British Canoeing EXPLORE Award

This course is training and assessment for the EXPLORE award. It recognises your ability to independently paddle your chosen craft in a sheltered water environment.

£185 per person

17th and 18th May 2025 or 23rd and 24th August 2025.

What's Included

Craft
Buoyancy Aid
Basic Map
Dry Bag
Professional Coaches
Certification Fee
Activity Equipment

We also have some back support for those with back problems

What else we can provide on request

Waterproofs
Hire of Wetsuits
Hire of Drysuits

Cost includes your Paddle UK British Canoeing certificate.

Dates

17th and 18th May 2025 or 23rd and 24th August 2025.

Requirements

Suitable for ages 12+ Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult 21 years and over. Participants should be confident paddling flat water with the basic ability to manoeuvre their craft or board. You can choose to complete this course using a Canoe, Kayak, or Stand Up Paddleboard. You do not need to have completed your DISCOVER Award to achieve the EXPLORE Award. Course Ratio is 1:6

Timings

2 Days - start 08.45 am and finish at 15.30

Included

Craft
Equipment
Buoyancy Aid
Dry Bag (if needed)
Certificate

What you will need to bring

Bring comfortable clothing such as gym wear, shorts, a t-shirt or wetsuit, along with a pair of water shoes, or old trainers. Bring a towel and a change of clothes. No special equipment or clothing is required.

Location:

We have the perfect river location for paddlesports such as canoeing, kayaking and SUPs on the River Great Ouse, at Kempston Outdoor Centre near Bedford. It is well situated just 30 minutes from Milton Keynes, an hour North of London and half way between Cambridge and Oxford.

If you hare a group of Scouts, club members or friends and want to run your ownn dedicated course then drop us an email

Award Details

Now you’re ready to Explore! Your Explore Award gives you ownership; allowing you to choose where you move next in the world of paddlesport. Working with a coach you will be able to develop a programme that suits what you need. Learning to make confident choices with this individualised approach. This award recognises your ability to independently paddle your chosen craft in a sheltered water environment.

The awards take place on sheltered water on our local river, The River Great Ouse, 4th longest in Britain with structure coaching in bite-sized chunks. We also offer some awards as part of our expeditions and trips to other locations such as the Yukon River Canoe Expedition, Best of Scotland Canoe Trip, and trips to other locations. We have a range of paddlesport courses, If you need a bespoke course such as a group introduction to bigger moving water or expedition training then please contact us.

The New Personal Performance Awards (Paddle Awards) are British Canoeing’s pathway to becoming a competent paddler from Novice to Intermediate and then onwards to more advanced water and techniques. The syllabus allows for a personalized journey to develop core skills to feel confident and safe on sheltered water in a kayak or canoe or stand-up paddleboard.
If for any reason, dates may need to change at Canoe Trail's discretion. This will be notified in advance.

What does it involve?
There’s a strong emphasis on independence with this award, and the Explore award will fill in the gaps of knowledge you might have 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

What next?
Completed your Explore Award session? Great! You’re ready to get out and have some fun! As a starting point, why not think about:

Head out on a Paddle Trail
Plan a multi-day adventure
Make use of your new-found planning skills and create your own adventure.
Become an instructor, coach or leader – find that path that suits you and develop your skills further!

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

Hire FAQ's

What's the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

If you're not sure of what each craft is, then read our guide here.

Are the trips guided?

There are no guides or instructors needed for hire. This is simply a hire where you paddle out and back to our launch point. We recommend our preferred route, however, you are free-range and able to explore the river.

What if it rains?

Unless you hear from us then your booking will run on the day agreed. Canoe Trail runs watersports, paddling, and adventurous activities throughout the year with people enjoying the river and our woodland campsite during the different seasons. On rare occasions (it only happens a couple of times a year) we may move or change your booking. This will be in freak weather conditions such as extremely high river flows in spate or during heavy storms with lightning. You can read our full FAQ here.

How does the booking process work?

We use a live booking system that will assign you the relevant craft and resources. Once you have confirmed your booking date, it is not then transferable and non-refundable in the same way you book an airline seat. Bookings are to be paid in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable. There will be no refunds for early returns, poor weather, or non-usage as per our general terms & conditions.

Location

Kempston Outdoor Centre, Park at the Mill Car Park upstream

Paddle UK British Canoeing Explore Award

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