Canoeing

Open canoes, or Canadian canoes, were originally used by native Indians in the northern United States and Canada.
Their use has changed over the years from an essential vessel for trade, to a recreational boat for everyones
enjoyment. Whether on flatwater lochs and gentle rivers, or extreme white water and expeditions, the canoe
is very versatile and can be adapted to suit many situations.
In the past they were made out of wood, and today you can still see canoes made of wood, which is indeed the
most aesthetically pleasing material, but the most common construction today is plastic.
Canoe Trips
As with kayaking, Paddlepower and Adventure have lots to offer, from one-day trips, to expeditions with overnight camps in beautiful remote
locations. Let us know your level of experience, but most trips are suitable for both novice and expert.
Click
Course Programme to see what is available. However, if you cannot see what you are
looking for, please do get in touch, as we are always happy to put a trip together a trip especially for you.
Foundation Safety and Rescue
The Foundation Safety and Rescue course, as the name suggests, lays the foundation
that all the other rescue courses are built upon. This training course will give the candidate
the necessary skills and knowledge to look after and rescue people in a sheltered water environment.
This course is open to anyone wanting to improve their knowledge of rescue techniques, and skills in applying them. The course
provides valuable skills, and isn't just for people planning to do star or coaching awards.
There is no assessment for this course. Your rescue skills will be assessed later through either star or coaching awards.
Click this link for the
BCU Foundation Safety and Rescue syllabus (External Site).
Paddlepower and Adventure run Foundation Safety and Rescue courses. Click
Course Programme to see when the next one is.
Canoe Courses
1 Star
The 1 Star Award is the most basic. To pass, the individual must demonstrate basic control of the boat and
foundational skills. This is a generic award - the candidate can undertake the test in any paddlesport craft - open canoe, sit-on,
sea, surf or white water kayak.
Click this link for the
BCU 1 Star syllabus (External Site).
Check Paddlepower and Adventure's
Course Programme for 1 Star courses.
2 Star
The 2 star is an improvers' award designed to develop fundamental paddlesport skills on flat water. It
is generic therefore taken in both kayak and open canoe. The emphasis is on gaining a breadth of
experience, creating the desired movement of the boat and developing an understanding of how
the paddle, boat and water interact. The candidates performance will be measured against the BCU syllabus.
During the assessment the candidate will lead a simple journey on flat water. The journey will be about 30-60 minutes in duration.
Click this link for the
BCU 2 Star syllabus (External Site).
Paddlepower and Adventure run both training and assessment courses at 2 star. Click
Course Programme for 2 Star courses.
3 Star Open Canoe
The 3 star is a discipline specific award of an intermediate level designed to show that the candidate can
paddle on simple flows and open water with winds up to and including force 3. This course will give the
candidate the necessary skills to be able to manoeuvre their open canoe in this environment. As well as
looking at skills to control the boat we will also look at water and wind features and how these
interact with the boat and affect the boat's handling.
Click this link for the
BCU 3 Star Open Canoe syllabus (External Site).
Paddlepower and Adventure run both training and assessment courses for 3 Star Open Canoe. Click
Course Programme for 3 Star Open Canoe courses.
4 Star Open Canoe Leader
4 Star Open Canoe is a leadership award designed to show that the candidate can lead competent people (Competent means people that
do not require coaching to be in this environment) on moving water up to and including grade 2, and open water up
to force 4. This course will give the candidates the necessary skills to lead people in this environment, including
personal paddling, rescue skills and leadership strategies.
Click this link for the
BCU 4 Star Open Canoe Leader syllabus (External Site).
Paddlepower and Adventure run both training and assessment courses for 4 Star Open Canoe Leader. Click
Course Programme for 4 Star Open Canoe Leader courses.
White Water Safety and Rescue Training
The White water safety and rescue training course will build upon knowledge gained from the foundation course,
and will enable trainees to learn new skills and learn how to apply these skills in a moving water environment up to grade 2.
This course is open to anyone wanting to improve their knowledge in this important safety area. It can be taken in isolation, and
needn't be part of the quest for star of coaching awards. The course is not assessed - white water safety and rescue techniques
are assessed during 4 Star Leader Assessment.
Click this link for the
BCU White Water Safety and Rescue syllabus (External Site).
Click
Course Programme to see when the next course runs.