Linked Pool sessions ran from September 2011 to end of March 2012 and paddlers are now sorted into 3 ability streams for the summer. These are: – 1*/Passport; 2*/Discover; 3*/Explore. Robin runs 1*/Passport training for beginners; Colin runs 3*/Explore training for experienced paddlers and we share the 2*/Discover training.
The star awards (1*, 2*, 3*) are for those aged 16 and over and the Paddle Power awards (Passport, Discover, Explore) are for those aged 15 and under but there is leeway to move that age line for individuals. Each award allows the paddler to achieve a set level of personal skills but parents should note that the differences between the commitment required at each level are large.
Parents might also wish to note that achieving an award is not an aim in itself and we do not treat them as such. The whole point of gaining personal awards is to demonstrate sufficient skills to be allowed access to different levels of trips which is really what paddling is all about. We learn our skills so that we can then venture on lochs, rivers and seas and have great adventures. Paddling is about adventure – not bits of paper.
From April through to September all our paddling is outdoors and we usually have something happening a one level or another every week-end and most Wednesday evenings. There will be some coaching only sessions – eg learning to paddle the new race boats – but most are trips of varying degrees of difficulty with a bit of coaching thrown in. The emphasis is on self-discovery. Participation in trips is decribed in detail in the Club Trips Policy . Ability, size, age, skill level and personal kit as well as coach selection will all determine if you can take part in an outdoor trip or not. There are separate pages of this website that details trips – 1 page for all paddlers and 1 page for Juniors Only trips..
I have arranged external training this year:
Foundation Safety and Rescue Training is the first level of rescue training and is a one day long course. It is mandatory for those who wish to become a Level 1 Coach and extremely helpful if you are aiming for a 3* personal skills qualification. It’s also great fun and good for your paddling generally. 6 per course.
- Course 1: Wed 9 May/Wed16 May 1800-2100 each night – Colin, Robin, Tamara, Dawn, Marco, Maddie.
- Course 2: Wed 6 June/Wed 13 Jun 1800-2100 each night – Chris, Blair, Gill, Michael, Kyle, Jim.
- Reserve – Duncan.
3* Touring Training and Assessment. A week-end with an external coach who will give us two days to offer specific 3* Touring training and, if paddlers are good enough (which most of you are) make a formal assessment. 6 per course.
- Course 1: Sat 19 May/Sun 20 May 0900-1700 each day – Chris, Blair, Marco, Maddie., Tamara, Dawn
- Course 2: Sat 25 Aug/Sun 26 Aug 0900-1700 each day – Tom, David, Michael, Kyle,
- 2 spaces remain for 25/26 Aug
Level 1 Coach. Candidates are Dawn, Chris, Maddie and Tamara. Level 1 Coaching is usually 2 full week-ends (ie 4 days) and includes an assessment. To do this you must be 16 or over at the time of the course, have completed FSRT, hold a least a 2* or Paddlepower Discover personal skills award and be a member of the Scottish Canoe Association. We do not have enough candidates to run a club course but Robin and I are on the look-out for courses run by SCA providers and will keep you posted. I am aiming for September.
