Paddle Safer Course
If you’re a new or novice paddler and want to raise your awareness of paddling safely, then the Paddle Safer is for you!
It’ll help you develop a better understanding of how to be safe when taking to the water.
During this award, your instructor will work with you to develop your knowledge around equipment and environmental factors, as well as practical rescues, giving you confidence on the water.
What is the Paddle Safer Award?
The Paddle Safer award is exactly what it says on the tin. This practical course gives you top tips and considerations to support you to paddle safer. Over the two hours, you will learn how to choose appropriate equipment. You will also develop an understanding of the factors which affect your paddling, such as the environment.
During the session, you will develop your knowledge, experience and ability to plan your paddles and trips. It will highlight what to expect and look out for, based on the places you paddle. You will practice a range of rescue techniques, and learn how to support each other and explore possible solutions to common mishaps.
Who is Paddle Safer for?
It is for anyone of any age who wants to develop their awareness and skills on the water. You don’t need any previous experience to take your Paddle Safer Award, just the desire for fun and learning! You can use any craft, including kayaks and stand up paddleboards.
What is covered in the Paddle Safer Award?
1. Clothing and equipment information, it covers everything you need to know to physically get yourself on the water, covering all the types of equipment you’ll need, as well as any additional safety equipment you could consider.
2. The paddling environment, you will discuss and observe the sheltered water environment, based on the places you usually paddle, as well as what to look out for with the changing weather forecast.
3. Learn to plan your journey, with top tips around what to expect and look out for, considering your experience and ability.
4. The fun bit, practicing your rescues, you’ll learn about how to stay safe and make the most out of your paddling session, providing practical solutions if you get into difficulty, how to support each other and call for help.
Paddle Safer Overview
Minimum age – 8 years
Duration – 2 hours
Prerequisites – No prerequisite
Cost: Free to club members (non-club members – £20 per person)
Location: Fall Ings Lock / Stanley Ferry
*more dates will be available soon
In the event of bad weather, a session may be cancelled or rearranged. The decision will depend on the severity of the weather and its potential impact on safety and the ability to deliver the course effectively.
Depending on the circumstances, a refund or credit for a future session may be offered.
Certification
Attendance certificates are issued to candidates on completion of the Paddle Safer course.
If you are interested, please contact us.
Paddle Safer course – available soon
Paddle Awards – available soon