BCAB White Water Leader Assessment

Qualify LEVEL | 1 day(s) | Ratio 1:2

Overview

NEW. You can now choose which date you want to book your BCAB Leadership or Coaching assessment on. Simply choose your preferred date – visit here for more details. This applies to all disciplines and all BCAB Leadership and Coaching assessments.

If you’re looking for a qualification to lead groups on grade 2(3) rivers then this is the assessment for you.

It’s your day. Based on the needs of the group and the conditions, you’ll make the plan, choosing the right river to give your team a great day out. We’ll also spend a decent chunk of the day looking at scenarios, rescues and your personal paddling skills on grade 3.

This is a non-residential course.

DETAILED INFO

AIMS

To complete your assessment for the BCAB White Water Leader, which qualifies you to lead white water kayaks, OC1s, Sit-On-Tops or inflatable kayaks on grade 2(3) rivers.

PRE-REQUISITES

Registered with Paddle Scotland (or other home nation) as White Water Leader candidate (you need to have done this at least 2 weeks before the assessment date)

BCAB White Water Safety and Rescue Training

Full SCA (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 paddle a white water kayak, OC1, sit-on-top or inflatable kayak and want to gain a qualification to lead groups on rivers up to grade 2(3), 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 course guide and skills checklist 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 2 day White Water Leader Training.

CONTENT

This course runs with a maximum of 2 assessment candidates and one assessor.

We’ll meet up online well before the assessment date to discuss the potential venues, the group you’ll be leading and how we can make the assessment work for you.

On the assessment day you’ll make a plan based on the group and the forecast conditions.

The group will consist of 3-6 paddlers in suitable craft (most likely WW kayak, but potentially also OC1 or sit-on-top kayak). We’ll spend the day on a grade 2(3) river. Your job is to lead the group on a river trip. 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 if it’s too easy.

We’ll also look at scenarios, rescues and personal paddling skills in the top end of the environment.

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Instruction

Use of kit

Packed lunch and afternoon tea and cake

In-course transport

NEED TO KNOW

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 mixed craft group in a sheltered water environment, including incidents and rescues.

At this level, you’ll probably have most of your own gear, but if you need it, we have a wide range of equipment available to borrow from our stores, including;