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This one-day training course is designed to give paddlers across a range of craft the essential skills to keep themselves and others safe while out on sheltered water. Whether you're in a canoe, kayak or on a paddle board, you'll work through a hands-on programme of rescue techniques and incident management skills in real-time settings. It’s also the required course for those progressing towards a Paddlesport Instructor qualification with Paddle UK.
This is a practical, physically active course delivered entirely outdoors, with regular time spent in the water. After a short welcome and safety briefing at 9am, the day moves quickly into active learning. You’ll start with discussions around risk assessment, equipment checks and planning for safe paddling trips. From there, you’ll cover a full range of rescue scenarios tailored to each craft type, including self-rescue, peer rescue, and rescues involving unconscious or unresponsive paddlers.
You'll rotate through different stations to practise techniques from both the rescuer and casualty perspectives. Techniques will be adjusted to suit whether you're using a kayak, canoe or stand up paddleboard, ensuring relevant takeaways for all participants. Alongside physical skills, there’s a strong focus on decision-making, situational awareness and managing group dynamics in potentially stressful situations. At the end of the day, each participant receives a personal action plan to guide their next steps.
The session is based in Pembroke, West Wales, with access to a calm, sheltered water environment ideal for skills development and training. The site is easily accessible via the South Quay Car Park (SA71 4NR), with direct access to the water via the boat house and slipway.
This area offers reliable sheltered water conditions year-round and is used regularly for skill-building sessions. The local facilities include nearby toilets and café options, though lunch is not provided on the course itself.
This course is open to all paddlers who are comfortable being in and around the water and are looking to build their safety and rescue skills. No formal qualifications are required, but a basic level of paddling experience is recommended.
As the course is highly active and involves multiple water entries, a reasonable level of fitness is important. We can provide wetsuits and cags on request, but you're welcome to bring your own paddling gear if preferred.
The centre has been delivering award-standard paddle training for over a decade, with a team of highly experienced instructors who specialise in practical, hands-on learning. Their focus is always on creating a supportive, realistic training environment that prepares paddlers to act confidently and safely.
With small group sizes and individualised feedback, participants can expect focused coaching that meets them where they are. Whether you're training towards becoming a Paddlesport Instructor or simply want to build your confidence on the water, the centre delivers relevant, quality instruction in a beautiful and well-equipped location.
This is a recognised training course designed to equip paddlers with essential rescue techniques and safety knowledge in a sheltered water environment. It focuses on prevention, self-rescue, and assisting others using craft such as canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards.
The award is relevant to all paddlers, regardless of experience level, who want to develop their ability to manage risks while on the water. It’s also a mandatory step for anyone wishing to become a Paddle UK Paddlesport Instructor.
While the course doesn’t require formal qualifications, it is best suited to paddlers with some prior experience. You should be comfortable on the water and have a basic understanding of handling your chosen craft.
That said, you don’t need to be an expert. The course is designed to be accessible and focuses on practical safety, so anyone with some time on the water will be able to take part and benefit from the training.
The course is open to paddlers using closed cockpit kayaks, sit-on-top kayaks, open canoes, and stand up paddle boards. The rescue techniques taught are tailored to each craft, giving you a well-rounded skillset.
You’ll have the chance to observe and practise rescues from multiple craft types. This helps improve your ability to help others, especially if you’re part of mixed-craft paddling groups.
This is an active, hands-on course and does involve multiple entries into the water. You’ll be moving around, swimming short distances, and climbing back onto various craft throughout the day.
While the pace is manageable and the instructors are supportive, a reasonable level of fitness is recommended. If you have concerns about physical limitations, let the organisers know in advance.
All essential equipment, including boats, paddles, buoyancy aids, helmets, wetsuits, and cags, can be provided. You’re welcome to use your own gear if you'd prefer to train with familiar kit.
Many participants bring personal paddles, buoyancy aids or clothing to see how their own kit performs in rescue scenarios. Just make sure anything you bring is in good working order.
You’ll be getting wet repeatedly, so bring swimwear for under a wetsuit, a towel, and dry clothes for the end of the day. If using a centre wetsuit, one will be provided, but you’re free to use your own paddling gear.
Also bring a flask or drinks bottle, lunch, warm layers for breaks, and any medication you may need. Footwear should be secure and suitable for water use – old trainers or water shoes are ideal.
Operated by Paddle West, a partner of adventuro.
Surrey, East and West Sussex, United Kingdom
From £120
Mid & South-West Wales, United Kingdom
From £63.60
