British Canoeing Paddle Safer Award

The Paddle Safer course gives both new and novice paddlers, the opportunity to develop their safety skills when taking to the water

The Go Paddling Paddle Safer course has been designed for anyone new, or relatively inexperienced, too paddling. It is for anyone wanting to gain knowledge and raise their awareness of paddling safely in a sheltered water environment, in or on the craft that they paddle. Typical craft would include kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, sit on tops and inflatables

The course is based on learning and, as such, the ethos of ‘supporting the paddler’ is the main focus of the course. Encouraging individuals to consider where they paddle, the equipment they use and providing practical solutions if they get into difficulty. The course covers 4 key modules:

• Equipment
• Environmental factors
• Planning
• Rescues

No experience is required and, if you have your own craft, we strongly recommend that you bring it to use. We go through safety checks as part of the course, and retain the right to refuse you to use it, but it is good to know what you can do with your own equipment.

If you wish to expand your paddling skills, take a look at the our Paddlesport page.