Overview
If you’re looking for a qualification to lead sea kayaks in winds of up to Force 4, and flow of up to 2 knots then this is the assessment for you.
It’s your day. Based on the needs of the group and the conditions, you’ll decide where we’re going and 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.
This is a non-residential course.
Please contact us to arrange a date for your assessment.
DETAILED INFO
AIMS
To complete your assessment for the British Canoeing Sea Kayak Leader (Tidal), which qualifies you to lead groups of sea kayakers in winds of up to force 4 and tidal flow of up to 2 knots.
PRE-REQUISITES
Registered with Paddle Scotland (or other home nation) as a Sea Kayak Leader candidate (you need to have done this at least 2 weeks before the assessment date). For more information go to
Completed the BCAB Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning
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 16 or older
IS IT FOR ME?
If you’re looking to gain a qualification to lead sea kayaks on journeys in winds up to Force 4 and tidal flow up to 2 knots, then this is the assessment to do.
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 Sea Kayak Leader Training which includes the BCAB Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning Training, or a standalone 1 day, classroom based Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning course.
CONTENT
This non-residential course runs on the west coast 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 potential venues, the group and how we can make the assessment work for you. We’ll also send you a tidal planning exercise to complete before the assessment day.
On the assessment day we’ll meet at Glenuig Hall at 0900 and you can choose your plan for the day based on the weather and the forecast conditions.
The group will consist of 3-6 sea kayakers. Your job is to plan and lead the group on a journey with tidal flow up to 2 knots and winds up to force 4. You’ll need to balance the ability of the group and the demands of the environment, supporting them when they find it hard and adding in challenge when it’s easy.
We’ll also spend some time looking at scenarios, rescues and personal paddling skills in the top end of the environment
DATES & PRICES
| 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COURSE DATE | COST (no accommodation) |
PLACES | BOOKING | |
| Date31/05/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£315.00 | Places | ||
| Date01/06/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£315.00 | Places | ||
| Date16/10/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£315.00 | Places | ||
| Date17/10/25 | Cost (no accommodation)£315.00 | Places | ||
| Need a different date? Call 01479 861 256 to arrange your own date, or email [email protected] | ||||
USEFUL INFORMATION
- Start Time:
- 09:00
- End Time:
- 17:00
- Meeting at:
- Glenuig
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Assessment
In-course transportation
Packed Lunch
NEED TO KNOW
ARRIVING AT GLENMORE LODGE
Arrival & Departure Information
This non-residential course will begin at 20.00 on the evening before your assessment. We’ll meet you at Glenuig Hall, so please make your own travel and accommodation arrangements. If you need assistance with this please get in contact with us and we’ll do our best to help.
WHAT WILL I NEED
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 moderate conditions, including incidents and rescues.
At this level you’re likely to have your own kit, but we do have a wide range of appropriate equipment available to borrow from our stores, including;
- Towlines
- Pumps
- Storm Cags
- Group shelters
- Buoyancy aids
- Spraydecks
- Wetsuits
- Cags
- Dry bags
- Paddling Trousers
- Wetsuit boots
- Pogies/gloves
Unfortunately we do not have VHF radios / PLBs / Flares available to borrow, so you will need to bring at least a VHF (and know how to use it) and 2 other viable methods of getting help.
We’ll plan to meet in Inchree at 2000 on the evening before the assessment, to discuss the assessment process, venue options and to take a look at your tidal planning exercise.
If you need to borrow a sea kayak or equipment from our stores, please let us know in advance of the course!
