Leading paddlers in advanced white water is the best job around. Advanced white water kayak leaders can take people into some of the best white water locations.
How can Wild River help prepare you for the assessment?
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 boat at a good standard in the top end of the remit, a grade 4 white water river.
- Rescue paddlers and their craft whilst maintaining good group control.
- 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 who might have a range of different skill levels.
We can schedule assessments in the north of England but it must be understood that these will only run if we get appropriate water levels.
The most reliable option for assessment is to join our two day assessment based around Fort William which can take up to 4 candidates.
This can be augmented by attendance on the training courses run on the days before hand.
How does assessment work? |
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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 boat at a good standard in the top end of the remit, a grade 4 white water river.
-
Rescue paddlers and their craft whilst maintaining good group control.
-
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 who might have a range of different skill levels.
We can schedule assessments in the north of England but it must be understood that these will only run if we get appropriate water levels.
The most reliable option for assessment is to join our two day assessment based around Fort William which can take up to 4 candidates.
This can be augmented by attendance on the training courses run on the days before hand.
Pre-requisites for assessment:
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Prior to assessment all candidates must register with Paddle UK.
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Full National Association Membership (Paddle England, Paddle Scotland, Canoe Wales, Paddle Northern Ireland).
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Valid (within 3 years) 2 day British Canoeing recognised First Aid Award.
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Valid (within 3 years) Safeguarding Training recognised by British Canoeing.
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Where does an advanced white water kayak leader operate? |
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Advanced white water kayak leaders are qualified to take participants on advanced white water trips. They can lead grade 4 white water. The expectation would be that the group may portage any substantial grade 5 rapids.
Rivers that fall inside the advanced white water kayak leader remit include:
Cumbria
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Rivers Sprint and Clough.
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River Swale.
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Rivers Leven and Kent (probably not venues for assessment).
Outside Cumbria
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Rivers Ogwen, Middle Conway and Aberglaslyn in North Wales.
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Upper Dart in Devon.
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Rivers Orchy, Roy gorge, Etive and Findhorn in Scotland
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Training Dates
2 Day Training
Dates to be arranged.
Cost: £250
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Assessment Dates
2 Day Assessments
30 November & 1 December 2023
Cost: £270 per person (min 3 required to run).
It may be possible to deliver 1-1 assessments over a single day. The cost for these would be £350.
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Training Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for leader training but candidates should have a level of personal skill relevant to the environment. To get the most from your course you will need to feel comfortable paddling on grade 4 white water rivers. |
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Assessment
Prerequisites
Paddlers wishing to complete the assessment are required to register with Paddle UK. This can be accessed via your membership portal.
Full home nation association membership (Paddle England, Paddle Scotland, Canoe Wales, Paddle Northern Ireland)
2 Day First Aid Award (within 3 years) recognised by Paddle UK.
Advanced White Water Safety and Rescue Training. Click here for dates.
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Resources
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How to Register Video
