue elements you should also attend a BCU WWSR course. On completion of training you will receive a personalised action plan guiding you towards a successful assessment. For those that feel they need a little bit more, then there is the option to extend this training course to three days, allowing for more time to be spent on specific areas of your choice. Please contact us for more details. Dates/Venue: TBC Price per person, two days: £150-00 Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable 4 Star Canoe Leader Training Plus This a five day course which will help to fully prepare you for assessment. Not only does it cover personal paddling, leadership and planning skills but it will also include the BCU WWSR training, ensuring that you meet and some cases exceed the training requirements for this award. On completion of training you will receive a personalised action plan guiding you towards a successful assessment. There is also an option for an overnight camp during this course. Dates/Venue: TBC Price per person, five days £300-00 Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable One to one coaching is also available at £150 per person per day. Please contact us to discuss your needs. 4 Star Canoe Leader Assessment This is a two day assessment process, covering all aspects of the syllabus. Prior to booking please ensure you have all pre-requisites in place including a stamped LR form which is available from your Home Nation office. For further information please contact them direct. Following assessment successful 4 Star Leaders must have in place 3rd Party Liability cover (included in comprehensive Home Nation membership), knowledge of Child Protection guidelines and good practice including checks where necessary and maintain evidence of currency. Dates/Venue: TBC Price per person: £150-00 Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable. BCU 5 Star Canoe Leader Award The 5 Star Leader Award is a leadership award and not a coaching award. It is not suitable for introducing beginners to the sport. Successful performance at this level indicates that a candidate has entered the top level of performance, involving a high level of personal skill and leadership in advanced situations. It is a leadership award and the appropriate test for paddlers who wish to lead groups of up to 4 paddlers on advanced river journeys and on remote, exposed open waters in open canoe. The five star leader has the skills and judgement to select appropriate trips for paddlers with a range of experience. 5 star canoe syllabus pdf Voyageur Coaching currently provides the following options for training and assessment. 5 Star Canoe Leader Training This is a two day course providing the minimum training requirements for the award. During the two days you will cover personal paddling and leadership skills on both open and moving water, helping to prepare you for your forthcoming assessment. As this course does not cover the Safety and Rescue elements you should also attend a BCU WWSR course. On completion of training you will receive a personalised action plan guiding you towards a successful assessment.  For those that feel they need a little bit more, then there is the option to extend this training course to three days, allowing for more time to be spent on specific areas of your choice. Please contact us for more details.  Dates/Venue: TBC Price per person, two days: £150-00 Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable 5 Star Canoe Leader Assessment This is a two day assessment process, covering all aspects of the syllabus. Prior to booking please ensure you have all pre-requisites in place including a stamped LR form which is available from your Home Nation office. For further information please contact them direct. Following assessment successful 5 Star Leaders must have in place 3rd Party Liability cover (included in comprehensive Home Nation membership), knowledge of Child Protection guidelines and good practice including checks where necessary and maintain evidence of currency. Dates/Venue: TBC Price per person: £150-00 Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable. Moderate Water Endorsement - Canoe This award is designed for BCU/UKCC Coaches who hold a 4* leader award and wish to introduce paddlers to the moderate water environment. This course involves 1 day of training ( a personal action plan will be produced specific to your needs) followed by a 1 day assessment. The candidate could do their assessment on the day following training if all the prerequisites are in place prior to the the training day. In this case candidates are advised to discuss with the provider before training commences to ensure they are ready to proceed to assessment the following day. A BCU/UKCC· Coach with Moderate Water Endorsement for Canoe may coach and lead in Moderate Water conditions as per the definitions below: Moderate Inland Water· Large areas of open water which exceed the sheltered water definition, that are no more than 500m off shore and in wind strengths that do not exceed force 4. Moderate White Water Grade 2 white water or equivalent weirs. Assessing the BCU 3 Star Award: Upon completion of the endorsement, a BCU Moderate Water Coach can register to become a 3 Star assessor within their discipline (the discipline in which they hold the Moderate Water Endorsement). At the point of registration for training the following prerequisites are required: Relevant Star Award: 4 Star Leader in the discipline concerned First Aid Award: Recognised 8 Hour First Aid (inc CPR) within last 3 years Registration Fee: £17.50 for BCU Comprehensive Members Appropriate Level Coach Award: BCU UKCC Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport Age: 18 years of age, or older Moderate Water Endorsement - Course Guide Moderate Water Endorsement - Canoe Training Dates/Venue: TBC Price per person £75-00 Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable Moderate Water Endorsement - Canoe Assessment Dates/Venue: TBC Price per person £75-00 Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable

BCU Awards — Canoe

BCU 1 & 2 Star Awards: The 1 Star award is a clear stepping stone to becoming a paddler. Designed as a basic award, the one star is the level people would typically reach after one days coaching. This award may me taken in any craft.

1 star syllabus pdf

The 2 Star award 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 how the paddle, boat and water interact. This award is taken in both canoe and kayak and is a pre-requisite for the BCU/UKCC Level 1 Coach Award.

