The programme covers both canoeing and kayaking skills leading to the British Canoe Union's (BCU) level 1 coach award.

In the first 3 weeks in Spain you will receive 1 week of kayak training including a daily rolling clinic. In the warm waters of the Mediterranean you will be happy to get wet, which is half the battle when it comes to capsizes and developing your roll. By the time you return to the UK you should be a comfortable 2 star kayak padder leaving you plenty of time to transfer your skills to the canoe. The introduction phase will include basic paddle strokes, rescue skills and using the correct equipment. You will then progress onto the BCU's star award scheme. Using this syllabus we will teach you the finer details of paddle strokes giving you greater control of your boat. You will also learn about planning river journeys and leadership techniques on the water. The places we paddle will become more varied and challenging as your skills increase. Staring on local lakes we will progress to placid rivers and tidal estuaries, you will also complete a 2-3 day canoe expedition.

You will  be trained in canoe/kayak safety and rescue methods before going onto the Foundation Safety and Rescue. This involves rescue of your self and others in a number of water scenarios, use of throw lines, emergency first aid and dealing with casualties in a boat.

Once you have achieved the BCU's 2 star award in both kayak and canoe you will be able to attend the UKCC Level 1 coach award training and assessment as set out by the BCU. At this point you will be ready to complete our 5 day white water and surf kayak phase. Here you will experience the thrill of fast moving water, rapids and  waves. This river and sea environments are much more dynamic than placid water and so demand sharper skills and greater focus.

This also ties in with the BCU 3 star award which is your next step with us. For those that achieve the 3 star level you will also be able to attend the Level 2 coach training course within the programme.