NEW BCU SYLLABUS

Designed as an encouragement award, that candidates should be able to achieve in a basic starter session of about 2 hours.

The award is obtained by taking the assessment in any style of paddlesport boat including crew boats

(e.g. bell boats, katakanu, junior K2/K4 etc)

Students should be able to swim. This is desirable but not essential.

A.1 Take part in a warm up

A.2 Get into and out of a boat with help from the bank

A.3 Balance in a boat ready to hold a paddle i.e. showing an active posture

A.4 Go forwards

B.1 Moving the boat backwards

B.2 Stopping the boat whilst moving forwards

B.3 Turning the boat

B.4 Moving the boat sideways

B.5 Going forwards in a straight line

B.6 Edging without losing balance

D.1 Know how to put your equipment away

D.2 Know what is appropriate paddlesport clothing

D.3 Know the name of your nearest club or centre

D.4 Know why it is important to wash your hands after paddling

D.5 Know the meaning of diet

D.6 Know your resting heart rate

The 1 Star is a clear stepping stone to becoming a paddler. Designed as a

basic award, the one star is the level people would typically reach after an

introductory course of six hours quality water time.

The award is obtained by taking the assessment in any style of kayak or canoe

(where the test is taken by a doubles crew, a variation of bow and stern positions

must be demonstrated).

Should be able to swim. This is desirable but not essential. If under 14 Paddle power

might be more appropriate.

Sheltered water

A.1 Lift, carry and launching

A.2 Forward paddling over a distance of 100m

A.3 Steering and controlling

A.4 Return to the bank and get out

B.1 Capsize and be rescued or swim to the shore.

B.2 Emptying boats

C.1 Personal risk management

C.2 Awareness of others

C.3 Provide evidence of one journey of about 1 hour (3 km) duration

(This could take place during the assessment)

D.1 Equipment D.4 Access

D.2 Safety D.5 Environment

D.3 Hypothermia/First aid D.6 General

This is an improvement award that helps paddlers develop fundamental paddlesport

skills on flat water. The emphasis is on gaining a breadth of experience, creating the

desired movement of the boat and developing an understanding into how the paddle,

boat and water interact.

The award is obtained by taking the assessment in both a kayak and a canoe. Any

style of kayak or canoe is permissible e.g. open cockpit, sit on top, V shaped hull or

flat bottomed etc. Where a doubles crew takes the test, each person must perform

each task from both the bow and stern.

Be able to swim – desirable though not essential. If under 14 one should consider

the ‘Paddle power’ scheme.

Must have experience of paddling at least 2 different craft, in 2 different locations

and compete in 2 competitions OR complete 2 journeys of at least 2 hours in

duration.

Sheltered water

A.1 Lift, carry and launch the kayak or canoe

A.2 Efficient forward paddling

A.3 Steering the kayak or canoe

A.4 Manoeuvre in a confined space

A.5 Moving sideways

A.6 Preventing a capsize

A.7 Turning

A.8 Return to the bank and get out

A.9 Securing

B.1 Capsize, swim and self rescue

B.2 Peer rescue

C.1 Personal risk management

C.2 Awareness of others

C.3. An assessed accompanied sheltered water journey

D.1 Equipment D.4 Access

D.2 Safety D.5 Environment

D.3 Hypothermia/First aid D.6 Planning

Successful performance at this level indicates that the paddler can consider

themselves an intermediate kayaker, as they can now paddle on moving waters.

They can do this in a competent manner as part of a led group and have the

knowledge and ability to help the smooth running of a trip while being led down a

section of a grade 2 river.

A.1 Lifting, carrying and launching/landing

A.2 Efficient forward paddling

A.3 Reverse over a figure of 8 course

A.4 Moving sideways, both static and on the move

A.5 Supporting, both static and on the move

A.6 Rolling

A.7 Breaking in and out

A.8 Ferry gliding

B.1 Deep-water rescue

B.2 Towing and use of tow line

B.3 Eskimo Rescue

B.4 Throw line

C.1 Personal risk management

C.2 Awareness of others

C.3 Paddle a section of grade 2 water as part of a led group

D.1 Equipment

D.2 Safety

D.3 Weather

D.4 Hypothermia/First aid

D.5 Access

D.6 Environment

D.7 Planning

D.8 Group Awareness

D.9 General

D.10 Navigation

D.11 Etiquette