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- Master paddling three types of craft: kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard (SUP)
- Duration: 8 days in a Co-Ed environment in conjunction with Newquay Activity Centre
- Learn all the skills you need to pass the Paddlesport Leader Award assessment
- Your ticket towards a job in the outdoor industry… or simply an opportunity for personal development
This qualification opens up endless opportunities, from teaching kayaking on the Swedish lakes to taking groups around the golden shores of the Med. You’ll sharpen your paddling skills in beautiful Cornish locations, boosting your competency across three types of craft – kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard (SUP). Arrive with lots or no previous paddling experience and leave with more employability, new friends and a brilliant personal development experience under your belt.
QUICK FACTS
- Eight-day Paddlesports Leader Development Course (7 days of training, 1 day of exam)
- A job interview for a freelance coaching role with Newquay Activity Centre and Women + Waves
- Classroom-based theory and practical sessions at both coastal and river locations
- Free use of all equipment, including kayaks, canoes, SUPs, Rip Curl wetsuits and boots
- Our HQ is located close to numerous accommodation options (recommendations available on request)
- Male and female changing rooms, toilets and hot outdoor showers
- On-site storage and lock boxes for your valuables
- Shadowing hours with Newquay Activity Centre and Women + Waves instructors
- Learn various instructing methods to suit different clients, plus how to communicate in different conditions and settings
- Discount card for apres surf food and drink at local cafes and restaurants
- Customer discount at Newquay’s Rip Curl store (15%)
We created our Paddlesports Leader Development Course so you can fine-tune your paddling skills – and go on to lead group trips if you choose. The eight-day, intensive programme culminates in the British Canoeing Paddlesport Leader Award assessment (a UK and internationally-recognised award) that will enable you to lead groups of paddlers safely and set you up for a job in the outdoor industry. So if teaching kayaking on the rivers of Finland or leading paddleboarding groups around the sunny shores of the Mediterranean appeals, this course is for you.
If instructing or leading group trips isn’t for you, you can skip the exam, and simply enjoy watching your paddling prowess grow.
Included:
- 7 days of training in multiple crafts (sit-on-top kayak, closed-cockpit kayak, stand-up paddleboard and canoe)
- 1-day Paddlesport Leader Award assessment
- Opportunity to pick up shadowing hours
- All equipment supplied throughout the course
- Guaranteed job interview with our partner company Newquay Activity Centre after the course
If you’ve never tried paddlesports before, we will get you up and paddling in no time, and up to speed so you can pass the assessment at the end of the course.
If you’re already a seasoned paddler, your skills will soar under the guidance of our expert team, including head coach Mark Kelly. We’ll help you brush up on everything from technical skills to group management and even public speaking. You’ll also learn about route navigation and equipment management – storage, transport and handling of kit are vital skills that will soon become second nature.
You may also be upskilling in a different type of craft to what you’re used to – our multi-discipline training focuses on kayaks (both sit-on-top and closed-cockpit versions), canoes and SUPs.
You’ll leave the course with sky-high paddling skills, and more employability – having made a bunch of new friends who love the water just as much as you.
Newquay has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. At the top end, we recommend Oceanside Hotel. It’s perfectly placed near Fistral Beach and has 28 rooms with a cool coastal style, some with balconies overlooking the surf. Plus, our guests receive a 10% discount (chat with us about this option).
For something more budget-friendly, Smarties Surf Lodge is a great, affordable option. Expect a chilled-out vibe and a range of accommodation choices, from ensuite doubles to bunk rooms with shared bathrooms.
We also recommend Lazy Waves, a small B&B with ocean views and a brilliant location near Towan Beach and the town’s shops and cafes.
Prefer to stay in your van? There is a range of campsites and touring parks within a short drive of Newquay town centre, including Trethiggey Holiday Park.
Please note that accommodation is not included in the price of the course.
Our eight-day Paddlesports Leader Development Course focuses on training you in three different types of craft (kayaks, canoes and SUPs), so you can paddle proficiently and lead safe and enjoyable group trips if you choose. It will prepare you to take people out in various conditions, on both wind-affected and slow-moving sheltered water.
