BCAB White Water Leader Assessment

Become a White Water Leader!

• Looking to lead journeys on white water?
• Are you a white water paddler or do you have experience paddling in grade 2(3) white water rivers?
• Do you want to support your club?

If so, the White Water Leader could be for you!

WHY BECOME A WHITE WATER LEADER?

First of all, the White Water Leader is open to anyone with experience of paddling in moderate white water. The award will enable you to lead fun, safe and enjoyable white water trips for groups of paddlers.

You will be supported to develop your personal and leadership skills during two days of training, with like-minded white water paddlers. Alternatively, if you have sufficient experience you could go straight to assessment.

Furthermore, this award is used by clubs, outdoor centres and organisations to support their white water journeys on grade 2(3) rivers.

WHAT CAN A WHITE WATER LEADER DO?

Your award will support you to lead safe and enjoyable journeys. You will lead white water paddlers with a range of experience on trips based on their needs and aspirations in a moderate white water environment.

As a Leader, you can work independently or be deployed by a club, centre or organisation to lead trips and journeys. The purpose of these trips may be wide ranging from educational experiences, social adventures or trying something new.

The Assessment is a 1 day 1:1 Assessment where you will have to lead a group of 3-6 white water kayaker down a grade 2/3 section of river 

We do everything we can to take the stress out of assessments, we are focused on the journey and not the destination. The experience will be safe, engaging and enjoyable, with you at the heart of the process, involving you in as much of the decision making as possible.

By the end of the assessment, you will have to demonstrate knowledge and skills in four areas:

• Personal paddling skills
• Rescue skills
• Safety, leadership and group skills
• Theory

White Water Leaders will need the ability to judge the conditions and the standard of the group and make appropriate decisions. The assessment takes place over a typical paddling day,