The BCU Star Award scheme provides the support and encouragement paddlers need to get out and go explore the exciting possibilities of paddlesport. The 1 and 2 Star Awards are generic to both kayaking and canoeing, encouraging paddlers to experience the various disciplines of paddlesport, 3 Star specialises and 4 and 5 Star are leadership awards enabling paddlers to lead groups in appropriate conditions. The Star Award Scheme best suits paddlers aged 16 and over.
The scheme is developed around the needs of today’s paddlers, with direction taken from the findings of the BCU Paddlesport Review, BCU Long-term Paddler Development Review and reflects current best practice as defined by the paddlesport leading experts.
All the following courses provide you with a personalised action plan, designed to guide you towards a successful outcome and ongoing development. Sweetwater Coaching can deliver the following BCU courses all over the UK and abroad;
3 Star Awards White Water Training
Get yourself of to a flying start in your new sport. This course provides the building blocks to become a white waterpaddler. The aim is to provide you with the tools to be able to be a competent performer in sheltered to moderate (Grade 2) water environments and have the ability to paddle unsupervised, with similar standard paddlers. At the end of the course you will receive a personalized action plan, designed to guide you towards a successful assessment.
The Learning Outcomes:
- Understanding the core principles of boat control in unstable environments.
- Rolling techniques and how this works in a moving water environment.
- Establishing the link between paddling techniques and tactic.
- Personal risk management and Group Awareness.
- Essential rescue techniques for moving water enviroments.
Further information » 3 Star White Water Training Synopsis PDF
Pre requisites: Ideally be able to swim and 2 star or demonstration of equivalent ability.
3 Star Award White Water Assessments
This 1 day assessment makes sure that your group skills and personal paddling on Grade 2 are up to 3 star standard. Successful performance at this level indicates that the paddler has the knowledge and ability to paddle on white water as part of a led group. This award also serves as a pre-requisite for UKCC level 2 Coach Assessments.
The Assessment Overview:
- Evidence of having paddled a small variety of rivers
- Understanding fundamental paddling concepts
- Demonstrate fluent, controlled paddling on grade 1 and 2 moving water.
- Understanding river dynamics and selecting suitable lines.
- Demonstrate safe paddling through group and enviromental awarness.
Further information » 3 Star White Water Assessment Synopsis PDF
Pre requisites: Evidence of having paddled on grade 2 water.
4 Star Awards White Water Training
This 2 day course provides essential skills to safely paddle and lead other competent paddlers on sections of moderate water. Our aim is to give you all the skills required to paddle the river in a fluent dynamic manner, whilst being one step ahead of the rivers demands.
This is the appropriate course for those wanting to guide groups on white water and develop a sound understanding of the skills required to lead in Grade 2(3) environments. During the training course you will coached on the latest river running and leadership techniques whilst gaining a range of self-coaching tools to continue your development after the course.
The Learning Outcomes:
- Dynamic river running skills on grade 3 rivers
- Boat and bank based safety and rescue skills
- Boat and bank based recovery of equipment
- Incident managment and rescue skills
- Leadership strategies, judgement and decision-making
Pre-requisites: 3 star or demonstration of equivalent ability. The minimum age for this award is 16.
Further information » 4 Star White Water Leader Training Synopsis PDF
4 Star Awards White Water Assessment
This 2 day assessment makes sure that your group skills and personal paddling on Grade 2/3 are up to 4 star standard. Successful assessment at this level indicates that the paddler can consider themselves white water leaders on Grade 2 white water. They demonstrate competent leadership on moving waters and have the knowledge and ability to lead a group trip down a Grade 2/3 river.
Assessment Requirements Overview:
- The ability to pre-plan trips and select appropriate equipment for the acitivity.
- Confident skillful paddling on grade 2/3 white water, whilst showing the ability to identify hazards and choose suitable lines.
- Demonstrate skillful application of appropriate boat and bank based rescues including the safe recovery of equipment.
- Demonstrate the ability to safely lead a small group of competent paddlers on grade 2, whilst ensuring swift decision making and clear communication.
Further information » 4 Star White Water Leader Assessor Synopsis PDF » BCU Registration Pre-requisites (V3-5) » BCU Leadership Registration Guidance Notes (V1-2) » BCU Leadership Registration (LR) Form (V1-0) » BCU Leadership Medical Declaration Form (V1-0).
Pre-requisites: A current first aid certificate, relevant 3 Star or demonstration of equivalent ability and evidence of attending a 4 star training course. The minimum age for this award is 18.
5 Star Awards White Water Training
This 2 day course provides an advanced foundation of skills required to maximise your enjoyment of the river and accelerate your learning curve. This is the appropriate course for those wanting to become white water guides and develop a sound understanding of the skills required to lead in advanced environments. During the training course you will be coached on the latest river running and leadership techniques whilst gaining a range of self-coaching tools to continue your development after your time spent with us.
Learning Outcomes:
- Planning advanced white water trips and organising equipment and logistics.
- Establish a foundation of advanced leadership and river running skills.
- White water anatomy and operating in advanced environments.
- Scouting in advance environments to identify safe and realistic lines.
- Boat and bank based rescue skills for advanced environments.
Further information » 5 Star White Water Leader Training Synopsis PDF
Pre-requisites: Relevant 4 Star Award or equivalent skills. The minimum age for this course is 16.
5 Star Awards White Water Assessment
A 2 day assessment looking at leadership and personal skills on water up to grade 4(5). This is a non-interventionist assessment providing opportunity for you do demonstrate leadership and personal skills in an open and motivating environment.
Successful performance at this level indicates that a candidate has entered the top level of performance, involving a high level of personal skill and leadership in advanced situations. It is a leadership award and the appropriate test for paddlers who wish to lead groups of paddlers on advanced river journeys in white water kayaks. The five star leader has the skills and judgment to select appropriate river trips for paddlers with a range of experience.
Assessment Requirements Overview:
- Fluent and decisive paddling whilst using or avoiding features to aid descent.
- Appropriate leadership strategies, judgement and decision-making.
- Group leadership of both experienced and inexperienced advanced environment paddlers.
- Demonstrate skilful application of approriate bank and boat base rescue skills.
- Effective team leader and team member in rescues and incident management.
Further information » 5 Star White Water Leader Assessor Synopsis PDF
Pre-requisites: A current first aid award and relevant 4 Star Award. At least 1 day of training in each of the following areas; Personal Paddling, Leadership, Safety/Rescue. The minimum age for this award is 18.