The first seven days of the course are spent training. This will include time spent on the water, perfecting technical skills that go far beyond those needed to pass the exam. You’ll be upskilling in trickier conditions than the qualification requires, so expect to tick off everything from kayak surfing to open water crossings. The course will cover paddling techniques, route planning, coastal navigation and group management. You’ll also learn about water safety, including incident management and how to perform rescues.
We’ll split our time between the north and south coasts of Cornwall. Some of the course will take place near our HQ in Newquay, and the rest will be on the southern coastline. You’ll be exploring our favourite spots, surf, rivers and estuaries.
The tailored training will gear you up for the assessment on the final day of the course (Day 8). Our syllabus has been developed in line with British Canoeing and it will equip you to pass the Paddlesport Leader Award assessment. And if you don’t fancy taking the exam, you don’t have to. You’ll still leave the course having bolstered your personal safety and personal paddling skills!
Once you pass the assessment, you’ll be well placed to walk into a job as a paddlesports leader – and you’ll get a guaranteed job interview with our partners at Newquay Activity Centre to get the ball rolling.
The course is inclusive of everything you need, including the assessment at the end. We will provide all equipment (use of the different crafts, wetsuits, buoyancy aids, first aid kit etc). You will also get the opportunity to clock up your shadowing hours. You’ll have the chance to shadow Newquay Activity Centre’s paddlesports leaders on real trips – a valuable experience that will help you gain the upper hand for the exam and when it comes to leading real trips yourself.
We’ll also support you in your future career in the paddlesports industry with a pathway development plan upon completion of the course. This will involve helping you with considering where to go next, plus looking at CPD plans, future qualifications and goals.
PREREQUISITES – Essential
- Enthusiasm for paddlesports, the sea and exploring waterways
- Be 18 or over
- Be medically and physically fit
PREREQUISITES – Desirable but not essential
- Safeguarding course (this is included in your course time)
- A one-day First Aid qualification (we can offer this outside of course dates, so chat with us if you need to organise this)
- British Canoeing membership (this is included in our course fees – let us know if you’ve already got it)
POST-QUALIFICATION
Post-qualification, there is the potential to land a job as a paddlesports leader with Newquay Activity Centre or one of the other outdoor activity schools in Newquay. Or, of course, you could take your qualification anywhere in the UK as it is recognised nationally.
We’ve partnered with Newquay Activity Centre who have been delivering training courses since 2001. Here are some of the reasons why our intensive Paddlesports Leader Development Course takes away the headache of doing it on your own!
The assessment is a three-in-one whammy! By doing this one assessment, you’ll be qualified to lead trips in three different types of craft.
This is a development course that will take you from zero to hero to be able to pass the assessment. Afterwards, our pathway plan will help you do exactly what you want to do with this award.
You’ll also gain valuable industry experience. You’ll be working in and with Newquay Activity Centre, an active, working outdoor centre.
Post-course, we’ll offer you a pathway plan to help develop your next step in the industry. Whether that’s simply going off and doing something personal or working abroad, we have experience throughout the centre to help you on the exact path you want to take.
We’ll teach you soft skills and hard skills – plus extra things that are not on the syllabus but that will be an essential part of your job while you’re working in paddlesports. For instance, we’ll make sure you know how to lift and handle your craft, and how to attach them to your trailer or roof rack. You’ll get all this and more in addition to what’s on the British Canoeing syllabus.
Our partners Newquay Activity Centre takes ocean-based training awards seriously; we have the qualifications and experience to consistently maintain a high level of safety and enjoyment for every activity. We are a two-time Gold winner at the Cornwall Tourism Awards and a Gold award winner at the South West Tourism Awards. Our ocean-based instructor qualifications in Newquay are designed to help you thrive in a new and enjoyable career.
Our friendly and knowledgeable instructors are experienced in delivering coach qualifications in Cornwall whilst making them as informative and enjoyable as possible. All our instructors are highly qualified and have experience working with people from all backgrounds. We pride ourselves on inclusion and adapt our sessions to suit all ages and abilities. We’re not happy unless you’re happy, so book your ocean-based instructor qualification today for a new, enjoyable, and rewarding career!
