Paddle Explore Award

2-day certified Paddle UK (British Canoeing) award

Develop your independent paddling skills

On the Paddle Explore course you’ll be able to develop your kayak, canoe and/or paddleboard skills. We’ll focus on good planning and staying safe, and you’ll have the opportunity to try different techniques for dealing with emergencies.

Your Paddle Explore Award gives you ownership; because you choose what to focus on and where you move next in the world of paddlesport. Working with a coach you will be able to develop a programme that suits you, as a result no two Explore Awards are the same. In this award you will take ownership of your own decisions and learn to make confident choices, based on the places you paddle, wind and weather. You will learn to make confident choices. Above all you will recognise your ability to independently paddle your chosen craft in a sheltered water environment.

Paddle UK (British Canoeing)

After your course, we’ll discuss next steps, and consider which discipline-specific training you might do next.

Course content

Whilst exploring your environment from your chosen craft your coach will explore with you the knowledge, skills and help you gain experiences that will help you become independent on the water.

Read the full course content here. Not sure how the Personal Performance Awards all fit together? See this one-page guide to the BC Personal Performance Awards

Course pre-requisites

This course is suited to anyone with a foundation in a paddling discipline, now wanting to get out and do more. You should have good control of your craft, holding a Paddle Discover Award or have a similar level of experience.

Perhaps you have invested in a boat and want to develop your skills so as to safely plan trips and days out on the water, are returning after a break from paddling, or want to see how transferrable your paddling skills are to another craft (Paddleboard, Canoe, Kayak).

Whatever the case, every course is tailored to the participants, so we will start by having a chat about your goals.

While the awarding body does not set a lower age limit for this course, we are not licensed to deliver adventure training to under 18s unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Course and certification fees

Fees include coaching, certification, lake access, equipment (unless indicated otherwise) and processing costs.

Please bring your regular paddling gear, suitable for the conditions on the day. If bringing your own boat or board, please ensure it has been thoroughly washed and dried to avoid contamination risks.

Courses may be cancelled at short notice due to weather. In the event this happens you will be offered an alternative date or a refund.

Where?

About me

I enjoy delivering safe experiences in a caring environment and supporting participants to move toward their goals.

With over 25 years’ experience of paddling, leading and coaching, I take great care to understand each individual’s goals and deliver fun days of learning. My off-the-water experience leading teams and running businesses all comes into play, and I enjoy the challenge and variety of delivering high quality outdoor learning.

I’m a Paddle UK (British Canoeing) Level 3 Coach, Safety Tutor and Coach Developer who paddles open canoes, touring ‘K1s’ (racing-style boats), sea kayaks, white water boats and Stand Up Paddleboards.

Andy Cockayne

Questions? Queries?