Paddlesport & Education

Paddlesport is a challenging activity in an environment that opens up many new experiences for children and young people. It can provide them with the opportunity to:

• Take responsibility for developing themselves in a different type of controlled environment

• Experience outdoor activities

• Mix with other children from different backgrounds

• Learn new skills

How to get started
There are a number of types of paddlesport experience children can enjoy.
These include

The Bell Boat

• A great way to get 12 children afloat at one time

• Good for developing teamwork.

• A very stable craft.

• A teacher can become qualified to helm the boat after a short half-day course - no paddling skills or experience required!!

• Ideal for a larger stretch of water or river

• An excellent floating classroom

Open Canoes

•  Can fit 3-4 in one boat or up to 8 in two rafted together

•  Good for developing team work

•  Stable when rafted together

•  Will fit into a swimming pool!

• Requires teacher to be qualified to BCU Level 1 Coach to operate in a swimming pool or sheltered lake

Kayaks

• Provide opportunity for youngster to take responsibility for themselves

• Encourages independence

• Can be used on any type of water, from swimming pools to rivers

• Usually one child per kayak (although there are 2 & 4 person kayaks)

• Need  a coach qualified to level 1 to lead the group in a swimming pool or sheltered lake.

WCA Value - Added Support

The WCA have a number of Paddlesport Development Officers (PDOs) who can give further help and guidance. They can help you to:

• involve your school in canoeing

• link into your Paddlesport community

• Run BCU award schemes