BCU Kayaking and Canoeing Courses
Westminster Boating Base is a British Canoe Union approved centre. Training and qualifications issued range from the most basic through to the essential requirements for instructor assessment, introduction to whitewater, sea paddling, slalom competition and freestyle.
Season
Start: April 2nd 2012
End: 31st October 2012
Kayaking continues through the winter on Sundays only. Winter clothing regulations apply.
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Novice Kayaking & Canoeing Courses (BCU One Star)
Young people (10-23 yrs inc.): Session times for youth beginners are on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 4.45pm until 8pm.
These sessions will provide you with an introduction to kayaking & canoeing. You will learn the basic strokes required to manoeuvre your craft. The sessions operate on a turn-up and try it basis so there is no need to book. Also, you do not have to come every week if this is difficult for you, as the instructors will continue to teach you from the point you were at the last time you came.
If you are aged 10-14 years old, we recommend you join the BCU Paddlepower award scheme. More info
If you are above this age, you will progress through the BCU Star award scheme. More Info
After attending approximately four of these sessions you will have progressed to a suitable level to join in on the improver and experienced sessions. You can then continue to work through the British Canoe Union Star Award scheme at your own pace..
You will need to bring:
- A completed Youth Membership form, signed by a parent if you are under 18 years of age.
- A full change of clothes (appropriate for the
weather) including soft-soled shoes and a towel.
NOTE: Nobody will be allowed on the water without the above.
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Adults (24yrs+): Session times for adult beginners are on Monday evenings from 5.45pm until 9pm and Wednesday evenings 4.45-8pm. These are priced at a rate of £12 per session.
These sessions will provide you with an introduction to kayaking & canoeing. You will learn the basic strokes required to manoeuvre your craft as per the British Canoe Union One Star personal skills certificate. The sessions operate on a turn-up and try it basis so there is no need to book. Also, you do not have to come every week if this is difficult for you, as the instructors will continue to teach you from where you left off the last time you came.
After attending approximately four of these sessions you will have progressed to a suitable level to join in on the improver and experienced sessions. You can then continue to work through the British Canoe Union Star Award scheme at your own pace.
You will need to bring:
- A full change of clothes (appropriate for the
weather) including soft-soled shoes and a towel.
NOTE: Nobody will be allowed on the water without the above.
2012 BCU One Star (novice) adult courses
(10am-6pm):
Alternatively, you can complete the BCU 1 Star on a one-day course. This will fast-track you to be able to take part in all the activities we provide.
Sun April 15th
Sat May 5th
Sat June 23rd
Sun July 8th
Further dates tbc
Price: £50 (includes certification)
Book in advance by completing a course application form and return with payment to: Westminster Boating Base, 136 Grosvenor Road, London, SW1V 3JY. Your place will not be secure until payment is received. Please make cheques payable to "Westminster Boating Base".
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Improvers and Experienced Kayakers & Canoeists - Sessions & Courses (BCU 2 Star+)
Young people & Adults: As an experienced paddler you will be reasonably proficient at manoeuvring your kayak or canoe and preferably will hold the British Canoe Union One Star certificate.
Session times: Refer to session schedule and calendar
Please note: The sessions actually start at the times advertised so you will need to arrive 15 minutes beforehand in order to complete the necessary paperwork and get changed.
British Canoe Union 2 and 3 Star coaching (improver and advanced) is offered on Wednesday evenings and Sundays. Thursday evenings are reserved for specific coaching, eg. slalom, sprint or freestyle training. Please refer to the calendar for details of other trips, courses and events.
You will need to bring:
• A full change of clothes (appropriate for the weather) including
soft-soled shoes and a towel.
• If 23 years of age or less, a completed Youth Membership form
(signed by a parent if you are under 18 years of age) and including one
passport style photograph.
• Nobody will be allowed on the water without these.
BCU 2 Star (improver) courses
Prerequisite: BCU 1 Star
The next step is to take the skills you learned on your BCU One Star Course and apply them in both canoes and kayaks - with some new skills thrown in too!
There is quite a large jump in terms of personal ability for the 2 star award and because of the need to complete the syllabus in both a canoe and a kayak, it can take some time. The following are training days which will also include assessment if you are ready for it:
Sat 12th May
Sat 30th June
Sat 14th July
Sun 15th July
Further dates to be confirmed
Price: £50 per day (certification not included)
Book in advance by completing a course application form and return with payment to: Westminster Boating Base, 136 Grosvenor Road, London, SW1V 3JY. Your place will not be secure until payment is received. Please make cheques payable to "Westminster Boating Base".
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Competition
Within paddlesports there are several competitive disciplines: slalom, sprint, freestyle, canoe polo, dragon boating, marathon and whitewater racing.
WBB Slalom League Trophy Racing: A season-long series of slalom races held at WBB on selected Thursday evenings for those that hold a BCU One Star or Paddlepower Passport (newcomers to slalom welcome!). These are friendly races although there is also some tough competition! See Calendar
WBB Freestyle Series: Usually performed on whitewater, WBB has a series of flatwater events so perfect for those new to this discipline as whitewater experience is not needed. Training in related techniques and skills such as self-rescues and eskimo rolling also provided. Held on selected Thursday evenings throughout the season. See calendar
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