If you’re looking for a qualification to lead sea kayaks in winds in excess of Force 4, with tidal races, overfalls or open crossings, then this is the assessment for you.
It’s your day. Based on the needs of the group and the conditions, you’ll plan a journey to give your team a great day out. We’ll also spend a decent chunk of the day looking at scenarios, rescues and personal paddling skills.
We’ll head out again at night to look at navigating and managing a group in the dark.
This is a non-residential course.
Please contact us to arrange a date for your assessment.
To complete your assessment for the BCAB Advanced Sea Kayak Leader (Tidal), which qualifies you to lead groups of sea kayakers in winds exceeding force 4, with tidal races, overfalls or open crossings.
Registered with Paddle Scotland (or other home nation) as an Advanced Sea Kayak Leader (Tidal) candidate (you need to have done this at least 2 weeks before the assessment date)
Completed BCAB Open Water Navigation and Tidal Planning course
Full Paddle Scotland (or other home nation) membership
In date first aid (recognised by Paddle UK – at least a 2 day course)
Safeguarding Training recognised by Paddle UK
Aged 18 or older
If you’re looking to gain a qualification to lead sea kayaks on journeys in winds in excess of Force 4, with tidal races, overfalls or open crossings then this is the assessment for you.
Take a good look at the assessment guidance, which can be found at https://www.britishcanoeingawarding.org.uk
The skills checklist and the Leadership and Raft Guide awards course guide are also well worth reading.
If you’re not sure whether you’re in the right place for the assessment, or would like some input to develop your paddling, leading and rescues, we also offer the option of a 4 day Advanced Sea Kayak Leader (Tidal) Training, which includes the BCAB Open Water Navigation and Tidal Planning course.
This course runs with a maximum of 2 assessment candidates and one assessor.
We’ll meet up online in the weeks leading up to the assessment to discuss the group, venue options, how to make the assessment work for you and to give you a tidal planning exercise to complete before the assessment day.
On the assessment day, your job is to plan and lead a group of 3-4 sea kayakers on a journey in advanced conditions. You’ll need to balance the ability of the group and the demands of the environment, supporting them when they find it difficult, adding in challenge when it’s easy, choosing a route that’s neither too boring nor too hard.
We’ll also spend some time looking at scenarios, rescues and personal paddling skills in advanced water.
We’ll finish off by looking at navigating and managing a group in the dark. We’ll plan to be off the water by 2300.
2025 | ||||
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COURSE DATE | COST (no accommodation) |
PLACES | BOOKING | |
Date15/05/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£440.00 | Places | ||
Date11/09/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£440.00 | Places | ||
Need a different date? Call 01479 861 256 to arrange your own date, or email [email protected] |
Instruction
Use of kit
In-course transport
This course is non-residential.
If you need to borrow equipment from our stores, please let us know in advance of the course!
We’ll contact you in the run up to the course, with a tidal planning exercise to complete and bring with you to the assessment.
There is no set kit list for this course, but as part of the assessment you’ll need bring appropriate kit to look after a group of sea kayakers in advanced conditions, including incidents and rescues.
At this level you’re likely to have most of your own kit, but we do have a wide range of appropriate equipment available to borrow from our stores, including;
EQUIPMENT WE CANNOT PROVIDE
Can't find exactly what you are looking for? We are happy to create it for you. You can hire one of our instructors or guides from as little as £280 a day, including any equipment. If you’re a group, all of our courses are available on a date that suits you or if you would prefer we can tailor a course to your requirements. Simply get in touch to discuss your requirements.