The Paddle UK Advanced Whitewater Kayak Leader Training is an immersive course designed to equip you with the leadership skills required for dynamic, advanced whitewater environments. This training is led by Andrew or one of his trusted team members, bringing over a decade of international experience in leading paddlers on advanced rivers. The focus is not only on leadership but also on refining your paddling skills to ensure you can confidently lead groups on challenging whitewater. Our approach integrates modern paddling techniques, such as slalom-style vertical blades and active blade pressure, to help you effectively manage your kayak in all types of whitewater.
The Paddle UK Advanced Whitewater Kayak Leader Training focuses on developing both personal paddling skills and leadership abilities in advanced river environments.
Here’s what you can expect over the two-day course:
The course will take place on some of the best rivers in Devon, with locations chosen based on water levels and weather conditions. You’ll be exposed to a variety of challenging river environments that provide the perfect training ground for advanced whitewater leadership.
To participate in this course, you’ll need:
If you’re unsure about your suitability for this course, feel free to contact us to discuss your current skill level.
We pride ourselves on offering top-tier paddling instruction with a focus on real-world leadership and technical skills. Here’s why we’re the right choice for your Advanced Whitewater Kayak Leader Training:
By the end of this course, you’ll not only have the skills to paddle confidently on advanced whitewater but also the leadership ability to guide others safely and effectively through challenging environments.
This course is designed for experienced whitewater paddlers who want to become certified Advanced Whitewater Leaders. If you have experience paddling on Grade 3/4 rivers and are looking to refine your leadership skills for leading groups on Grade 4/5 water, this course is ideal for you.
Yes, you should have experience paddling in Grade 3/4 whitewater environments. You should also have a strong foundation in essential whitewater skills such as rolling, ferry gliding, and breaking in and out of eddies. This course is for paddlers ready to lead others in more challenging environments.
During the course, you’ll focus on:
Yes, the course follows the Paddle UK (formerly British Canoeing) Advanced Whitewater Leader syllabus. You will be trained to meet the standards required for the Paddle UK Advanced Whitewater Leader Assessment, ensuring you are fully prepared for certification.
You’ll need your own kayaking gear, including:
If you don’t have all the required equipment, we offer boat hire for £25 per day and paddle hire for £10 per day. Please let us know in advance if you need to hire equipment.
The course runs from 9am-5pm each day. Mornings typically focus on paddling techniques, while afternoons involve leadership practice and rescue scenarios. Each day ends with a debrief session to review progress and provide personalised feedback. The schedule may vary based on river conditions and weather.
We closely monitor weather and water conditions to ensure safety. If conditions are unsuitable for a particular river or activity, we will move to an alternative location or adjust the schedule as needed. We aim to provide a productive learning experience in all conditions, prioritising safety at all times.
Yes, you’ll need to bring your own packed lunches, snacks, and water each day. Accommodation is not included in the course fee, but we can assist in recommending local places to stay, such as bunkhouses, lodges, or campsites near the training location. Many participants choose to share accommodation to reduce costs.
Absolutely. Throughout the course, you’ll receive continuous, personalised feedback from Andrew or one of his experienced team members. This feedback will help you refine your paddling technique and leadership skills, ensuring you’re on track for certification.
If by the end of the course you or our instructors feel that you’re not ready for the formal assessment, you can defer it until you feel more confident. We’ll provide honest feedback on your progress and areas for improvement, and you can take the assessment when you’re fully prepared.
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About the centre
Buckfastleigh, Devon
Operated by ABC Kayaking, a partner of adventuro.
