Skills and Coaching
We aim to increase the skill and enjoyment of our members through the provision of high-quality, low-cost coaching. This is both informal during outings and also through training sessions aimed at honing the skills required by the BCU Star Awards.
To see what coaching opportunities are currently available, have a look at our forthcoming events.
Is the Star Award system for you?
While everyone can benefit from coaching, you don't need any qualifications to be a good paddler. If, however, you require formal evidence of paddling ability, perhaps to organise group activities, progression through the BCU Star Awards is necessary. The Awards are also a prerequisite for becoming an accredited Coach.
The first three Star Awards are designed to develop paddling skills, so that by the end of the 3-star award you can, in the words of the BCU, consider yourself to be an intermediate paddler rather than a beginner. The four- and five-star awards are designed to enhance a broad range of leadership skills so that you can safely and effectively paddle with a group on any type of water.
The table below provides links to information about the BCU's Star Awards, but for full details you should check the BCU's website.
| Award | Syllabus | Trainer's notes | Assessor's notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 star |  |
|
|
| 2 star | |
|
|
| 3 star General |
|
|
|
| 3 star Touring | |
|
|
| 4 star | |
|
|
| 5 star | |
|
|
Remember that whether or not you want to gain formal awards, high-quality coaching will improve your skills, open new paddling options and increase your enjoyment of canoeing!