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.