Prepare to paddle

Before you begin

• Make sure to look at our guidance on Canoeing for safety and permit information and some handy hints.
• These instructions have been adapted from the British Canoeing Paddle Awards, which should be referred to for any further details.
• Getting ready. Safety is a top priority in all water activities and helping the group to understand what safety equipment they’ll need and what clothes to wear can help calm any nerves and encourage people to think more about safety.
  • Clothing. Think about the types of clothing that’ll be suitable for the weather conditions. For example, lightweight fabrics, wind and waterproofs, and items that protect the wearer from the sun. Is everyone OK with their clothes getting wet or dirty? Are there any items of clothing that’d be more suitable than others? Are shoes and clothing secure enough that they won’t come off in the water? The right clothing is important to keep everyone warm and comfortable. If people are cold and uncomfortable, they won’t have a good time.
  • Equipment. Understanding our equipment can help us to learn how to use it and make decisions for ourselves about what we need. Learning how to check equipment is a great skill too, as we can look for any damage or signs of wear and tear. Spotting these things early helps us keep our gear up to scratch. Before heading out on the water, speak with the person running this activity about what’ll be provided and what everyone will need to bring along. If people purchase their own equipment, make sure you discuss how to care for it, so that it’s protected from saltwater, the sun and incorrect storage.
  • Getting on the water. This isn’t as simple as carrying a boat to the bank and hopping in. We need to think about keeping ourselves and the environment safe as we go.
  • Safety. Choose the best way to move the boat. Do you need one person carrying or four? Where does the boat need to go? Are there any obstacles to watch out for?
  • Access. Make sure you have permission to access the water. There are a variety of licences that may be required for your use of some bodies of water. Guidance is available in Canal and river licences.
  • Environment. It’s important not to damage or destroy the environment as we launch, to make sure it’s sustained for others for years to come. We also need to think about the weather and the flow of the water. Will the wind or current push the boats away or is there a better place to launch?
• Make sure to read through our guidance on the classification of bodies of water.
• Remember, to achieve the Paddle Sports Stage 1, everyone needs to:
  • Take part in a warm-up activity to prepare you for canoeing or kayaking. You could practise balancing while kneeling, getting in and out of a boat or try out a paddling action.
  • Dress properly for your chosen activity.
  • Show you know the importance of buoyancy aids and how to put one on correctly.
  • Name the equipment used and the parts of the boat.
  • Get into and out of a boat safely.
  • Know how to balance a boat.
  • Manoeuvre a boat in different directions, including moving forward.
• On the water. Consider exploring different on-water techniques and activities, as this is a great way to learn what works and what doesn’t. Testing out lots of different methods can help everyone get the feel of how their body interacts with the boat and the water. Short games or challenges can be a great way to put people’s skills to the test, but make sure they aren’t too tricky, so people aren’t put off. See if the group can come up with their own games and challenges, as this will make sure each one is pitched at the right level.