White Water Kayak Leader Training

A white water kayak leader can take participants on epic white water journeys. They inspire groups on amazing days out in the white water environment.

On this course we will look at:

• How to deliver inspirational trips for participants.
• Pre-trip information gathering.
• Trip planning and predicting weather and conditions.
• Delivering appropriate safety briefs.
• River reading and line descriptions.
• Leadership strategies for different skill levels.
• Incident management.
• Benchmarking of personal paddling skill.

The key part of any training course is the individual debrief to assist with your development of your detailed action plan.

Abilities assessed:

• Plan and lead an engaging journey that fosters independence and development for the group.
• Skillfully paddle their boat in the upper range of the remit, typically on a grade 2(3) white water river.
• Conduct rescues of paddlers and their crafts while maintaining effective group control.
• Manage potential incidents that are likely to occur.

Before the assessment, candidates have the opportunity to connect with group members to understand their abilities, equipment needs, and aspirations for the day. Detailed planning of the day, with logistical support from us if necessary, is encouraged. The group will consist of at least three participants, who may have varying skill levels.

Assessment Pre-requisites:

There are no formal prerequisites for leader training but candidates should have a level of personal skill relevant to the environment.

• Registration with British Canoeing.
• Full National Association Membership.
• A valid (within 3 years) 2-day First Aid Award recognized by British Canoeing.
• Valid (within 3 years) Safeguarding Training recognized by British Canoeing.
• Completion of White Water Safety and Rescue Training.

Where Can a White Water Kayak Leader Operate?

White Water Kayak Leaders are certified to guide participants on moderate white water journeys. They are proficient in leading through grade 2 white waters, which may include one or two straightforward grade 3 rapids. Leaders have the autonomy to determine the group size, with six paddlers constituting a large group.

Rivers within the scope of a White Water Kayak Leader include:

In Cumbria:

• All sections of the River Eden north of Penrith.
• All sections of the River Derwent from above Derwentwater to Workington.
• River Lune's classic section from Crook of Lune to Rawthey confluence at normal levels.
• River Leven from Newby Bridge to an exit point upstream of Back Barrow Bridge.

Outside Cumbria:

• River Dee from Glyndyfrdwy to Mile End Mill, including the Serpent's Tail section but excluding Town Falls.
• White water sections of the Usk and Brecon in mid Wales.
• River Tay in Perthshire.
• River Awe in Western Scotland.