BCU 1 Star Kayak Course

Kayaking is one of the most exciting, affordable and versatile watersports available. The sport covers a huge range of different disciplines such as exploring inland waterways, surfing breaking waves, negotiating white water and even acrobatics. Once you have successfully mastered the course, you will have earnt your level 1 qualification, ready to take your skills on to the next level. Read more about Kayaking here with our Interview with Ben Oakley of the British Kayaking Team.

Agenda

Once you have arrived and been welcomed to the centre your day will begin with a saftey brieifing covering the water and the equipment that you are to be using on this BCU 1 Star course. Then to begin the course your coach will plan out your time on the water, aiming to make the course as relevant as possible to you. You will cover: Theory & Safety Considerations, Equipment, Basic paddling – forwards & backwards, Turning, Journeying and your next step. You will also get the opportunity to take part in some open canoeing.  The criteria for the one star assessment are laid down by the British Canoe Union. The training will be delivered in an informal manner, with lots of opportunities to practice and experiment with various techniques and coaching methods. You will receive a certificate at the end of the course.

In Leamington Spa, it is a Kayak Day trip to Warwick Castle to recieve your qualification. As it is a day trip, no canoes are used on the day.

In Crawley, you will only use Kayaks on the day.

Restrictions
Minimum Age: 8, 12 or 14 (location specific)

No experience necessary - aimed at people wanting to learn the basics skills and principles of kayaking.
Reasonable fitness and confidence in the water is required.

Minimum Age is 8 in Manchester, 14 in Leamington Spa and 12 in all other locations)
(Under 18's must have parental consent.)

Duration
This is an eight hour course to be completed in 1 or 2 days. Crawley: 6 hours  - 1 day.
The course will last for 8 hours and can be run over one day or split over two days (depending on centre).

What to Wear / Equipment
The centre will provide you with the kayak and wetsuit and buoyancy aid etc. You will need to bring a swimming costume and towel. Also, if it's hot take some sun block and if it's not take some warm clothes to change into afterwards. In Leamington Spa, you will not be provided with a wetsuit so please bring suitable clothes you don't mind getting wet!

Group Size / Spectators
There will be a maximum of 6 participants per instructor. Maximum of 8 for Leamington Spa.
Spectators are more than welcome to come and watch your wet and wonderful Kayak Course.

Weather
This course can be affected by the weather. If in doubt please contact the center before you set off for the day.

Availability
BCU 1 Star Kayak Course is available all year. There is limited availability (weekdays only in Manchester) in the winter.
In Crawley, the course runs March to November.

Check Book&Go for online available dates by clicking here or by clicking the 'Book a Date' button displayed above.

• Birmingham (West Midlands)
• Bournemouth (Dorset)
• East Grinstead (West Sussex)
• Leamington Spa (Warwickshire)
• Sale (Greater Manchester)