Canoe Wales is the national governing body for paddle sport in Wales. We:

  • Manage the National White Water Centre which is located on the river Tryweryn in Bala, North Wales
  • Represent the interests of our club and individual members
  • Advocate on behalf of the interests of the sport in Wales
  • Provide coaching and development programmes from local to international level
  • Stage national and international competitions.

BCU UKCC Level 1

The Level 1 is the first step on the Paddlesport Coaching Pathway. The qualification introduces new coaches to the concepts underpinning good coaching practice and helps them understand and coach the basic and core principles elements of the sport. This page hopes to give you all the information you require to get started on the coaching ladder...

If you are already a Level 1 coach, please see the information and resources at the bottom of the page.

1. What can a BCU Level 1 Paddlesport Coach do?

As a BCU UKCC Level 1 coach you are able to work in very sheltered water on taster sessions or under supervision by a more qualified coach (with appropriate first aid, disclosure and supporting club / centre structure, Level 1 coaches may work independently - see here for more information). The Level 1 award allows you to coach in any paddlesport craft, from planing hull, V-hull, tandem, single, canoe or kayak.

You can also take paddlers through the following BCU Awards; if you wish to deliver any of these awards please contact us to request the certificates, pass-slips and resources:
  • BCU Paddlesport Start: This award is designed to provide a framework for a paddler’s first session; it includes a basic test of skills and knowledge. It is very much an encouragement award and can be used by coaches who offer introductory sessions. It is an adult version of the BCU Paddlepower Start award, and can be taken in any type of paddlesport craft.
  • BCU Paddlepower Start: An entry level award suitable for taster sessions or as part of a series of sessions designed for young people. The award provides challenges in basic skills and knowledge, and can be taken in any type of paddlesport craft.
  • BCU Placid Water Racing Awards: A series of awards including time trials (2km – 10km), 500 Meter Sprint Awards, and marathon and half marathon awards. The awards intend to recognize and encourage improvement in canoe and kayak racing performance, although they can be attempted in any canoe or kayak.
  • BCU Cross Stream Challenge: The Cross Stream challenge is a series of challenges, using various ‘course’ for paddlers to attempt, aiming to develop and challenge boat handling skills, strokes and moves, whilst blending Slalom, Freestyle, Polo, with a touch of Wild Water and Flat Water Racing maybe a bit of surf. 
  • BCU Paddlepower Passport and BCU 1 Star: Paddlepower Passport is a child friendly award covering topics including safety awareness, paddling skills, gaining varied experiences, and supporting knowledge; the BCU 1 Star is the adult equivalent. If you wish to deliver either of these awards you need to contact us requesting an assessor logbook, what you need to do from there is explained within the logbooks.

2. Who is the Level 1 course designed for?

The BCU Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport is appropriate for anyone new to coaching, who has some knowledge of paddlesport, and wish to learn how to help others enjoy paddling.  You will build skills during the course that will continue to develop as you start to coach under the guidance of a more qualified coach. The qualification is not discipline specific and the knowledge gained can be applied to any of the various paddlesport disciplines.

This course is designed for a range of people, for example:
  • A non-paddling parent of a child in a club
  • A paddler who wants to help out in their local club
  • Someone who wants to work in an activity centre
  • Someone who wants take their first steps into a career in paddlesports
Before you can register for the Level 1 course they must meet the prerequisites:
  • Be at least 16 years old on the first day of the course
  • Understand the basics of manoeuvring a canoe or kayak, through participation in the sport or from observation (unless BCU 2 Star and Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (FSRT) are being provided as part of the course by the provider, you should also hold these prior to booking on).

3. What about candidates who already hold BCU Coaching Qualifications?

Please see our transfer pathways page which explains how those with 'old scheme' qualifications can continue to operate, transfer to the new scheme or progress their qualifications further.

4. Bank- and Boat-Based Options

The BCU Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport is available as either a Boat- or Bank-based option. Boat-based Coaches are required to hold the new BCU 2 Star Award (or old 2 star in both canoe and kayak) to demonstrate they have the personal paddling skill required to provide safety cover and move around the working site. In contrast, Bank-based Coaches have to demonstrate their ability to manage the coaching environment effectively from the shore and provide effective and appropriate safety cover. Whilst the two routes do exist, most courses will be open to both Bank- and Boat-based candidates.

5. Course duration and format

The course involves 4 days (32 hours) of contact time, which includes both learning and assessment. The BCU Foundation Safety and Rescue Course is a prerequisite of the first day. Course deliverers can choose to ask candidates to bring this award with them, or include this element within their course package (which becomes a five day course).

Different deliverers will put together training courses in many diverse ways, but they will all include the same core information. Candidates should try to access a course that best suits their learning needs and previous experience.

Some different delivery options could include:
  • An intensive all-inclusive 5 day block course (including safety training)
  • 4 day block course (not including safety training)
  • 2 consecutive weekends (not including safety training)
  • 4 consecutive Saturdays at a local club (not including safety training)
  • 8 evening sessions (not including safety training)

6. Course content

The BCU Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport develops your ability to plan, deliver and review safe, ethical, and effective paddlesport sessions. On the course you will develop ‘how to coach’ skills alongside technical understanding ‘what to coach’ specifically relating to the skills beginners require.

The course will cover how to:
  • prepare coaching activities, taking into account participants’ needs and motives
  • establish a safe working environment
  • deliver prepared activities
  • establish working relationships with participants and others
  • prepare participants’ for the coaching activities
  • support participants’ behaviour
  • conclude the activities
  • evaluate the effectiveness of coaching activities
  • evaluate the effectiveness of personal coaching practice
  • manage effective and appropriate bank and water based rescues
A range of coaching tips and tricks, games and activities will be built into the course along with time spent developing your technical/tactical understanding. For more information, see the Level 1 course guide.

7. How and when will I be assessed?

There are five assessment tasks that you must successfully complete before you can gain the Level 1 qualification. The tasks include the assessment of:
  • Safety and rescue skills
  • Coaching skills
  • Technical understanding of paddlesport
The assessments are based on a mix of practical tasks, a multiple choice question paper
and tutor questioning.

8. Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL)

Candidates who have covered the course material through alternative learning opportunities can apply to us for Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL), providing evidence to support your application. Evidence may be acquired through additional study, employment, or voluntary work that relates to the units within the BCU Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Paddlesport. Click the link for more information on how to use the APEL process.

9. First Aid Certificates and Criminal Record Checks

BCU Level 1 Coaches are not required to hold a valid first aid certificate or have a BCU recognised Criminal Record Check for Certification. You are however, recommended to hold both a valid first aid certificate and Criminal Record Check as good practice, it may also be a requirement of deployment at a centre or club. For more information on Criminal Record Checks please see this page.

10. So what do I need to do to now?

If you want to gain the Level 1 Paddlesport Coach Qualification you should decide whether you want to be a boat-based or bank-based coach. If you wish to be a boat based coach, you should ensure you can paddle both kayaks and canoes to BCU 2 star standard. Either route you take, you will have to do the Foundation Safety and Rescue Training, either as part of your Level 1 course or prior to it starting.

Once you know what format of Level 1 course you want, you should find a suitable course and book a place on it - take a look at our course dates to see if there is a course to suit you.

You must then complete Coach Registration at least 2 weeks prior to the course that you wish to attend. This is absolutely vital, as without a CR Form you will not be able to attend the course! Registration costs £39 for BCU / CW members or £55 for non-members and covers the cost of the induction pack, 12 months third party liability insurance and Coach Licence, and supports the administrative costs associated with the qualification.

Information for Qualified Level 1 Coaches:

Level 1 Session Planner

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