Courses & Qualifications

Kayak and Paddleboard Safety Course

This ½ day course is perfect if you have just started to get out on the water in a kayak or board. The course is very practical and you will be spending most of the time in and on the Tidal Pool next to the centre!

• Trip Planning
• Equipment information
• Self Rescue
• Swimming techniques
• How to rescue other people
• Towing

You have a chance to practice lots of different rescues and equip yourself with enough information to safely get on the water. We provide all equipment required but if you do have equipment, boats, boards and/or paddles, please bring them along.

Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course

On this British Canoeing Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course candidates will explore simple strategies and safe skills that can provide the tools to solve common paddling issues.

The course is suitable for all ages and great for individuals, aspirant Paddlesport Instructors and groups wanting to expand their safety practices when on the water. The course content focuses on rescuing from the paddlers specific craft and covers equipment, safety frameworks, as well as a range of rescues including contact and towing rescues, self-rescues and deep water rescues.

All equipment provided - please bring shoes that will get wet, a towel, lunch, drinks, snacks, warm clothes, swimwear and any medication required.

Full info and prerequisites: canoescotland.org Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course.

Paddlesports Instructor course

The Paddlesport Instructor is a British Canoeing training and assessment course aimed at those running taster/starter sessions and short journeys in very sheltered water, within the guidance of clubs/centres or other organisations.

The qualification will support the instructor with practical skills such as kitting up a group and getting afloat, initial familiarisation activities, games and activities to support learning and how to use mini journeys to support learning, inspire adventure and exploration.

This will be enhanced with support on how these sessions can be delivered in a way that is enjoyable, safe and rewarding.

The process of completing the qualification aims to help prepare candidates for their first paddlesport instructing role: ‘primed and ready’.

The course is run over two days and does require membership, registration and a Foundation Safety and Rescue Training course as pre requisites.

All further info at canoescotland.org Paddlesport Instructor or please contact the centre.