British Canoeing EXPLORE Award

Cost includes your Paddle UK British Canoeing certificate.

Dates
11 July 2026

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
1 day - start 08.45 am and finish at 16.45

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 have a group of Scouts, club members or friends and want to run your own 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, the 4th longest in Britain with structured 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, Paddle and Camp the River Tweed. We have a range of paddlesport courses, so 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 Paddle UK’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, 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