






Whether you're seeking a career in the outdoor industry or aiming for personal growth, this course offers a comprehensive experience in kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Perfect for all experience levels, we're dedicated to elevating your skills in some of Cornwall's most stunning locations.
Our Paddlesports Leader Development Course is designed to enhance your paddling and leadership abilities, paving the way for you to confidently lead group trips. Over an intensive eight-day program, you'll be trained for the British Canoeing Paddlesport Leader Award, a prestigious qualification recognized in the UK and internationally. This certification opens doors to leading paddling groups safely and pursuing a career in the outdoor industry.
Should you prefer to focus solely on skill development without leading groups, opting out of the assessment is possible, allowing you to simply enjoy the progress in your paddling and leadership skills.
Included is:
Beginners in paddlesports are welcome, as our course provides ample time to refine your skills. If you're not quite ready for the assessment, our team will design a Pathway Development Plan tailored to your needs, offering ongoing support even after the course concludes.
For those considering additional training, our paddlesports lessons are available to bolster your proficiency. This is also recommended for any other technical skills you wish to improve.
Seasoned paddlers will find the course elevating their abilities under the guidance of our experts. From refining technical skills to enhancing group management and public speaking, every aspect is covered. You'll also delve into essential skills such as route navigation and equipment management, encompassing storage, transport, and handling.
Our course uniquely caters to various paddling disciplines, ensuring even experienced paddlers can broaden their skill set across different types of crafts, from kayaks to canoes and SUPs.
Our course spans over eight days, offering ample opportunity for practice and extra shadowing hours using our equipment. Below is a typical day-by-day schedule, but please note that activities may vary based on conditions and other factors.
Our state-of-the-art headquarters is conveniently situated in Newquay, close to various prime paddling locations. The facility boasts modern amenities including heated changing rooms, outdoor showers, and lockers.
Book your spot in our Paddlesports Leader Training today and take the first stroke towards an exciting career or enriching personal development. Join us for an unforgettable experience, packed with learning and exploration!
Yes definitely! We pride ourselves on being super welcoming and friendly. Most of our guests arrive solo and leave with friends for life.
No – this course is suitable both for seasoned paddlers and total beginners.
It’s not a problem if you’ve never paddled before. We’ve got plenty of time to perfect your skills, and if you don’t think you’re quite ready for your assessment our team will come up with a pathway development plan to get you there. And we’ll continue to support you along your journey.
Our team are happy to advise on how to up your experience and start your journey as a paddler!
No, it’s not essential.
You’ll get a guaranteed interview with Newquay Activity Centre at the end of the course, which could put you on the path to working in the paddlesports industry. Paddlesports are increasingly popular, and centres all over the country need qualified leaders. It’s also a lifestyle employment that takes a lot of beating! Another option is to set up your own operation – once you qualify, you just need the equipment and a place to operate trips from and you are good to go.
The fitter you are, the easier it will be. But this isn’t a triathlon! Paddlesports are open to everyone. Our coaching sessions are usually around two hours long, with lots of opportunities to rest throughout the course.
Yes! We have all the crafts, buoyancy aids, helmets and safety kit for you to use throughout the course, plus an excellent range of wetsuits, wetsuit boots, gloves and hats.
Most pupils stay in one of the following:
Yes!
It varies, usually anywhere between £100-£250 per day.
You’ll need :
Cover for public liability will be in place whilst you partake in activities with our activity centre, this is to a limit of £5 million. Personal accident cover is available, similar to travel insurance (injuries due to accidents etc.) and this is something participants can acquire themselves by looking online if they wish to purchase. Insurance is a topic covered during the course Q&A sessions so that everyone is clear of how this works in the outdoor industry.
There will generally be ratios of 1:8 (instructor to pupil) for all activity training. However, theory classes may have larger ratios. You’ll often be broken down into smaller groups.
You must be over 18 to join the course. If you are 65 or over, or under 18 we’d love to chat to you about the course before you book, so please drop a message to the adventuro team via the online chat and they will get us on a phone call together.
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
All centres are vetted for safety and quality. Your adventure is in good hands with adventuro.


About the centre
Newquay, Cornwall
Operated by Newquay Activity Centre - Outdoor Instructor Training Academy, a partner of adventuro.