Paddle UK Sheltered Water Canoe or Kayak Coach Training

This two-day training course is designed for those looking to coach canoeing or kayaking in a sheltered water environment. The course focuses on developing coaching techniques, covering technical and tactical skills, session planning, and creating engaging experiences. It is suitable for those who have completed Core Coach Training and want to refine their approach to coaching on sheltered water.

Key Details

Duration: 2 days (9am-5pm)
Location: Various bodies of water in South West England (confirmed upon booking)
Group Size: 1-6 participants
Prerequisites: Core Coach Training, Full Paddle UK Membership, Safeguarding Training (within 3 years), 1-Day First Aid (within 3 years)
Assessment: Completed separately (contact for details)

Key Skills

Planning and delivering safe and engaging coaching sessions
Developing coaching techniques for canoeing and kayaking
Understanding how to support learners of different abilities
Building confidence in delivering progressive coaching sessions
Applying effective communication and feedback methods

What to Expect

Over two days, the course will guide you through the key aspects of coaching canoeing or kayaking in sheltered water. The focus is on how to coach effectively, rather than just what to coach. Sessions will include a mix of theory and practical coaching exercises, giving you hands-on experience in planning and delivering sessions. Expect to explore different teaching styles, adapt coaching to suit individuals, and refine your ability to provide clear instructions and feedback.

Each day will include practical coaching elements on the water, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. The course is designed to ensure you leave with a strong understanding of how to create safe, enjoyable, and progressive coaching sessions tailored to a range of learners.

Location

Training will take place at various sheltered water locations across South West England. The exact venue will be confirmed upon booking.

Each location provides a suitable environment for coaching practice, offering the right conditions for developing key coaching skills.

Prerequisites

Participants must have completed Core Coach Training before attending. A Full Paddle UK Membership is required, along with up-to-date Safeguarding Training (within three years) and a 1-Day First Aid certification (within three years).

While not essential, completing the Paddle Explore Award is recommended to ensure confidence in paddling independently on sheltered water.

Why Choose Us

With over 30 years of experience in outdoor education and training, the centre is a leading provider of high-quality adventure and coaching courses. Their structured approach ensures that every participant receives the right support, whether they are new to coaching or looking to refine their skills further.

The centre prides itself on delivering professional and engaging training, equipping coaches with the confidence and techniques needed to support paddlers effectively. By learning from experienced instructors in a supportive environment, participants can build strong coaching foundations that will benefit them long after the course ends.

Two days of coach training (9am-5pm)

Experienced and qualified instructors

Centre-specific equipment (option to bring your own)

Practical and theory-based coaching sessions

Detailed joining instructions upon booking

Transport to and from the meeting point

Accommodation and meals

Assessment (booked separately)

Personal paddling equipment (if preferred)

To take part, you must have completed Core Coach Training and hold a Full Paddle UK Membership. You also need a valid 1-Day First Aid certification and Safeguarding Training completed within the last three years.

While not essential, it is recommended that you have completed the Paddle Explore Award to ensure confidence in paddling independently on sheltered water.

This course focuses on how to coach effectively, rather than just what to coach. You will develop your ability to plan and deliver engaging coaching sessions, explore different teaching styles, and learn how to adapt your approach for a range of learners.

The training also covers safety considerations, communication techniques, and how to structure progressive learning sessions.

No, the assessment is separate and not included in this training. This course provides you with the coaching skills and knowledge needed to prepare for the assessment, but you will need to book that separately once you feel ready.

If you need guidance on when to take the assessment, the instructors will be happy to advise.

The training takes place on sheltered water locations in South West England. The exact location will be confirmed upon booking, depending on water conditions and course logistics.

All venues used are carefully selected to provide a safe and suitable environment for coaching practice.

You should bring suitable paddling clothing for the conditions, including a drysuit or wetsuit if required, as well as appropriate footwear.

Other essentials include a towel, a change of warm clothing, and food and drinks for the day. A notebook and pen may also be useful for taking notes during the theory sessions.

Yes, accommodation is not included in this course. If you require overnight stays, you will need to book your own accommodation.

There are plenty of local options available, including campsites, hotels, and B&Bs. If you need recommendations, we can provide suggestions based on the training location.

This well-established outdoor centre in the Mendip Hills is known for delivering high-quality adventure activities and outdoor instructor training. Operating since 1987, it offers a wide range of land and water-based activities, including climbing, caving, paddleboarding, archery, bushcraft, disc golf, skiing, and tobogganing. Many of these take place at their flagship site, which also features a 165-metre dry ski slope, purpose-built target sports ranges, a private quarry for climbing and caving, and a dedicated watersports lake nearby. The centre works with individuals, schools, and groups, delivering outdoor education programmes that balance challenge, learning, and enjoyment. With a focus on safety, personal development, and progression, the team is made up of experienced, passionate instructors who lead everything from one-off taster sessions to full outdoor activity weeks. It’s also a leading provider of outdoor instructor training. Their Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training (AOIT) course equips aspiring instructors with the practical skills, qualifications, and real-world experience needed to start a career in the outdoor industry. With over three decades of experience, a growing range of high-quality facilities, and a commitment to developing the next generation of outdoor leaders, this centre remains one of the South West’s most respected adventure and training providers.