Advanced Canoe Open Water Leader Award

On an assessment candidates will be expected to be able to:

• Plan and lead an inspirational journey in a way that encourages independence and development for the group.

• Paddle their canoe at a good standard in the top end of the remit, in wind above force 4.

• Use a solo sailing set up comfortably.

• Manage a group whilst sailing.

• Rescue tandem and solo canoes whilst maintaining good group control.

• Demonstrate skilled self rescue options whilst managing the group in advanced conditions.

• Demonstrate their ability to manage the likely incidents that could occur.

Prior to an assessment you will be given the opportunity to contact the group members to gather information about their ability, equipment needs and aspirations for the day. You will be encouraged to plan the day in detail with logistical support from Wild River if necessary. The group will have at least 3 participants, ideally 4 to include 2 solo and one tandem canoe.

Wild River runs single day assessments with dates on the website. Alternatively 1-1 assessments can be set up on dates that suit the individual.

Pre-requisites for assessment:

• Prior to assessment all candidates must register with their home nation association (Paddle England, Paddle Scotland, Canoe Wales, Paddle Northern Ireland).

• Full National Association Membership.

• Valid (within 3 years) 2 day First Aid Award recognised by Paddle UK.

• Valid (within 3 years) Safeguarding Training recognised by Paddle UK.

Advanced canoe open water leaders are qualified to take participants on larger areas of open water.  There could be scope for paddlers to be more than 500m from the shore and the wind could be greater than force 4.

Leaders could decide to use coastal areas. These present a high risk and so wind speeds should be force 4 and below, and coastlines utilised should include frequent landings. Tidal flow should not exceed 2 knots.

Venues that fall within the remit of this award include:

Northern England

• The larger Lakes of Cumbria when wind strength exceeds force 4 especially Windermere, Ullswater and Thirlmere.

• Keilder water in Northumbria.

Scotland

• The classic larger Scottish lochs such as Loch Ness, Loch Tay, Loch Lomond, Loch Awe and Loch Shiel.

• Many coastal lochs such as Loch Etive, Loch Linnhe and Loch Eil.

Wales

• Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake).

• The Menai Straits in appropriate conditions.