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 3

The new BCU UKCC Level 3 coaching award will be available from Spring 2010. Full details are still being confirmed so this information is subject to change.

Purpose & Remit

The award progresses coaches from coaching progressive sessions of up to 6 consecutive sessions to developing Long Term Paddler Development and running annual coaching programmes. The coaching knowledge and approaches have been likened to that of the old scheme BCU Level 5 without individualisation.

BCU UKCC Level 3 coaches will be able to work in the Moderate Water environment, however if you wish to progress on to coaching in that environment and do not feel the need for this level of coaching theory, then you should consider the Moderate Water Endorsement.

What do I need to do before the course?

Pre-requisites are still being confirmed, but are likely to be:
  • BCU UKCC Level 2 Trainee or old scheme BCU Level 4 (or BCU Level 3 with relevant 5 star and coaching processes)
  • 4 Star Leader in discipline
  • First Aid (1 day / 8 hours)
If you meet these criteria and wish to attend a BCU UKCC Level 3 course, you should complete a Coach Registration form.

Course Structure

The BCU UKCC Level 3 course is delivered in sections as described below:

Level 3 Core Training: A 3-day course which covers coaching theory and is not discipline specific.

Level 3 Discipline Training: This 2-day element of training shows you how to put the coaching theory covered in the Core Training into practice within your discipline, in the Moderate Water setting.

Intermediate CPD Modules: It is currently thought that candidates will have to complete three intermediate CPD modules, but that having completed the Moderate Water Endorsement would count as two.

Level 3 Assessment: Assessment will take place on a single day and will involve the students you have been working with over the course of the 12 months between your training and assessment. During this period, you are required to carry out other assessment tasks which will be recorded in your logbook. The evidence in your logbook will count heavily towards your assessment outcome.

Find Courses

Courses will run through the National Centres. Canoe Wales’ national centre is Plas Menai, while Plas y Brenin is Canoe England’s national centre; Canoe Wales members may book onto courses at any UK National Centre. Canoe Wales’ courses will be co-ordinated by our Coach Education Co-ordinator, please contact her if you are interested in attending a BCU UKCC Level 3 course.

What can I do next?

As the Level 3 core is generic, should you wish to gain Level 3 status in another discipline you would only need to attend the discipline specific training days (as long as you hold the relevant 4 Star Leader award).
It is thought that there will be an Advanced Water endorsement, which will allow BCU UKCC Level 3 coaches with their 5 Star Leader to coach within advanced conditions, however its format and content will not be considered until the BCU UKCC Level 3 has been running for some time and we have had several candidates through the award.

Who can provide this course?

The BCU are currently reviewing all previous applications made to be Coach Education providers and will be contacting those eligible. Due to the high level of coaching theory, Directors are likely to be BCU UKCC Level 1 and Level 2 tutors who have provided the coaching theory element of the old scheme Level 5 within the last 5 years or who has provided a BCU Coaching Processes course in the last 5 years.

In order to be a Tutor on this course, you should be a BCU UKCC Level 1 and Level 2 tutor and an up to date BCU Level 4 (or Level 3 with relevant 5 star and Coaching Processes). If you are eligible, you will need to attend an orientation course and complete the action plan given, which will include observing a Level 3 Core training course.