BCU UKCC Star Awards Courses

2* Training/Assessment

This two day course is a prerequisite for those wishing to undertake Level 1 coach training. Level 1 coach status enables you to instruct on taster sessions, or assist a higher level coach on more advanced sessions safely and professionally. Over the course of the weekend, you will improve your flatwater paddling skills in both kayaks and canoes, with an aim of being able to give good demonstrations when teaching, and having the personal proficiency to manoeuvre your own boat quickly and smoothly. You will learn new techniques for keeping your boat straight and fast, moving sideways, preventing a capsize and fast, easy turning. Coaching takes place during two journeys that combine and practice all the skills taught, and can be useful for your logbook.

This course is overseen by experienced L3 coaches Will Sheaff and Chris Buckley. We treat the course like any other day on the water - we will try and teach you as much as we can, even if it's well above the standard required. Our aim is to help you achieve as much as possible, and if by the end of the weekend you are paddling at 2* standard, then you will pass! If your paddling is above or below 2* standard, then we will try our hardest to make sure you still get the most from the course, either by getting you well on the way to 3* level, or by consolidating 1* skills.

You should ideally already hold the 1* award (or have equivalent experience, equal to several days paddling). Please mention your experience level on your booking form.

£110 inc. B&B 4-5 October 2008.

3* (White Water Kayak) Training Day

Successful performance at 3* means paddlers can consider themselves an intermediate paddler rather than a beginner. After 3*, you will be a competent kayaker on sheltered to moderate water, and have the ability to paddle unsupervised, with similar standard paddlers on sheltered water. (BCU) As well as being a pre-requisite for the Level 2 Coach award, the 3* improves personal proficiency more, and introduces the skills required to take part safely in a group, and to paddle on easy white water. You will learn basic river-running skills, as well as harder technical flat water skills, like hanging and moving draws and prys, as well as Eskimo rolls and safety techniques like rescuing swimmers.

This course is overseen by experienced L3 coaches Will Sheaff and Chris Buckley. We treat the course like any other day on the water - we will try and teach you as much as we can, even if it's well above the standard required. At the end of the day, you will be given personalised feedback by your coach and an action plan to work through. This course can be taken in isolation, or as a brush-up before the 3* assessment on the following day.

The course will take place on Windemere, and some local easy moving water. You should ideally already hold the 2* award (or have equivalent experience, equal to several weeks paddling). Please mention your experience level on your booking form.

£65 (SAT) 4 October 2008

3* (White Water Kayak) Training/Assessment Day

On our combined training/assessment day, our aim is to give you the best possible chance to demonstrate your skills, so everyone receives personalised coaching, aimed at helping you demonstrate your 3* skills to the best of your abilities. Whether you are above or below 3* standard, then we will make sure you still get the most from the course, either by getting you well on the way to 4* level, or by consolidating 2* skills.

As well as being a pre-requisite for the Level 2 Coach award, the 3* introduces the technical skills required to kayak safely in a group, and technical skills to paddle on easy white water.

This course is overseen by experienced L3 coaches Will Sheaff and Chris Buckley. At the end of the day, you will be given personalised feedback by your coach and an action plan to work through. This course can be taken in isolation, or in conjunction with the training on the preceding day.

The course will take place on Windemere, and some local easy moving water. You should be reasonably confident that you are at 3* level, having undertaken some form of training, or have equivalent experience, equal to several weeks paddling. Please mention your experience level on your booking form.

£65 (SUN) 5 October 2008

Personal star award training

We are able to offer training and assessment for the BCU 1 to 3* awards. We treat an assessment like any other day on the water; if you turn up and meet the standards then you'll pass. We'll also give you comprehensive feedback to point you in the right direction to progress.

Courses available on request, get in touch with Chris (chris@rockmonkey.co.uk) or 07940 006 196 for booking details and cost.

Booking Form

Please email Chris for a booking form.

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