2 star syllabus pdf

Please contact us for BCU 1 and 2 star course dates, venues and pricing.
BCU 3 Star Canoe Award: This is a discipline specific award and is the pre-requisite for BCU/UKCC Level 2 Coach Award. On completion of a training course a personalised action plan will be produced, guiding you to a successful assessment.

Successful performance at this level indicates that a candidate can consider themselves as an intermediate canoe paddler rather than a beginner. The candidate having demonstrated personal paddling skills in wind conditions of up to force 3 on open water, and on simple moving water as part of a lead group.

3 star canoe syllabus pdf

DATES/Venue:

TBC

Price per person: £150-00

Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable.
BCU 4 Star Canoe Leader Award: The 4 Star Leader Award is a leadership award and not a coaching award. It is not suitable for introducing beginners to the sport.

Successful performance at this level indicates that a candidate has the skill level required to lead a group of no more than 6 competent paddlers, on rivers 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 and boat control in real situations and the candidates ability to judge the conditions, the standard of the group and make appropriate decisions about the planned journey along with the need to modify plans as required.

4 star syllabus pdf

Voyageur Coaching currently provides the following options for training and assessment.

4 Star Canoe Leader Training

This is a two day course providing the minimum training requirements for the award. During the two days you will cover personal paddling and leadership skills on both open and moving water, helping to prepare you for your forthcoming assessment. As this course does not cover the Safety and Rescue elements you should also attend a BCU WWSR course. On completion of training you will receive a personalised action plan guiding you towards a successful assessment.

For those that feel they need a little bit more, then there is the option to extend this training course to three days, allowing for more time to be spent on specific areas of your choice. Please contact us for more details.

Dates/Venue:

TBC

Price per person, two days: £150-00

Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable

4 Star Canoe Leader Training Plus

This a five day course which will help to fully prepare you for assessment. Not only does it cover personal paddling, leadership and planning skills but it will also include the BCU WWSR training, ensuring that you meet and some cases exceed the training requirements for this award. On completion of training you will receive a personalised action plan guiding you towards a successful assessment.

There is also an option for an overnight camp during this course.

Dates/Venue:

TBC

Price per person, five days £300-00

Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable

One to one coaching is also available at £150 per person per day. Please contact us to discuss your needs.

4 Star Canoe Leader Assessment

This is a two day assessment process, covering all aspects of the syllabus.

Prior to booking please ensure you have all pre-requisites in place including a stamped LR form which is available from your Home Nation office. For further information please contact them direct.

Following assessment successful 4 Star Leaders must have in place 3rd Party Liability cover (included in comprehensive Home Nation membership), knowledge of Child Protection guidelines and good practice including checks where necessary and maintain evidence of currency.

Dates/Venue:

TBC

Price per person: £150-00

Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable.
BCU 5 Star Canoe Leader Award: The 5 Star Leader Award is a leadership award and not a coaching award. It is not suitable for introducing beginners to the sport.

Successful performance at this level indicates that a candidate has entered the top level of performance, involving a high level of personal skill and leadership in advanced situations. It is a leadership award and the appropriate test for paddlers who wish to lead groups of up to 4 paddlers on advanced river journeys and on remote, exposed open waters in open canoe. The five star leader has the skills and judgement to select appropriate trips for paddlers with a range of experience.

5 star canoe syllabus pdf

Voyageur Coaching currently provides the following options for training and assessment.

5 Star Canoe Leader Training

This is a two day course providing the minimum training requirements for the award. During the two days you will cover personal paddling and leadership skills on both open and moving water, helping to prepare you for your forthcoming assessment. As this course does not cover the Safety and Rescue elements you should also attend a BCU WWSR course. On completion of training you will receive a personalised action plan guiding you towards a successful assessment.  For those that feel they need a little bit more, then there is the option to extend this training course to three days, allowing for more time to be spent on specific areas of your choice. Please contact us for more details. 

Dates/Venue:

TBC

Price per person, two days: £150-00

Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable

5 Star Canoe Leader Assessment

This is a two day assessment process, covering all aspects of the syllabus.

Prior to booking please ensure you have all pre-requisites in place including a stamped LR form which is available from your Home Nation office. For further information please contact them direct.

Following assessment successful 5 Star Leaders must have in place 3rd Party Liability cover (included in comprehensive Home Nation membership), knowledge of Child Protection guidelines and good practice including checks where necessary and maintain evidence of currency.

Dates/Venue:

TBC

Price per person: £150-00

Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable.
Moderate Water Endorsement - Canoe: This award is designed for BCU/UKCC Coaches who hold a 4* leader award and wish to introduce paddlers to the moderate water environment.

This course involves 1 day of training ( a personal action plan will be produced specific to your needs) followed by a 1 day assessment. The candidate could do their assessment on the day following training if all the prerequisites are in place prior to the the training day. In this case candidates are advised to discuss with the provider before training commences to ensure they are ready to proceed to assessment the following day.

A BCU/UKCC· Coach with Moderate Water Endorsement for Canoe may coach and lead in Moderate Water conditions as per the definitions below:

Moderate Inland Water·

Large areas of open water which exceed the sheltered water definition, that are no more than 500m off shore and in wind strengths that do not exceed force 4.

