Performance awards help you to measure your capabilities and provide a structured pathway for progression. The British Canoeing discipline-specific awards were introduced in response to an overwhelming desire by paddlers to benchmark their skills and progression against a consistent range of criteria. There are three levels of sea kayaking competences. Each one corresponds to a range of wind and sea conditions as well as other factors. The awards offer you a superb opportunity to showcase your capabilities and gain certificated recognition. There’s no pre-registration and they are open to all – you do not need to be a member of British Canoeing
The awards are not a formal prerequisite to either of the British Canoeing leadership qualifications. However, before enrolling on any leadership training, or registering for assessment I would strongly recommend using these awards to check that your personal skills are up to scratch. The Coastal and Advanced awards are virtually identical to the two corresponding leadership awards – the only real difference is there is no expectation that you can formally manage a group. If you plan to become a leader, you should be at least as good as the people you’re leading.
You can ask to be assessed at any level – the awards do not need to be taken sequentially. If you believe your existing skill set matches a specific level, book a day with me and we’ll find out if your perception is in tune with current reality.
I’ve allocated a simple “F” factor to each award, so for example F4 equates to Beaufort Force 4. The Beaufort scale is used in shipping forecasts and is the universal system used worldwide by seafarers. If you don’t know what it is yet, learn it!
Now let’s take a closer look at each award.
Sea Kayak Award
You have moved from someone who needed a bit of looking after to a competent sea kayaker in up to F3 conditions. This is a great standard to achieve. You are:
- a useful person to have along on group trips.
- able to control your kayak well.
- clear about what equipment you need to carry and can use it effectively.
- able to provide useful support to other group members under supervision and guidance from qualified leaders.
Download the award description by clicking here Sea Kayak Award PDF
Coastal Sea Kayak Award
Fully competent in moderate (F4) conditions. You are:
- an independent paddler with well-developed personal skills – able to take care of yourself in most circumstances.
- skilled at planning and executing a day out along the coast, and having good understanding of what equipment you need to cover all eventualities.
- capable of providing useful effective support to other paddlers without the need for direct supervision
Download the award description by clicking on this link Coastal Sea Kayak Award
Advanced Sea Kayak Award
The highest level of competence. You are:
- capable in advanced (F5+) conditions, able to plan and execute trips along exposed coasts, including areas of tidal races, rough water and challenging surf.
- able to control your kayak with a high degree of expertise, can rescue yourself and others, and your seamanship and navigation skills are of the highest standard.
- a valuable asset to any group, capable of providing excellent support to qualified leaders in advanced conditions.
Download the award description by clicking on this link Advanced Sea Kayak Award
To book a personal performance assessment or to ask for further information just click below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.