British Canoeing Canoe Award

***Dates currently under review – please contact me to check current position***

All my courses will be run in accordance with Covid-19 regulations and guidance. While there remain restrictions on indoor gatherings, courses may include video-conference sessions to cover ‘classroom’ topics. These will usually be a few days before and/or after the main ‘practical’ (outdoor) sessions, arranged to suit participants on each course. The dates shown below are for the ‘practical’ sessions only.

• You must not attend if you are currently experiencing any of the symptoms of Covid-19 or if you have been asked to isolate because you are a contact of a known Covid-19 case or if you  are subject to a 14-day isolation period following travel overseas.
• You will be expected to comply with social distancing and hygiene measures during the course.

The Canoe Award is designed to develop your personal paddling and decision making skills so you have a fun and safe day out canoeing. It endorses your skill, judgment and decision making when journeying. You will be confident in planning and undertaking canoe journeys on the water in winds up to and including force 3 and taking place on grade 1 rivers with simple eddy lines. Your award is a sound basis for building the experience and knowledge associated with the Progressive Canoe Award.

The amount of training required for the Canoe Award depends on prior experience; but as a guideline, participants should expect to spend two days honing their skills, with either ‘continual assessment’ or a separate half- or one-day assessment.

This 2-day course is intended to provide training tailored to the individual needs of participants and, for those who meet the require standard, an opportunity for assessment for this Award. You should already be an experienced and confident flat-water paddler before attending the course, ideally with some moving- and open-water experience.

Minimum 2, maximum 6 candidates.

Participants should bring (I can provide * if you do not have these):

• * Open Canoe and paddle (please contact me to check whether your craft is suitable!)
• * Buoyancy aid, helmet
• Personal paddling clothing suitable for the weather (minimum wetsuit, preferably dry-suit) – you will most likely get wet!
• * Personal safety equipment (throwline, knife, towline, tape/sling, karabiner)
• Canoe Wales / British Canoeing Membership card (if you are a member!)
• Lunch / snacks / drinks
• Cash for parking (c.£4) and toilets (20p)
• Hand sanitiser, face masks, etc.

The course will be based on appropriate waters in the Brecon area, e.g. the River Wye and Usk Reservoir.

What to Do Now

1. Contact me as soon as possible if you have any questions.
2. Complete and return to me (by e-mail or post) the attached Booking Form.
3. Pay the course fee:
   by buying a ‘ticket’ using the link below
   or via BACS, cheque or if your employer or another organisation is paying (details on booking form).
4. Let me know if you are able to bring your own craft (which might be better than those that I can provide!).

Course Cancellation Policy

If the course is cancelled by me, I will offer a choice between transferring fees to the next available course or receiving a full refund. Refunds will only include fees paid to me for the event, compensation will not be paid for incidental costs or expenses and I recommend that candidates use refundable vendors for accommodation, travel etc. If you cancel your place after booking, you will be liable for the full course fee unless I can recover some or all of the cost of your place from elsewhere (e.g. if you can find another, additional, candidate to take your place).