SUP Sheltered Water Leader Award

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

• Paddle their board at a good standard in the top end of the remit.

• Rescue other paddle boarders in a variety of environments whilst maintaining good group control.

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

• Lead students on sheltered water and a slow moving river at the top end of the remit comfortably.

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 size will be between 4 and 6.

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 home nation association membership.

• Valid (within 3 years) 1 or 2 day First Aid Award recognised by Paddle UK.

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

Where does a Sheltered Water SUP Leader operate?
SUP leaders are qualified to take participants on simple sheltered water trips. These trips could be on flatwater not more than 200 metres from the bank and in wind less than force 3 (less than 12mph).

They also include very slow moving rivers where participants could paddle against the flow. These trips might include one or two weirs or locks that can easily be walked around or shallow rapids that can easily be managed.

Sheltered coastal bays with very limited risk of blowing out to sea or tidal estuaries with very low current (0.5 knots) are within the remit.

Lake District venues include:

• South end of Ullswater when the wind is below 10mph, with a journey up Goldrill beck  to the first bridge.

• North end of Windermere, including the lower part of the rivers Brathay and Rothay.

• South end of Windermere in appropriate wind, including the river down to Newby Bridge.

Other examples:

• Norfolk broads including flatwater rivers that link them.

• Non tidal journeys on the river Thames where the flow is low.

• Llangollen canal journey from Horseshoe falls to Whitchurch.

• Most of the lower Wye, excluding the moving water section from Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat.

• River Medway from Tonbridge to Maidstone.

Who can I work with?
Sheltered water SUP leaders can lead SUP paddlers who need support in the environment. They have the experience to decide on the number of paddlers they lead but 8 solo craft would be seen as large group.