How do I get to the centre?

We are situated on the Southern shore of Grafham Water in a small village called Perry in West Cambridgeshire. There is easy access to us from the surrounding area through the A1 and the A14.What3Words: Should you be using What3Words, the reference for our entrance is sleepless.slices.crunch.By Road: Leave the A1 at the Buckden roundabout and take the turning onto the B661 signposted to Kimbolton. Carry on down the road to Perry. Once in Perry turn right opposite the Wheatsheaf Pub down Chichester Way. At the bottom of the road turn a tight right into our entrance.By Rail: Huntingdon Train Station and St Neots Train Station are the two closest stations to the Centre. Both are under a 15 minute taxi ride away.By Bus: Huntingdon Bus Station and St Neots Bus Station are the two closest stations to the Centre. Both are under a 15 minute taxi ride away.

Paddlesport Instructor Course in Cambridgeshire

Ideal for those ready to begin instructing in paddlesport, this two-day course helps you build the practical skills and confidence to lead safe, enjoyable beginner sessions. It’s tailored to those delivering group taster sessions in very sheltered water, using craft suitable for first-time paddlers.

Key Details

Group size: 1–5 people
Duration: 2 days, 9am–5pm
Minimum age: 14
Course type: Combined training and assessment
Environment: Very sheltered water

Key Skills

How to kit up a group and get afloat safely
Conducting taster sessions using engaging games and activities
Facilitating mini journeys to promote adventure and exploration
Basic rescue skills and incident management in sheltered water
Tailoring sessions to meet the needs of first-time paddlers
Providing effective feedback and guidance to participants
Safe, fun, and engaging paddlesport instruction techniques

What to Expect

Throughout the course, you will be taught the fundamentals of paddlesport instruction, with a focus on delivering beginner-friendly taster sessions. The key skills you will gain include how to kit up a group, get everyone afloat safely, and run familiarisation activities. You’ll also be introduced to teaching techniques using games and activities designed to make learning fun and accessible.

In addition to the introductory activities, the course covers how to use mini journeys to inspire a sense of adventure and exploration, allowing you to add a dynamic element to the sessions. The emphasis is on ensuring that participants can enjoy their experience while learning basic paddling skills in a safe and controlled environment.

You will also receive coaching on essential rescue techniques and how to handle common scenarios when teaching beginner paddlers. With small group sizes and continuous feedback from the instructor, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice and refine your skills on both land and water. The course includes both practical teaching and assessment, preparing you to deliver your first paddlesport sessions with confidence.

Location

The course takes place at Grafham Water in Perry, Cambridgeshire (PE28 0GW). Located within easy reach of major transport links, Grafham Water provides an ideal setting for this beginner-focused course. The centre offers excellent facilities, including indoor classrooms, changing rooms, and ample space for practical training on the water.

The sheltered zones of the lake provide a safe environment to deliver taster sessions for beginner paddlers.

Prerequisites

You must be at least 14 years old to take part in this course. Before joining, you will need to hold a Paddle UK Paddlesport Safety and Rescue or Foundation Safety and Rescue Training certificate. Additionally, you must have full membership with Paddle UK.

This course is aimed at individuals who are already competent in basic paddling skills and are ready to progress to teaching new paddlers in sheltered waters.

Why Choose Us

The centre is well-regarded for its high-quality instructor training courses, offering a hands-on, supportive learning environment. With experienced instructors and a strong focus on safety and engagement, the course ensures that you feel fully prepared for your first role as a paddlesport instructor.

The small group sizes ensure personalised attention, giving you more time on the water to practice and gain valuable feedback.

Training and assessment for the Paddle UK Paddlesport Instructor qualification
Practical skills for kitting up a group and getting afloat
Introduction to familiarisation activities, games, and mini journeys
Support on delivering safe, enjoyable, and rewarding sessions
Certification on successful completion

Paddle UK registration fees
Personal insurance
Accommodation
Food/drink
Travel to and from the course location

We are situated on the Southern shore of Grafham Water in a small village called Perry in West Cambridgeshire. There is easy access to us from the surrounding area through the A1 and the A14.

What3Words: Should you be using What3Words, the reference for our entrance is sleepless.slices.crunch.
By Road: Leave the A1 at the Buckden roundabout and take the turning onto the B661 signposted to Kimbolton. Carry on down the road to Perry. Once in Perry turn right opposite the Wheatsheaf Pub down Chichester Way. At the bottom of the road turn a tight right into our entrance.
By Rail: Huntingdon Train Station and St Neots Train Station are the two closest stations to the Centre. Both are under a 15 minute taxi ride away.
By Bus: Huntingdon Bus Station and St Neots Bus Station are the two closest stations to the Centre. Both are under a 15 minute taxi ride away.

The course is designed to equip you with the skills to teach paddlesport taster and starter sessions. You'll learn how to kit up a group, safely get them afloat, introduce them to basic paddlesport activities, and deliver fun and engaging mini journeys.

By the end of the course, you'll be able to run basic paddlesport sessions in very sheltered water environments using craft suitable for first-time participants.

Yes, participants are expected to have prior paddling experience. While you don’t need to be an expert, you should be comfortable on the water and familiar with basic paddlesport techniques.

If you're unsure whether your skills are sufficient, it’s best to get in touch with the adventuro team before booking.

The course lasts two full days, from 9am to 5pm each day.

Over these two days, you will receive both training and assessment, helping you gain the skills and confidence to become a qualified instructor.

Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll be qualified to deliver taster and starter paddlesport sessions. Specifically, you’ll be able to teach within very sheltered water environments and work with beginners using suitable craft for their first paddling experience.

You will also be able to teach adults and children within the framework of the Paddle UK guidelines.

No, accommodation is not included in the Paddle UK Paddlesport Instructor Course. You will need to arrange your own accommodation.

There are a variety of options available in the local area, including hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering lodges. If you need assistance finding accommodation, feel free to reach out to our team for recommendations.

We offer exceptional outdoor adventurous activities with over 50 years of experience. We cater to a wide range of needs, from family fun days and professional development to personal tuition and instructor courses. As an accredited RYA Training Centre, Paddle UK Delivery Partner, Mountain Training Approved Course provider, and MIAS Mountain Biking Instructor Provider, we offer year-round courses in activities such as mountain biking, climbing, sailing, and wingfoiling. Discover adventure and learning with us.