BCU kayak courses
Paddle awards
Our sea kayak courses in Greece include BCU Paddle awards.
These courses consist of a series of progressive levels. Certificates are awarded by the British Canoe Union (BCU) and aimed at younger paddlers.
The levels cover all aspects of paddlesport. From personal skills and boat handling to looking after yourself and your friends and are a great way for under 16’s to get into paddlesport.
The Paddlepower program is split into 3 progressive courses consisting of a number of levels.
We offer the paddle start, paddle discover and paddle explore.
It is possible to work through some or all of these levels while here on holiday.
Your child will receive a progress card that will be filled in by the coach after each session, once the card is complete simply send it off to the BCU for their certificate.
Don’t worry if they do not manage it to complete the whole card while your here.
Your child can take their progress card to their local kayak club and continue when they get home.
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Paddle Start
– Your first time on the water ‘having a go’! A fun and enjoyable practical session, introducing you to paddlesport.
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Paddle Discover
– Taking you on the next steps towards becoming an independent paddler, for a fun and safe time on the water. Developing an understanding of the factors which affect your paddling; developing your decision making and practical skills, giving you confidence on the water..
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Paddle Explore
– Your Explore Award gives you ownership; allowing you to choose where you move next in the world of paddlesport.
For further information see the BCU Paddle Awards
Personal Performance Awards
Why not join us in Greece where the water is warm and clear, no need for dry suits! The area around Skopelos provides perfect locations and conditions for you to improve your sea kayaking skills.
The BCU’s awards sea kayak courses are aimed at over 16’s with no upper age limit.
These awards are Sea Kayak Award, Coastal SKA and Advanced SKA.
The Sea Kayak Award is general award that require a wide selection of different boats, sea kayaks, sit on tops, open canoes and whitewater kayaks.
We only have sea kayaks so at this time are not able to offer these awards. BCU SKA
The Coastal SKA are discipline specific.
We offer CSKA at our Skopelos base in Greece.
You can have as many days of sea kayak coaching as you wish to prepare you for your assessment, or you can go straight for assessment if you feel ready.
At CSKA level you are expected to have the skills to be a useful member of a small group, these include personal paddling skills, carrying out rescues and rescuing yourself in the event of a capsize and basic navigation. BCU CSKA
The Advanced SKA courses endorses your judgment, decision making and expertise and requires a good understanding of paddling on the sea. You should be confident planning and undertaking journeys on the sea in winds up to and including force 4 and/or tides up to 2 Knots, in a sea kayak or specific sit on tops in tidal or non-tidal environments. Your confidence should be based upon both proficiency in skills and a broad appreciation of surroundings and environmental context. Your award should be seen as a sound basis for independently building the experience and expertise we associate with Advanced Sea Kayak Award holders. BCU ASKA
BCU Aquatic First Aid
This BCU first aid course runs over 2 days and is a pre requisite for personal performance award assessment and coaching awards.
Weighted towards water related incidents this first aid course is a must for anyone working in the kayak world.
Once completed the certificate is valid for 3 years.
BCU Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning (CNTP)
This BCU sea kayak course is a pre requisite for the 4 star training.
Learn how to plan your trip, navigate and check the weather and tides.
Ideal for coastal journeys and short crossings.
Sea Kayak Rolling Course
What better place to learn this skill than in Greece! The water’s warm and crystal clear, the sun’s shining, beautiful beaches to relax on and traditional tavernas for home cooked food with friends.
Whether your starting from scratch or you are a rolling god that occasionally has problems!
Our sea kayak courses aimed at rolling are fun and anyone can have a go.
We find the best way to learn is to break down the sessions into small bite size chunks. Then we spread the coaching throughout the day.
After all there is only so much water you can fit in your nose!
We do provide nose clips by the way!!
We can either set up a rolling course designed for you or you can join one of our day trips and have a go at several points through the trip.
What ever option you feel is best for your learning style we can accommodate it, after all the is Greece, where everything is easy going and laid back!
Sea kayak courses for Improving your skills
Whether you’ve been kayaking for ever or this is your first go we can offer progressive sea kayak courses tailored to your needs.
There are two main approaches.
We can assess your abilities and make adjustments as necessary.
If you have particular areas that you feel are weak we will concentrate on those.
Very often in the summer we can find more dynamic areas around Skopelos. This is perfect for progressive coaching.
We have sea kayaks designed for expeditions, maneuvering and surfing.
Our paddles also come with different blade shapes and lengths.
You can try as many different combinations as you want to find which works best for you.
For more information about our courses in Greece contact us.
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