The course is spread over eight days. In your downtime, you can borrow our equipment and practise your paddling or add extra shadowing hours. Here’s a rundown of what happens day-to-day. NB – the itinerary below is dependent on conditions and other variables, so should be used only as a guide.
DAY 1
Meet and greet, welcome to the centre and course introduction – both on the water and in the classroom. Kayaking around the Newquay coastline – introduction and skills development on all craft.
DAY 2
SUP skills development, introduction to navigation and tidal planning. Safeguarding workshop in the evening.
DAY 3
Exploring more of the north coastline – skills development on different craft, introduction to water safety and rescue, and incident management. Try out kayak surfing and rock hopping (playing between the rocks when the swell hits).
DAY 4
Head to the south coast for more exploration. Incident management, water safety and rescue. Continuing to develop technical skills. Focusing on soft skills, such as group management and public speaking, and leading groups on the water.
DAY 5
Travel back to the south coast to continue developing technical skills – paddling techniques, incident management, water safety and rescue, navigation and trip planning. Development of soft skills.
DAY 6
Today, we’ll prepare for your exam. Honing your navigation and tidal planning skills to run trips. More exploring and working on both hard and soft skills.
DAY 7
Mock exams. Organising your route for your exam and fine-tuning skills – group management, water safety and rescue, and incident management. Prep for your exam and do any last-minute checks for the trip you will lead on your assessment.
DAY 8
Your assessment involves a day on the water leading a group of real clients – and giving them a great day out! Expect a few ‘incidents’ along the way to test your leadership, dynamic decision-making and first aid skills…
MORE INFO
We might be slightly biassed, but we think the landscapes around Cornwall (or ‘Kernow’ to the locals) are some of the most interesting, varied and adventurous landscapes in the whole of the U.K. We have golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, historic fishing towns and rugged coastlines; and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
Head inland and you will find even more raw beauty with rolling green hills, cavernous mines, ancient stone structures, vast moorlands and granite-topped mountains. And while the landscape holds a picture-perfect gaze in the eye, the undulating lands are also a symbol of the history surrounding Cornwall itself. From gin-smuggling pirates on the coast to the tin-mining villages in the hills, to the legend of King Arthur in Tintagel, there’s so much to explore and learn.
NEWQUAY
Newquay is our home and we couldn’t be more proud to welcome course students to this relaxed and friendly surf town. It’s a place filled with independent retailers, artisan coffee shops, high-end restaurants and epic beaches. There are surf shops to stock supplies and welcoming pubs for well-earned rests; you might end up staying a little longer than you expected!
Grab a coffee and watch surfers wander down towards the waves, or wake up early to catch an epic sunrise over Fistral Beach. While you’re in town, be sure to make the most of your 15% discount at Newquay’s Rip Curl store on Bank Street.
SOUTH COAST
We’ll also be spending some time exploring the south coast, which has a very different feel to the rugged north coast. Expect lovely quiet rivers flanked by green hills – perfect for paddling!
WAVES
There’s a reason that Newquay is known as the surf capital of the UK – which means it’s also a great place to try out kayak surfing and rock hopping. There’s a relaxed and easy-going lifestyle in this town, plus epic beaches and a consistent Atlantic swell.
Most of our beaches work best with different conditions. This means that no matter the tide, wind or swell direction, you’re always likely to find something worth heading out for. All of our instructors have excellent local knowledge so you needn’t worry about missing out.
For paddling on calmer waters, we’ve got loads of secret spots to choose from. We’ll visit some of our favourite rivers and estuaries, and explore some of our favourite places on the south coast.
NEWQUAY BAY
On a calm day, the bay is perfect for day trips, with plenty of beaches to stop at. It’s also a great option for surfing. Towan Beach is a sheltered, sandy bay that is the perfect spot when the west-facing beaches are big and blown out. It’s the most friendly break for beginners, and you’ll almost always find a fun, clean wave here. Meanwhile, Great Western Beach is one of Newquay’s central beaches. Wedged between Towan and Tolcarne, it offers consistent and clean conditions in a southwesterly wind. There are plenty of lefts and rights for everyone.
FISTRAL
Backed by rugged cliffs and sand dunes, Fistral Beach is the jewel in the crown of Cornwall’s surf scene. It delivers waves on every stage of the tide and serves up dreamy conditions on an offshore southeasterly wind. You can almost always find a suitable peak for your ability.
