BCU [UKCC] Star Training and Assessment

If you have been in a boat before, but now want to enter the British Canoe Unions national scheme of formal proficiency tests, we can provide training and assessment up to 3* inland kayak. Due to the new BCU [UKCC] scheme that has just been launched, the 1 * and 2* awards are now a combined kayak & canoe award, as many of the paddle strokes and techniques are common to both types of boat.

If you are a newcomer to paddling, but would prefer a more structured start to your paddling career, taking the 1* award will give you all the basic paddle strokes and background knowledge to safely go out and progress quickly on flat water in either a kayak or canoe.

All of our coaches are extremely keen and experienced paddlers, and will encourage you not just to 'pass the test' but actually learn how to paddle! They are also fully conversant with the new scheme, and are all registered to deliver the new awards.

The star awards are designed to be taken in order, as each award builds on the skills learnt previously.

  • The 1* award is a clear stepping stone to becoming a paddler. Designed as a basic award, the one star is the level people would typically reach after an introductory course.
  • The 2* award is an improvement award that helps paddlers develop fundamental paddlesport skills on flat water. The emphasis is on gaining a breadth of experience, creating the desired movement of the boat and developing an understanding into how the paddle, boat and water interact.
  • The 3* award indicates that the paddler can consider themselves an intermediate kayaker, as they can now paddle on moving waters. They can do this in a competent manner as part of a led group and have the knowledge and ability to help the smooth running of a trip while being led down a section of a grade 2 river.

    • All courses are run by arrangement so please get in touch early to ensure a place.








    Paddling



    Paddling