Skip to main content

We use cookies to improve your experience on our websites and for advertising. Privacy Statement

We use essential cookies to improve your experience on our websites. Privacy Statement

Manage Cookie Preferences

Required

We use required cookies to perform essential website functions. For example, they’re used to log you in, save your language preferences, provide a shopping basket experience, improve performance, route traffic between web servers, detect the size of your screen, determine page load times, improve user experience and for audience measurement. These cookies are necessary for our websites to work.

View Privacy Policy
Menu

* Learn to Kayak After School - Explore Award *

* Learn to Kayak After School - Explore Award *













Things have changed!  British Canoeing, the governing body for kayaking and paddlesports, have improved the pathways for young people and adults for learning how to kayak.  The NEW "Discover Award" and "Explore Award" aim to simplify the journey from first stepping foot in a kayak, to becoming a knowledgeable, safe and independent kayaker.

What is the Explore Award?
If young people want to become independent on the water, go on self-guided adventures and know how to control their craft and stay safe on the water, this is the award for you. With this award, young people will take ownership of their own decisions and learn to make confident choices, based on the places they paddle. The Explore Award is the progressive award of the Discover Award. If you've never been paddling before, it might be worth starting with the Discover Award.
 
Who is it for?
This course is for young people aged between 8 and 16 looking to progress and develop their kayaking skill set. Older enthusiasts looking to learn to improve their skills , may wish to take a look at our Explore Award for young adults.

How long is the course?
The course will run for the length of half a term as a series of weekly sessions.  The recommended time to complete the course is between 12 and 14 hours including an assessment.  The length of weekly sessions will vary depending on the length of the school term, so please be sure to check the timings carefully.  For a list of specific dates and timings of a particular course, please select the highlighted dates on the calendar.  
Please note, each highlighted date on the calendar is the start date of each course.

Are there any prerequisites? 
Yes, participants must have completed the Discover Award.  Completion of the old "PaddlePower Passport Course" is also acceptable certification to enroll on the Explore Award.

What will they learn?
There's a strong emphasis on independence with this award, and the Explore award will fill in the gaps of knowledge that may exist so you can get out paddling safely on an adventure! The award covers areas like:
 
  • On the water etiquette and how to share the space with other water users
  • Different environments you can paddle (lakes, rivers, canals, estuaries)
  • Controlling your kayak, canoe or SUP safely
  • Clothing and equipment needs for different environments and weather
  • Safe exploration
 
Do I get a certificate?
Yes.  The course includes an assessment which will take place during the last week of the course.  Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive an "e-certificate".  Make sure to register your email address correctly upon booking to ensure you receive the certificate!
 
What should I bring?
We will provide all the equipment including all personal safety equipment. We recommend appropriately gripped water shoes or trainers, light sportswear, trousers/shorts or swimming shorts, a waterproof/windproof jacket, additional top layers and of course, spares of everything! Wetsuits can be appropriate but only for planned wet sessions.

How much does it cost? Please select a highlighted date for the cost of the course.  This includes the cost of assessment and certification.

What's next?
Completed your Explore Award? Great! Check out our Advanced Kayak Club.
Manage Cookies