Moderate White Water

Grade 2 white water or equivalent weirs.

Assessing the BCU 3 Star Award:

Upon completion of the endorsement, a BCU Moderate Water Coach can register to become a 3 Star assessor within their discipline (the discipline in which they hold the Moderate Water Endorsement).

At the point of registration for training the following prerequisites are required:

Relevant Star Award: 4 Star Leader in the discipline concerned

First Aid Award: Recognised 8 Hour First Aid (inc CPR) within last 3 years

Registration Fee: £17.50 for BCU Comprehensive Members

Appropriate Level Coach Award: BCU UKCC Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport

Age: 18 years of age, or older

Moderate Water Endorsement - Course Guide

Moderate Water Endorsement - Canoe Training

Dates/Venue:

TBC

Price per person £75-00
Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable

Moderate Water Endorsement - Canoe Assessment

Dates/Venue:

TBC

Price per person £75-00
Please note all prices exclude BCU certification fee and any water access fees where applicable

Canoe Coaching Courses
Introduction to Canoeing A basic two-day programme is tailored for anyone with limited or no previous experience of canoeing. Participants will master the basic paddle strokes on flat water and experience the enjoyment of canoeing during a short journey. Key elements include: Developing foundation skills Introduction to equipment Safety considerations Basic rescue techniques Tandem paddling Dates/Venue: TBC Price per person £150-00 Introduction to Whitewater A one or two day programme aimed at introducing people to canoeing in a moving water environment. Participants will take existing flat water skills and learn how to adapt and utilize them in a more dynamic environment. Key elements include: Breaking in and out Ferry gliding Manoeuvring to avoid hazards Safety considerations/basic rescues Dates/Venue: TBC Price per person 1 day £75-00 2 days £150-00 Intermediate Whitewater A structured programme building on skills previously acquired to apply them in a more challenging environment (Grade 2). The structure of the day will be tailored to suit your needs and significantly improve your skills. Key elements include: Developing individuals personal skills Reading white water River journeying Lining and tracking Setting and checking Rescues Dates/Venue: TBC Price per person £75-00 Traditional Skills Workshop A one day course developing the more traditional skills of tracking/lining, poling, snubbing and experience some improvised sailing rigs. Key elements include: Poling/snubbing Tracking/lining Portaging Sailing Dates/Venue: TBC Price per person £75-00 Canoe Rescues Workshop A day spent looking at rescue techniques for the open canoeist on both open water and white water. Key elements include: Fitting out an open canoe Self rescues Bank/boat based rescues Group rescues Unpinning boats Dates/Venue TBC Price per person £75-00 One to One Tailor made to suit your needs, for individuals or a small group, either solo or tandem. Whether you simply want to improve your personal paddling for an award or just simply your own enjoyment. Maybe you are looking for certain skills for an expedition? Please contact us for more information and to discuss your needs. Price per person per day: £150-00

Canoe Coaching Courses

Introduction to Canoeing

A basic two-day programme is tailored for anyone with limited or no previous experience of canoeing. Participants will master the basic paddle strokes on flat water and experience the enjoyment of canoeing during a short journey.
Key elements include:

Developing foundation skills

Introduction to equipment

Safety considerations

Basic rescue techniques

Tandem paddling

Dates/Venue:

TBC

Price per person £150-00

Introduction to Whitewater

A one or two day programme aimed at introducing people to canoeing in a moving water environment. Participants will take existing flat water skills and learn how to adapt and utilize them in a more dynamic environment.
Key elements include:

Breaking in and out

Ferry gliding

Manoeuvring to avoid hazards

Safety considerations/basic rescues

Dates/Venue:

TBC

Price per person 1 day £75-00 2 days £150-00

Intermediate Whitewater

A structured programme building on skills previously acquired to apply them in a more challenging environment (Grade 2). The structure of the day will be tailored to suit your needs and significantly improve your skills.

Key elements include:

Developing individuals personal skills

Reading white water

River journeying

Lining and tracking

Setting and checking

Rescues

Dates/Venue:

TBC

Price per person £75-00

Traditional Skills Workshop

A one day course developing the more traditional skills of tracking/lining, poling, snubbing and experience some improvised sailing rigs.
Key elements include:

Poling/snubbing

Tracking/lining

Portaging

Sailing

Dates/Venue:

TBC

Price per person £75-00

Canoe Rescues Workshop

A day spent looking at rescue techniques for the open canoeist on both open water and white water.
Key elements include:

Fitting out an open canoe

Self rescues

Bank/boat based rescues

Group rescues

Unpinning boats

Dates/Venue

TBC

Price per person £75-00

One to One

Tailor made to suit your needs, for individuals or a small group, either solo or tandem. Whether you simply want to improve your personal paddling for an award or just simply your own enjoyment. Maybe you are looking for certain skills for an expedition? Please contact us for more information and to discuss your needs.

Price per person per day: £150-00

Canoeing

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