A hands-on course designed to help paddlers develop essential safety skills for moving water. Covering practical techniques and decision-making strategies, this session will give you the confidence to handle common situations in grade 2/3 white water. Whether you're paddling as part of a group or with peers, you'll gain useful knowledge to enhance your safety and awareness on the water.
The course begins with an introduction to white water safety, covering key principles and the factors that influence decision-making on the river. You'll start by looking at clothing, equipment, and trip planning before moving on to practical sessions in the water.
During the day, you'll have the chance to practice swimming techniques in moving water, learning how to position yourself safely and exit effectively. You'll explore different ways to assist swimmers, from using throwlines to direct contact rescues, while also considering the safest approach for each scenario. Another key focus is retrieving kit, ensuring paddlers can recover boats and paddles efficiently when things don’t go to plan.
The session will be a mix of theory and hands-on experience, giving you plenty of opportunities to try out techniques and gain confidence in real conditions. By the end of the day, you’ll have a stronger understanding of white water safety, making you a more prepared and capable paddler.
This course will take place on rivers in the Southwest, with the exact location confirmed based on water levels and conditions. A likely venue is Symonds Yat in the Wye Valley, a well-known training spot offering ideal grade 2/3 sections for developing safety skills.
The area provides a controlled environment where paddlers can practice key techniques while experiencing real moving water scenarios. Full details, including meeting points, will be provided upon booking.
Participants must have prior paddling experience and be comfortable on sheltered water before attending. This course is not designed for complete beginners, so it may be useful to have completed the Paddle Explore and Paddlesport Safety and Rescue courses beforehand.
A reasonable level of fitness is needed, as the session includes time spent in the water.
With over 30 years of experience in outdoor training, this provider is known for delivering high-quality courses that focus on safety, learning, and adventure. The team is passionate about equipping paddlers with the skills they need to enjoy the water safely, ensuring that every session is practical, engaging, and delivered by expert instructors.
The course takes place in a carefully chosen location, providing the right balance of challenge and accessibility. Whether you’re looking to improve your own safety awareness or gain confidence when paddling as part of a group, this course offers valuable knowledge and hands-on experience in real conditions.
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Sandford, Churchill, Winscombe
From £11500
About the centre
Churchill
Operated by Mendip Activity Centre, a partner of adventuro.
