The week is designed to prepare paddlers for the Paddle UK Touring Leader qualification. It combines practical training and assessment to enhance your skills and knowledge in a range of craft and environments. Whether you prefer sea kayaking, SUP, or open canoeing, this course will guide you through various water conditions and help you gain the confidence to lead others safely.
During the development week, you'll gradually build on your skills while gaining exposure to various environments. The course will start with a focus on safety, planning, and the basics of mixed-craft leadership. You'll then move on to more hands-on training in different conditions, including inland rivers, sheltered coastal areas, and lakes, progressively working your way towards more challenging situations.
As you grow more confident in your abilities, you'll also participate in a comprehensive rescue course, designed to give you the tools and knowledge for handling emergencies. The final days of the week are dedicated to assessing your skills, with the opportunity to receive feedback on your readiness for the official Paddle UK assessment.
The course takes place in and around Buckfastleigh, Devon, offering access to both the River Dart and various coastal environments. The area is well-known as a hub for paddlers and provides the ideal conditions to work through the full scope of the Paddle Sport Touring Leader award.
You’ll experience everything from calm lakes to moving rivers and sheltered coastal areas, ensuring you're prepared for any paddling scenario.
Participants should have prior paddling experience and a good level of competence in at least one craft (SUP, sea kayak, sit-on-top, or open canoe).
You should be comfortable in a variety of water conditions and capable of managing basic rescue techniques. Having your own equipment is essential, although craft can be hired for an additional fee.
This development week is led by experts with decades of experience in paddling across a range of conditions, from inland rivers to coastal waters. The course is designed to be both practical and educational, ensuring participants receive personal feedback and guidance. The combination of high-quality instruction and the opportunity to assess your readiness throughout the week makes it an excellent choice for those wanting to gain the Paddle Sport Touring Leader qualification.
In addition, our flexible approach ensures that the pressure of an official assessment is removed until you're fully prepared. If you’re ready for the assessment, we'll guide you through the process and help you feel confident when it’s time to take the next step.
This course is ideal for experienced paddlers who already have a basic competence in one or more paddling crafts.
It is specifically designed for those who wish to develop their leadership skills in paddling and gain the knowledge needed to lead groups safely across a variety of environments. If you’re looking to pursue the Paddle UK Touring Leader qualification, this course provides the preparation needed.
The Paddle Sport Touring Leader Development Week is a 5-day course designed to prepare paddlers for the Paddle UK Touring Leader qualification.
It focuses on leading groups in various craft (SUP, sea kayak, sit-on-top, or open canoe) and navigating a wide range of environments such as rivers, lakes, and sheltered coastlines.
The course includes practical training, a rescue course, and the opportunity for assessment at the end of the week.
Yes, you need to bring your own equipment, which includes a suitable paddle craft (SUP, sea kayak, sit-on-top, or open canoe), personal flotation device (PFD), paddle, and other necessary safety gear.
If you don't have your own craft, you can hire one for £30 per day, but please inform us beforehand to ensure availability.
You are free to use any craft you prefer, including SUP, sea kayak, sit-on-top, or open canoe. The course is designed to cover a range of craft so you can work on your leadership skills in various conditions.
You can choose to use a single type of craft or switch between them depending on your comfort level and the conditions.
The course includes an optional assessment on the final days. If you are ready for the assessment, the cost is £125 (half-price). The assessment takes place in any craft of your choice, and you will be required to demonstrate your leadership ability and rescue skills.
If you pass the assessment, you will gain the Paddle UK Touring Leader qualification. If you're unsure about whether you're ready, the course allows for feedback throughout, so you'll know if you're meeting the standards before the assessment.
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About the centre
Buckfastleigh, Devon
Operated by ABC Kayaking, a partner of adventuro.
