Dan
A brilliant course run by the excellent Sean. His knowledge and experience shone through all the time and he really made the course a valuable learning tool.
This two-day practical course is ideal for paddlers looking to boost their safety knowledge, rescue ability, and river confidence. Whether you prefer kayak or canoe, you’ll spend two active days learning and practising real-world rescue techniques in moving water, helping you make better decisions and support others safely on the river.
This is a hands-on course where you’ll spend most of your time in and around moving water, learning how to handle real rescue scenarios safely and efficiently. Across two full days, you’ll work through practical sessions on swimmer rescues, throwline work, and group safety setups, using a mix of exercises designed to build your confidence and adaptability.
You’ll also gain insight into how to make informed safety decisions — from what equipment to carry, to balancing risk with agility on the river. Every session is delivered by professional white water paddlers who share proven techniques used in real conditions. Expect to finish the course feeling better prepared for river paddling and more confident in both personal and team safety.
Courses are held at well-suited white water venues across Cumbria, including the River Eden in Carlisle, the River Lune at Kirkby Lonsdale, the River Leven, and the Lower Kent below Kendal. Each location offers the ideal mix of features for safe, effective training in grade 2 conditions.
For groups or clubs, the course can also be arranged at other suitable rivers across the UK. If the available dates don’t work for you, contact the organisers to discuss custom arrangements — they’re happy to accommodate alternative dates and venues where possible.
Rescue equipment will be available for use during the course, but you’re encouraged to bring your own paddling kit. Don’t rush to buy new gear beforehand — instructors will guide you on what’s most useful and appropriate once you’ve had practical experience with different setups.
Participants should be confident paddling on grade 2 water and comfortable swimming in moving water. The course involves continuous practical work in and around the river, so a reasonable level of fitness is important. It will run in all weather conditions — suitable clothing, buoyancy aids, and footwear are essential.
Please note that these sessions are open to all abilities within the stated skill level. If a participant struggles to maintain progress or pace during a session, the instructor may adjust activities to keep the group safe and ensure everyone gets the most from the course.
This training is delivered by active white water paddlers and experienced coaches who regularly operate in challenging river environments. They don’t just teach from theory — they share techniques that are used every day in their own paddling.
Small group sizes mean you’ll get plenty of individual attention, with guidance tailored to your craft and skill level. You’ll leave the course with greater knowledge, improved confidence, and a genuine understanding of what makes for safe and effective white water paddling.
There is no age restriction.
We have a great range of rescue equipment you can use during the course. So please bring everything you can from the kit listed on the pre-course information but don’t buy anything new until after the course. Let us help you out and then you can decide what works for you after the course finishes.
You should already be confident paddling on grade 2 rivers and capable of managing your boat in moving water. This course is aimed at paddlers who want to develop their safety, rescue, and risk management skills rather than learn to paddle white water from scratch. You’ll also need to be able to swim confidently in your normal paddling gear, as there will be in-water activities.
If you’ve paddled rivers like the Eden, Tryweryn, or Dee, you’ll have the right experience level. Instructors will assess everyone’s ability at the start and adjust exercises so that all participants can learn safely at their own pace.
Across the two days, you’ll take part in practical, scenario-based learning on moving water. Sessions cover everything from throwline use and swimmer rescues to managing incidents and recovering equipment. Each exercise is guided by instructors who provide demonstrations and feedback, so you’ll build confidence through hands-on practice.
The first day usually focuses on individual rescue skills and safety awareness, while the second day brings the group together for simulated incidents that require teamwork and leadership. Expect to spend a lot of time in and around the water, testing your skills in real-world conditions.
Yes. White water training naturally involves working with varied river conditions, so the course will go ahead in most weather. Rain, cold, or wind are all part of the experience, and instructors will use these changes as learning opportunities to teach risk assessment and decision-making.
If conditions become unsafe — such as excessively high or low water levels — the team will adapt the plan, moving to another river or adjusting the day’s focus. You should bring suitable paddling clothing to handle a full range of weather, including thermal layers and waterproof outerwear.
It is. The course is open to paddlers in both kayaks and open canoes, and the instructors are experienced in teaching skills for both craft. Whether you prefer one or want to develop across both, sessions will be adapted to your needs.
Many participants find that practising in both types of boat deepens their understanding of rescue techniques and group management. By the end of the course, you’ll have a stronger grasp of how to keep yourself and others safe on white water, regardless of your chosen craft.
A brilliant course run by the excellent Sean. His knowledge and experience shone through all the time and he really made the course a valuable learning tool.
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