Paddle Safer

The Paddler Safer course gives new and novice paddlers the opportunity to develop their safety skills when taking to the water.

The Go Paddling Paddle Safer course is designed for anyone new to paddling, or relatively inexperienced to paddling, wanting to gain knowledge and raise their awareness of paddling safely in a sheltered water environment, in or on the craft that they paddle. Typical craft would include kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, sit on tops and inflatables.

Paddle Safer Overview

Minimum age

Open to all ages

Duration

2 hours

Prerequisites

No prerequsites

eLearning

To deliver the course, Instructors, Coaches, Leaders and Guides can complete the Provider eLearning.

Course Documents

To view the associated documents with this course, click here.

Registration

No registration needed.

Find a Course

Visit the Go Paddling website to find a course near you or contact your Delivery Centre to find a Provider near you:

Course Content

The Paddle Safer Course is based on learning and, as such, the ethos of ‘supporting the paddler’ is the main focus of the course, encouraging individuals to consider where they paddle, the equipment they use and provide practical solutions if they get into difficulty. The course covers 4 key modules:

  • Equipment
  • Environmental factors
  • Planning
  • Rescues

Certification

Attendance certificates are issued to candidates on completion of the Paddle Safer course.

Find a course

To find a course in your area, visit the Go Paddling website, or contact your Delivery Centre for further information by clicking the relevant logo at the bottom of this page.

Become a Provider

Any British Canoeing Awarding Body Instructor, Coach, Leader or Guides can deliver the Paddle Safer course.

All aspirant Providers will need to complete the Paddle Safer Provider eLearning package before delivering the course, as well as remaining current with valid first aid, safeguarding training and up to date CPD.

The eLearning provides guidance and structure on the ethos and delivery of the course, as well as how to certificate participants. Each module has a session guide with linked resources. If you’re also a Paddle Awards Provider, you can offer dual certification of the Paddle Safer and Paddle Discover Award.

The Paddle Safer eLearning provides 5 CPD points, and only costs £10. There is no provider administration fee for courses run and no certification fee.

The eLearning can be accessed on the Sarola platform here.

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Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course

This course was launched on the 4th January and aims to provide paddlers with the key safety and rescue skills required to operate safely and be able to deal with common problems in a sheltered water environment.

The course content focuses on rescuing from the paddlers specific craft and covers equipment, safety frameworks, as well as a range of rescues such as contact and towing rescues, self-rescues and deep water rescues.

Find out more about this course!

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Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor

This course was launched on the 4th January and aims to support Instructors running SUP taster/starter sessions and short journeys in very sheltered water environments.

The 2 day course helps to prepare candidates for their first SUP instructing role, ensuring they are ‘primed and ready’ to deliver safe and enjoyable sessions for people new to paddleboarding, within the safety management systems of clubs, centres or other organisations.

Find out more about this course!

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Inclusive Language eLearning

This eLearning was launched on the 11th January and will cover the importance of using inclusive language and the impact it can have on those around you.

This module provides an understanding of key terms, definitions and examples of inclusive language; supports learners on how to identify and tackle inappropriate or exclusive language such as banter and microaggressions; and how to challenge it when it happens.

Find out more!

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International Webinars

We have held several International webinars throughout the year the first being Paddling in France which was on 15th February 2023, this was then followed by the United States of America on 15th March 2023 we then had Nepal, Norway and the latest one Austria which was on 21st June 2023. 

If any resources were used in the webinar you can now find them on the BCAB Digital Library along with the recording of the webinars. Unfortunately Paddling in Norway wasn\’t recorded so that wont be on the Digital Library.

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Manual Handling eLearning

This eLearning was launched on the 31st January and will cover different types of manual handling, how we can consider and manage risk and shows the steps we can take when manual handling to better protect our bodies. 

Throughout paddlesport, there are many occasions when we are lifting, carrying and moving craft, as well as performing rescues.  It’s essential we reflect on current practice and consider whether we are putting ourselves and others in potential danger of damaging joints and muscles, particularly when moving or lifting equipment or people.

Find out more!

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