THE GANNEL ESTUARY
The Gannel is Newquay’s relaxed river alternative to the buzz of the beaches. Turquoise waters sashay their way past golden sand banks, local wildlife and vibrant green hills. Once a prominent passage for schooners and barges, the estuary holds a whole host of historic tales and secrets just waiting to be explored.
THE ‘GAZZLE’
Gazzle is the Cornish word for armpit. Affectionately used to refer to a 2 km-stretch of Atlantic coastline, this area of protected coves, cliffs and caves is a fantastic place for kayaking, coasteering and paddleboarding. The Gazzle has proved to be a firm favourite for customers and instructors alike.
Other great spots nearby include Crantock, Perranporth and Watergate Bay. There are plenty more that offer uncrowded perfection on their day – you just need to know where to look. That’s where we come in.
CLIMATE
Cornwall’s climate is fairly unique and independent from the rest of the UK’s weather patterns. Thanks to the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean and the jet stream in the atmosphere, we enjoy the warmest sea and air temperatures in the country with a relatively mild climate year-round.
Each bay, beach and pocket of adventure seems to have its own microclimate in Cornwall. It’s best to be prepared by always keeping sun cream packed in your bag just in case those rays start to filter through the cloud.
We have many sheltered spots along our stretch of coastline along with all the correct technical equipment for the relevant season. We are well-equipped to deliver practical lessons in all weathers and conditions.
Each day of your course will be broken up with a lunch break. This could be at home, in town, or on the move – we like to keep the adventure alive! Please bring your own lunch and snacks to refuel on our longer expedition days. Some days will be spent around Newquay, which has plenty of great eating options. The course is physically demanding so energy-rich foods and healthy snacks are recommended. Please also bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. We highly advocate the use of reusable bottles to limit plastic waste and to reduce our carbon footprint as a company.
Newquay town has a vast selection of excellent shops and cafes so if you forget to bring some lunch, you won’t go hungry! As a member of our course, you will also benefit from discounts at local cafes and coffee shops – we will supply you with a discount card on arrival.
If you are booking accommodation through us and staying in either of our apartments, you will have full access to a modern working kitchen. This will give you the opportunity to self-cater and help keep your costs down throughout the course. When COVID restrictions allow, we take great pride in organising tasty and fun social group meals; perfect for making new friends if you’re joining the course alone.
Newquay is a 15-minute drive from the A30, which links to the M5.
Our main centre is based on Fore Street, near Towan Beach. We’ll send you detailed information before your arrival, including parking instructions and maps.
Both our accommodation options are within walking distance to both Fistral Beach and Newquay Bay, the town centre and many local supermarkets.
BY TRAIN
The railway station is in the town centre. If you’re travelling by train, we may be able to pick you up from the station (time-dependent). Get in touch for more details.
BY AIR
We’re a 20-minute drive from the airport. You can fly into Newquay from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Dublin, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Flights are also available from key European cities.
HOW DO I BOOK AND PAY?
- You can book securely online or if you would prefer we can take payment over the phone.
- Once paid, you’ll be sent an email confirmation and an enrolment form to complete
- Pay In Full – Pay the full amount in one, and that’s it, you’re done! (Available online). Or
- 50/50 – Pay 50% deposit and the remaining 50% 12 weeks before the trip starts (Available online). Or
- Payment Plan – Pay an initial deposit and the rest in instalments! (Contact us for this option).
We can’t reserve your place until we receive payment (in full or in instalments). Payment in full must be received no later than 12 weeks before the commencement of the course. Speak to one of us via our online chat to find out more.
Can I attend on my own?
DO I NEED TO BE GOOD AT PADDLESPORTS ALREADY?
No – this course is suitable both for seasoned paddlers and total beginners. We will teach you all the skills you need to be able to pass the exam at the end.
DO I NEED TO BE A STRONG SWIMMER?
No, it’s not essential.
WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF WORK AT THE END OF THE COURSE?
