BCU 4 Star Leader - Surf

Successful performance at this level indicates that you have sufficient personal skills and the ability to manage a group of up to 4 competent* surf paddlers and to judge the conditions and the standard of the group and make appropriate decisions. The emphasis is on the application of skills in a surf environment, requiring the paddler to perform appropriate and effective manoeuvres in moderate surf. The award can be taken in any kayak in which you feel you can make all required manoeuvres.

*Competent = Paddlers who do not require coaching to be in/on that environment.

The 4 Star Leader Award is a leadership award and not a coaching award. It is not suitable for introducing beginners to the sport. If you wish to introduce people to moderate water conditions, you must get your Level 2 Moderate Water Endorsement.

In order to obtain the 4 Star Leader award, you will have to attend a training course which will last a minimum of 2-days, or with sufficient evidence of both personal paddling experience and leadership experience in the appropriate conditions, you can use the APL process to apply to go straight to assessment (with all other pre-requisites in place). The assessment course lasts 2-days.

4 Star Surf Leader - Syllabus Overview

What do I need to do before the training course?

The only pre-requisite of the training course is that you are able to paddle to the standard of either the new BCU 3 Star Surf or the old BCU 4 Star Surf award - so if you meet that requirement, you can just book on a course. Check out up-coming courses registered with us using the online date list.

What will the training course involve?

The 4 star leader training course will introduce the basics of managing groups in moderate surf conditions; such as effective group communication, deep water rescues, how to shepherd swimmers back to shore etc. The course will also ensure that you have the personal skills to be a safe leader in moderate surf conditions, and where necessary the coach will help you to identify areas that need some work, providing you with an action plan on how to tackle those areas before your assessment.

For more on what to expect on a 4 Star Surf Leader training course, please see the trainer's notes.

What do I need to do before my assessment?

Before you can attend a 4 Star Surf Leader assessment, you must fulfil the following pre-requisites:

• Be able to provide evidence of a minimum of 20 sessions in moderate surf conditions; to include 3 different breaks and be from at least two different geographical areas i.e. the south west and the north east. These logged sessions should also show experience of managing paddlers in a surf environment.
  
• Hold a recognised first aid certificate (minimum 8hrs / 1 day training including CPR) completed within the last 3 years
• Have attended either 4 Star Leader White Water training OR ‘old’ BCU Level 3 Surf training within the last 3 years.
• Aged 16 years or above. (Candidates under the age of 18 can take the award, 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.)

If you meet all of these requirements, you must then complete the Canoe Wales Leader Registration (LR Form), at least 2 weeks prior to your assessment. Leader registration is valid for 12 months, so it is worth doing it as early as possible to avoid worrying about it as your assessment approaches.

All that is left to do is to book on to a course! Check out up-coming courses registered with us using the online date list.

What is involved in the assessment?

To get an idea of what the assessors will be looking for, please check out the Assessor's notes.

Following assessment 4 Star Leaders must have comprehensive membership (in order to have 3rd party liability), knowledge of Child Protection guidelines and must remain current.