Coaching and Courses

BADCC is able to run range of introductory and intermediate canoe and kayak training courses using our British Canoe Union (BCU) qualified coaches. Our more experienced coaches are able to offer training on advanced white water. We also provide safety and first aid training courses and occasional "hints and tips" in our newsletter.

Introductory courses are run separately for both juniors and adults. The junior courses follow the BCU PaddlePower programme, which has been designed to suit young people and is primarily aimed at the under 14s. PaddlePower is continuously assessed. Adult courses follow the requirements of the BCU Star Awards.

Intermediate courses are currently available for white water kayak and sea kayak. We run a series of modular courses which aim to take paddlers through to at least BCU 3 Star standard.

BADCC runs assessment sessions for BCU 1 star, 2 star, 3 star white water and 3 star sea kayak. The assessments are run separately from courses as some paddlers do not wish to be tested after a course and others do not need a course to reach the required standard.

BADCC runs the BCU Aquatic First Aid Level 1, an 8 hour first aid course, two or three times each year. There are no pre-requisites and the course can be taken either as first course or when a current first aid certificate has expired. Training and assessment for the BCU Canoeing Safety Test is run once a year.

Coaches

BADCC is fortunate to count 14 BCU qualified coaches amongst our members. BCU qualifications start at Level 1 (assistant coach) and run through to Level 5 (expert). Levels 1, 2 and 3 are aligned with the UK Coaching Certificate.

There are 8 level 1 and level 2 coaches in the Club, who are qualified to run taster sessions and short courses (typically up to six sessions). We have 4 level 3 coaches for white water kayak and 2 level 3 sea kayak coaches. Level 3 is a coach who has a degree of specialism and who is able to plan, implement and analyse long term development programmes. It is an appropriate level of coach for a person to be in charge of Paddlesport activities in a club or centre. We also have 2 level 4 white water kayak coaches who can provide training in advanced (grade 3 plus) environments.

BADCC supports its members in gaining new and additional coaching qualifications. At the starting level the Club provides training and assessment for BCU Star Awards, BCU Aquatic First Aid and the BCU Canoe Safety Test, all of which are pre-requisites for level 1 and level 2 coaches. BADCC provides a subsidy on the cost of coach training courses and assessments. We are also aware of grants available through the BCU Southern Region, Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council: contact the coaching coordinator for more information.

Courses

Introductory courses include temporary membership of BADCC and so are open to all. Information sheets and course booking forms can be downloaded from the links below:

First aid courses are open to all. However the number of places on each course are limited and BADCC members will be given preference.

Intermediate courses are open to Club members only.

Hints and Tips

Over the years various "hints and tips" articles have been published in the Club newsletter. These are a valuable resource and can be downloaded from our "Hints and Tips" page.

 

Date Published: 29 December 2007