Personal Performance

There are five levels of personal performance tests. They gradually build up the range and level of performance of the strokes and techniques necessary for successful paddling in the canoeing discipline concerned. The first three levels are assessed on flat water, while the 4 and 5 Star are assessed in the real situation to which they relate. There are no age restrictions on BCU tests. The levels are intended as 'milestones' to indicate when natural learning plateaus have been reached, as follows:

• 1 Star Beginner (encouragement test)
• 2 Star Improver
• 3 Star Intermediate
• 4 Star Proficient
• 5 Star Advanced

Training4Outdoors specialises in white water and coaching courses for the personal development of paddlers, this is reflected in our course offerings below. For a list of the lastest course dates click here.

Qualifications for the coaching of canoeing

There are five levels of coaching qualification for the teaching of canoeing, the first four of which are related to competence to be in charge of canoeing groups on the type of water involved; or in the case of the Placid Water progression, a wider range of experience and use of increasingly specialist craft:

* The Level 1 Coach is intended for teachers and youth leaders for whom canoeing is not a main activity. Club canoeists may enter the scheme at Trainee Coach Level 2.

The teaching qualifications are sub-divided to cater for the differing disciplines within canoeing as follows: