paddlesports leader

The Paddlesport Leader is Paddle UK’s award for paddlers who want to lead groups on sheltered water. That means sheltered lochs, canals and slow-moving rivers that are affected by wind but stay sheltered. You can lead from a canoe, a kayak or a SUP, or run a mixed fleet. It’s the right award for outdoor centre staff, teachers, youth workers, club volunteers and anyone who wants to take groups out safely without needing the bigger open-water remit of the Touring Leader.

Fort William is a good place to train for it. On the doorstep we have canal sections, sheltered bays and slow-moving water. Wind on a loch can change a calm session within minutes, and that’s exactly the kind of judgement this award is about.

What the course covers

We focus on what makes a group session work: choosing the right venue for the people in front of you, setting up a safe and enjoyable session, keeping the group together and engaged, and dealing quickly and calmly with capsizes and other problems. You’ll leave knowing where your gaps are and how to close them.

Training, assessment, or both

Training isn’t compulsory. If you’re already operating at the standard, you can go straight to assessment, which runs over a single day. If you want to sharpen up first, our training is built around your experience, not a fixed script.

Before you book training

• Personal paddling competence on sheltered water in your chosen craft, including in a breeze

Before you book assessment

1. Membership. Full Paddle Scotland membership, or full membership of your home nation association.

2. Registration. Register with Paddle Scotland as a Paddlesport Leader candidate before your assessment.

3. First aid. An in-date first aid certificate of at least one day, recognised by Paddle UK.

4. Safeguarding. Safeguarding training recognised by Paddle UK.

5. Age. You must be 16 or over.