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Learn to Kayak as a Family - Explore Award

Learn to Kayak as a Family - Explore Award

Learn to Kayak as a Family - 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?
The Explore Award will make you more independent on the water, be better prepared to go on self-guided adventures and teaches you to control your craft and stay safe on the water. With this award, you can take ownership of decisions and learn to make confidence choices, based on the places you 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?
Our family courses are designed to enable you and your family to learn to kayak together.  Children must be at least 7 years old. For courses specifically for young people or adults looking to learn to kayak may wish to take a look at our Youth Kayaking Courses and Adult Kayaking Courses.

How long is the course?
We can run this course as a series of evening sessions or over two days.  The recommended time to complete the course is between 12 and 14 hours including an assessment.  For a list of specific dates and timings of a particular course, please select the highlighted dates on the calendar.  If no calendar exists, we are always happy to run a course specifically tailored to your availability, just give us a call.  
Please note, each highlighted date on the calendar is the start date of each course.

Are there any prerequisites? 
Yes, participants must have completed a Discover Award.  Completion of the old "PaddlePower Passport Course" or "British Canoeing 1* personal competence award" is also acceptable certification to enrol on the Explore Award.

What will we 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 we 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 we 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? £140 per person

What's next?
Completed your Explore Award? Great! Check out our Advanced Kayaking Club
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