Take your white water leadership skills to the next level with our Advanced White Water Leader Development Week. Led by Andrew, a Paddle UK (formerly BCU) Level 5 coach with extensive global experience in training river guides, this week is designed to refine your paddling, leadership, and decision-making skills in a dynamic white water environment. Whether you're looking to polish specific areas for your Advanced White Water Leader Assessment or seeking to build your confidence as a leader on the river, this course will equip you with the knowledge and practical experience you need.
Over the five days, you’ll engage in a variety of exercises and challenges to develop both personal paddling and leadership skills, including:
Each day will include a thorough briefing and debriefing session to ensure that you receive personalised feedback and guidance, helping you to identify areas for improvement and maintain progress.
The course is primarily based in Devon & Exmoor, offering a variety of white water conditions ideal for advanced training. This setting will allow you to practice your skills in real-world environments, from challenging rapids to quieter stretches, ensuring you are fully prepared for leading in any situation.
Paddle UK fees are not included in the course price.
We take pride in developing the next generation of paddlers, leaders, and guides. With over 25 years of experience, Andrew has travelled the globe, working on some of the most challenging rivers across five continents. His unique approach to coaching is based on his academic research into decision-making and reflective practice in kayaking, providing you with cutting-edge techniques and strategies.
Our courses are designed to be supportive, allowing you to progress at your own pace. We understand the pressures of assessments and focus on creating a relaxed yet challenging environment, ensuring that you leave feeling confident and capable.
We offer:
Join us for an unparalleled learning experience and become the leader you aspire to be on the river.
This course is designed for experienced white water paddlers who are looking to develop their leadership skills in advanced environments. It is particularly suited to those preparing for the Paddle UK Advanced White Water Leader Assessment, as the course covers both personal paddling and leadership techniques necessary for guiding groups in challenging conditions. Participants should already have a solid foundation in white water kayaking.
Yes, you will need to bring your own kayaking equipment, including your boat, paddle, helmet, buoyancy aid, spray deck, and any additional safety gear. If you're unsure about whether your equipment is suitable, feel free to get in touch with us for advice prior to the course. Make sure your kit is in good condition, as this course focuses on advanced skills where equipment performance is essential.
Each day typically runs from around 9am to 5pm, depending on river conditions. The course will include a mix of on-water paddling, leadership exercises, group decision-making scenarios, and theory sessions. At the end of each day, we conduct a debriefing to discuss performance, areas of improvement, and the next day’s objectives. The exact timings may vary, but we aim to provide a comprehensive, full day of training each day.
Yes, you can take your assessment at a discounted rate of £125 if done during this week. The normal cost for the assessment is £250, so this is a great opportunity to save. To be eligible, you must meet all the prerequisites, including having your Paddle UK registration and relevant certificates in place. Assessments take place after the week of training, so you’ll be fully prepared.
This course is structured to develop your skills, but there’s no pressure to take the assessment if you don’t feel ready. You can always come back at a later date to complete the assessment, and we can help you identify areas for further improvement. The course is aimed at helping you grow as a paddler and leader, whether or not you choose to assess immediately.
The £550 course fee includes five full days of expert coaching from Andrew, a Paddle UK Level 5 coach, and daily briefings and debriefings to help refine your skills. It also includes a refresher of P’s Advanced White Water Safety and Rescue and Advanced White Water Leader Training. Please note that the British Canoeing registration, membership fees, assessment fee (£125), travel, and accommodation are not included.
Yes, there are several prerequisites for this course, especially if you plan to take the Advanced White Water Leader Assessment. You’ll need:
Please ensure these are completed before attending the course and, in particular, before taking the assessment.
The course is primarily based in Devon and Exmoor, offering a variety of white water environments to practice in. The specific locations will be chosen based on water levels and conditions during the week to ensure the best training opportunities.
Accommodation is not included in the course price, but we can help organise group accommodation in local bunkhouses. If you prefer, you can also arrange your own lodging in the area. Participants often share accommodation to keep costs down, and lift-sharing is encouraged to make travel more convenient. Please let us know if you’d like help coordinating this.
The course will proceed in most weather conditions, but river levels and safety will always be taken into account. Andrew will use his experience to select the best locations each day based on the river conditions. If necessary, alternative locations or sessions may be arranged to ensure you get the most out of the course.
No, meals are not provided, so you’ll need to bring your own packed lunches and snacks for the duration of the course. There will be opportunities to purchase food locally if needed, and we recommend bringing enough water and energy-packed snacks for long days on the river.
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About the centre
Buckfastleigh, Devon
Operated by ABC Kayaking, a partner of adventuro.
