British Canoeing Paddle UK Guide Modules

Canoe Trail is an approved provider of the qualification and has practical experience of rescues from years of experience. Our courses provide access to our professional coaching team and tutors, the very best kit on the market with Silver Birch canoes, Red Paddle Co boards, as well as Jobe Paddlesports.

British Canoeing Awarding Body Guide Module Outlines

Each module will be 8 hours in length, delivered via specific venues with well established and experienced Guides offering best current practice within the environment of guiding. British Canoeing Awarding Body Guide Scheme at present offers five modules:

1. Camp Craft and Expedition Skills
2. Environmental and Sustainability
3. Leadership
4. Customer Experience
5. Trip Planning and Organisation.

NOTE:

• Modules are available to anyone.
• Guide modules will be recognised as CPD points
• Other modules will be added as the guide scheme develops.
• 3 of the 5 subject areas need to be completed or evidence produced to become an Endorsed Guide.

Module title: Trip Planning and Organisation (Expedition Planning)

Time: 8 hours

Background

Decision making for trip planning and organisation starts potentially months ahead of getting on the water. There are many factors in play over the planning timeframe, some are intangible and cannot be changed like the hazards, whilst others, like the selection of the team of paddlers, are within a guide’s control to change and influence.

Course content: 

• Pre-trip planning and research
• Expected weather conditions
• Water levels/conditions
• Remoteness; Emergency help available?
• Travel Arrangement and Political Situation
• Visas, Vaccinations and Insurance
• Telephone, Sat-phone and/or SPOT Coverage
• Dangerous Wildlife
• Single or Multiday trips
• Access Situation including permits
• Experience of the team
• Physical and psychologically demands
• Cohesion and developing this approach within a group/team 
• Additional skills required 
• Equipment requirements

Module title: Environment and Sustainability

Time: 8 hours

Background

Much of the enjoyment we derive from paddling and expeditions and time in the great outdoors is created by a thriving natural environment which we as guides have a responsibility to protect. As Guides we are ambassadors for the environment, ensuring our activities have minimal impact.

Course content:

• Potential threats and impacts of the paddler to an inland and coastal environment
• Minimising threats and impacts
• Protection of species and sites as well as associated laws, designations and codes of conduct 
• ‘Top 5 facts’ about species/habitats
• How to incorporate environmental content into trips and journeys
• Understanding the needs of other users
• Bank stability and water quality
• Riverbank erosion and disturbance of wildlife and habitats
• Spread of non-native species
• Practical measures for guides

Module title: Camp Craft and Expedition Skills

Time: 8 hours

Background

This module is aimed at British Canoeing Awarding Body Leaders wanting to expand their knowledge and experience in guiding in their chosen environment.

Course content:

• Leave no trace philosophy
• Single day trips and multi day expeditions
• Understanding the expedition’s environment
• Expedition nutrition and hydration
• Packing, loading and paddling a loaded craft
• Essential camp craft including:
• Equipment choice, stoves and fuel
• Camp safety
• Sanitation
• Wildlife considerations – bears, bugs and beasts 
• Tents and tarps
• Outdoor food hygiene

Module title: Leadership

Time: 8 hours

Background

This module is designed to follow on from the leadership principles explored within the British Canoeing Awarding Body Leadership Awards broadening the attendee’s knowledge of leadership and to get them to consider their style, how it may impact on their groups and whether it is always the best strategy.

Course content:

• Influences on leadership behaviors
• Your leadership behavior
• Leadership style
• Challenge v control
• Leader – decision making

Why do the Guide Modules and Guide Endorsement Scheme?

Its a learning for life experience, developing leadership skills to a breadth and depth to help make better decisions leading in wilderness areas. Rich  and Ash have completed over 15,000 miles of expeditions and adventures. www.richadventure.com

*Dates may need to change at Canoe Trail's discretion; this will be notified in advance.

Reviews

Very satisfied with the coaching expertise on offer at Canoe Trail. Learned a lot in one session. Great location, too, well worth driving 40mins to get to for kit & competence.

-- Andrea