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Stepping into an instructing role requires more than personal paddling ability. This two-day Paddlesport Instructor Course focuses on how to safely introduce others to paddlesport, combining practical delivery, clear communication, and thoughtful session planning. It’s aimed at paddlers ready to support beginners with confidence and care.
Early sessions concentrate on what makes a good beginner experience, starting with simple session structures, clear aims, and realistic outcomes. You’ll explore how to introduce paddlesport in a way that feels welcoming, safe, and enjoyable while still maintaining control and good standards on the water.
Practical delivery forms the core of the course, with time spent both afloat and ashore. You’ll practise leading activities using kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, receiving feedback on positioning, communication, and group awareness. Emphasis is placed on creating sessions that run smoothly and keep new paddlers engaged.
As the course progresses, attention shifts to decision-making and adaptability. Scenarios encourage you to respond to changing group needs, manage space effectively, and adjust activities in real time. By the end of the second day, you’ll feel more comfortable stepping into an instructor role and delivering sessions with structure and confidence.
Training takes place on sheltered inland water near Forest Row in East Sussex, an ideal setting for instructor development. Calm conditions allow you to focus on delivery techniques, safety management, and group control without unnecessary environmental pressure.
Accessible launch points, clear activity zones, and usable shorelines support repeated practice and reflection. The setting mirrors environments commonly used for beginner paddlesport sessions, making the experience highly relevant to future instructing work.
You must be able to paddle a stable craft confidently on flat water and feel comfortable supporting others close to shore. This course assumes personal paddling competence but does not require advanced performance skills.
PaddleUK membership is required, along with a Paddle Explore Award (or equivalent experience) and completion of the PaddleUK Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course. A separate instructor registration fee is payable directly to PaddleUK.
Instructor development here is shaped around real-world delivery rather than theory alone. Courses are run with small groups, allowing time for discussion, reflection, and personalised feedback throughout the two days.
Strong safety systems, clearly defined water use, and experienced tutors create a supportive setting for stepping into instructing. The focus remains on producing confident, considerate instructors who can deliver enjoyable beginner sessions with professionalism.
This course is ideal for paddlers who enjoy helping others and want to formally deliver beginner sessions. It suits those working toward instructing roles, supporting clubs, or assisting with entry-level paddlesport activities.
It’s also a common next step for people already involved in outdoor education who want to add paddlesport instruction to their skill set.
No advanced paddling ability is required. The course focuses on how you support beginners, not how fast or technically you paddle yourself.
You do need to feel confident controlling a stable craft and moving around others safely on flat water.
Training spans a range of stable craft, typically including kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards.
The emphasis is on transferable teaching and safety skills rather than specialising in one discipline.
Very practical. Most of the course time is spent delivering sessions, managing groups, and practising real instructing scenarios.
Discussion supports the practical work, helping you understand why certain approaches are effective with beginners.
Yes, but assessment is integrated naturally into the course rather than feeling like an exam. Tutors observe how you plan, communicate, and manage safety.
Feedback is ongoing, giving you clear guidance on strengths and areas to develop.
That’s completely normal. The course is designed to build confidence gradually through supported practice and constructive feedback.
You’ll start with small activities before progressing to fuller session delivery.
Yes. Once registered with PaddleUK, the qualification allows you to deliver beginner paddlesport sessions within the scope of the award.
Many people use it to support club activity, centre delivery, or freelance instruction.
No, accommodation is not included as part of this course.
Local accommodation options can often be recommended if you’re travelling from further afield.
After completing the course, you’ll feel able to plan and deliver safe, enjoyable beginner paddlesport sessions.
You’ll also have a clearer understanding of your role as an instructor, including responsibility, communication, and group care.
About the centre
East Sussex
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £400
