The Paddlesport Touring Leader is a nationally recognised qualification designed for experienced paddlers who want to lead journeys on a variety of water types, including open water and gentle rivers, using touring kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards. This award is ideal for those who are passionate about sharing their love of paddling and supporting others to enjoy safe, rewarding trips on more challenging sheltered or slow-moving water. The award focuses on developing the skills to plan, lead, and manage day journeys, taking into account group needs, weather, and environmental considerations. The award is administered by Paddle UK (or its home nation associations: Paddle Wales, Paddle Scotland, or Paddle Northern Ireland), and awarded by the British Canoeing Awarding Body, the governing body for paddlesport in the UK. The Paddlesport Touring Leader Award provides flexible, craft-inclusive leadership skills suitable for a wide range of touring environments.
The Paddlesport Touring Leader course content is designed to prepare candidates to lead safe, enjoyable, and well-organised journeys on a variety of sheltered open water and slow-moving river environments. The course focuses on trip planning, group leadership strategies, and effective decision-making in relation to weather, water conditions, and group ability. Candidates develop skills in managing diverse groups, navigating open water crossings, handling basic environmental hazards, and adapting plans to changing conditions. The course also covers practical rescue techniques, incident management, and environmental awareness to promote responsible paddling. With an emphasis on flexible, craft-inclusive leadership, the training helps candidates create positive experiences for participants using canoes, touring kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or other suitable craft.
Duration: 2-day training and 2-day assessment course
Location: CCAT Capel Curig, Snowdonia National Park
CCAT Halton near Lancaster, Lake District & Yorkshire Dales National Park
Course fee: £40
Eligibility: CFAVs
Prerequisites Prior to attended you need to meet the following prerequisites for attending the Paddlesport Leader course:
- Be a full member of Paddle UK (or Paddle Wales, Paddle Scotland, or Paddle Northern Ireland).
- Have appropriate personal paddling experience — candidates should have substantial recent experience of paddling on open water and slow-moving rivers in touring craft (canoe, touring kayak, SUP, or equivalent), typically recorded in a logbook.
- Safeguarding training dated within the last three years.
- 2-day first aid certificate dated with the last three years
Course Certification: British Canoeing Awarding Body qualifications are widely recognised throughout the UK and show others that you have reached a nationally accredited standard recognised by:
- Health and Safety Executive (UK)
- Health and Safety Authority (Republic of Ireland)
- Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority (UK)
- Coaching Ireland
- Ofqual (England)
- SQA (Scotland)
Please speak to your detachment or contingent commander if you are interested in attending this course.