You’ll get a guaranteed interview with Newquay Activity Centre at the end of the course, which could put you on the path to working in the paddlesports industry. Paddlesports are increasingly popular, and centres all over the country need qualified leaders. It’s also a lifestyle employment that takes a lot of beating! Another option is to set up your own operation – once you qualify, you just need the equipment and a place to operate trips from and you are good to go.
WHAT LEVEL OF FITNESS DO I NEED FOR THE COURSE AND TO PASS THE PADDLESPORT LEADER AWARD?
The fitter you are, the easier it will be. But this isn’t a triathlon! Paddlesports are open to everyone. Our coaching sessions are usually around two hours long, with lots of opportunities to rest throughout the course.
I DON’T HAVE ANY EQUIPMENT, CAN I STILL TAKE PART?
Yes! We have all the crafts for you to use throughout the course, plus an excellent range of wetsuits, wetsuit boots, gloves and hats.
WHERE CAN I STAY?
Most pupils stay in one of the following;
An Air BnB (there is a huge range of options in Newquay)
Surf Lodge Accommodation (we work closely with Smarties, Escape and Ocean Surf Lodge)
Hotel or Guesthouse (Check Booking.com for the options or drop us a line for recommendations)
Their van (either wild camping or staying on one of the many local touring parks/campsites)
WILL THE QUALIFICATIONS I GAIN BE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED?
Yes!
WHAT IS THE PAY RATE FOR A PADDLESPORTS LEADER?
It varies, usually anywhere between £100-£250 per day.
WHAT PERSONAL SKILLS DO I NEED?
You’ll need :
- Patience and the ability to work well with others
- Enthusiasm to learn and train
- Sensitivity and understanding
- Leadership skills
- To be thorough and pay attention to detail
- The ability to work on your own
- Knowledge of the English language
- To be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
- The ability to retain important information
- The ability to remain calm when faced with new situations
ARE YOU COVID SECURE?
- Due to the ever-changing restrictions around COVID-19, we are constantly monitoring the latest news and making sure our practices are always up to date with government guidelines. We have developed our course to be COVID safe with all teachings following the correct safety guidelines. Theory work can be completed online, if restrictions are in place, allowing you to work remotely from the safety of your home or hotel. Our practical activities will be taking place outside and will follow all social distancing guidelines.We ask all of our students to be transparent and honest if they, or any member of their family, develop any COVID-19 related symptoms. If you think you may have contracted the virus, we will ask you to self-isolate for the appropriate amount of time before joining or returning to the course and we ask everyone to regularly carry out lateral flow tests.It’s important for us to stress that you will not miss out on the course as we are able to offer online learning while you are self-isolating. We have made sure that your ability to complete the course will not be affected by future restrictions or lockdown rules.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
Cover for public liability will be in place whilst you partake in activities with Newquay Activity Centre, this is to a limit of £5 million. Personal accident cover is available, similar to travel insurance (injuries due to accidents etc), this is something participants can acquire themselves by looking online if they wish to purchase. Insurance is a topic covered during the course Q and A sessions so that everyone is clear of how this works in the outdoor industry.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE COURSE FEE?
- Food.
- Accommodation.
- Travel costs – fuel, parking. (We may occasionally travel further afield to seek out the best conditions. However, our centre is within walking distances to most sites so this will be kept to a minimum).
- Retake fees incurred should they be necessary if you do not pass the initial assessment; you will be given training and support to prepare for each activity’s initial assessment whilst on the course, so please do not be concerned.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ON THE COURSE?
There will generally be ratios of 1:8 (instructor to pupil) for all activity training. However, theory classes may have larger ratios. You’ll often be broken down into smaller groups and all learning will observe the correct social distancing guidelines.
ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS?
You need to be over 18 to join the course. If you are 65 or over we’d love to chat to you about the course before you book. Please email us to arrange a time and we’ll contact you. Or you can call us on 01637 226017.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT TO CANCEL MY BOOKING?
If you can’t join the course, please let us know as soon as possible via email. Your cancellation notice will start from the date we receive it.
Cancellation charges for the Outdoor Activity Instructor Academy, courses and modules are payable as follows:
- Over 12 weeks – deposit only
- 36 days to 12 weeks – 50% of total cost
- 21-35 days – 75% of total cost
- Under 20 days – 100% of total cost
Find out more under our terms and conditions.