The BC Explore Award is your passport to unlock the wonders of paddling across various watercraft, including paddleboards, sit-on-top kayaks, sea kayaks, and canoes. This comprehensive program is designed for enthusiasts who aspire to expand their horizons and experience the diverse world of paddlesport. Whether you're seeking tranquillity on calm lakes or the thrill of ocean adventures, this award equips you with the skills and knowledge to confidently explore a range of paddling disciplines.
While the BC Explore Award is accessible to paddlers of various skill levels, some experience or prior training in paddlesport may be beneficial. It's recommended that participants have completed the BC Discover Award or possess equivalent foundational skills and knowledge. Also, a reasonable level of physical fitness and water confidence would be best.
Your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. With our British Canoeing Explore Award, you'll receive expert guidance, access to quality equipment, and a welcoming environment. We provide the foundation for your paddlesport journey, ensuring you feel confident and prepared to explore this exciting world further. Join us for an unforgettable experience on the water! We have follow-on and more advanced courses as well.
The BC Explore Award empowers you to take the reins of your paddlesport journey, granting you the freedom to chart your own course. We'll tailor a personalised program that aligns perfectly with your goals. Through this approach, you'll cultivate the confidence to make informed decisions, acknowledging your capacity to paddle independently in the serene waters of your chosen craft.
From Cardiff, you can take a train from Cardiff Central Station to Barry Island Station. Trains run regularly, and the journey typically takes around 30 minutes.
While the BC Explore Award is accessible to paddlers of various skill levels, some experience or prior training in paddlesport may be beneficial. It's recommended that participants have completed the BC Discover Award or possess equivalent foundational skills and knowledge. Additionally, a reasonable level of physical fitness and water confidence is advisable.
The course is based at Barry Dock 1 in Wales, offering safe and sheltered waters for your paddling sessions but also access to some amazing coastline to explore.
The course fee includes all the necessary equipment, including wetsuit hire, buoyancy aid hire, watercraft and paddle hire, as well as access to parking and changing facilities.
Participants are required to bring suitable rubber sole footwear for use on docks and the pontoon. Neoprene wetsuit boots are not recommended. Please ensure you have appropriate footwear to ensure your safety.
After completing the BC Explore Award, paddlers have numerous opportunities to advance their paddlesport skills and knowledge. They can pursue discipline-specific awards, engage in advanced training, join paddling clubs, explore new environments, consider coaching or teaching, participate in competitive paddlesport, develop leadership and safety skills, contribute to environmental stewardship, or continue paddling for leisure. The BC Explore Award serves as a versatile qualification, opening doors to various paths within the world of paddlesport, allowing paddlers to choose their next steps based on their interests and goals.
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
Barry, Wales
Operated by Vale Paddle Sports, a partner of adventuro.