BCU qualifications and awards

The BCU offer a number of qualifications to help aid canoeists is improving their skills. The most common of these is are Star Awards. There is a small set fee from the BCU that covers the cost of the certification, and the courses are often provided by outdoor centres, canoe clubs or private coaching companies who may charge an additional fee for providing the course. The awards are actually run through the four main organisations that form the BCU, and each provide their own version of the certificate, however the assessment material is universal.

Star Awards

These are a set of five certificates that progress from a basic level of skill up to being a competent and skilled whitewater paddler. Each discipline has their own variations of the star awards (eg. Kayaking, Open Canoeing, Sea Kayaking etc). The awards range from ability to paddle on flat, stationary water (One Star), competence and the ability to safely lead a group on difficult whitewater (Five Star).[1]

One Star

This award is a base line that is intended to assess the ability of a novice paddler after an introductory course, and is generally considered an encouragement award. The test comprises of an assessment of the basic movement and control skills on sheltered flat water (but not a swimming pool), and also features some minor background theory.

Two Star

Note: A One Star is NOT required for this certificate.

This award is an improvers course for building on the base skills of a one star and assess the basic flat-water skills. The emphasis here is on getting the desired movement from the boat, instead of on technique and again the assessment is taken on sheltered flat water. This award is a prerequisite for bringing a Level One Kayaking Coach.

Three Star

Note: A Two Star IS required for this certificate. Also, this award requires proof of at least three canoeing journeys of approximately 10km in length.

The Three Star award is based much more on technical strokes and correct technique than the previous (or subsequent) awards. This is the first award where the paddler has to successfully perform a role. The level is generally accepted as moving a paddler from beginner to intermediate. A Three Star is a prerequisite for the Level Two kayaking Coach qualification.

Four Star

Note: A Three Star is NOT required for this award, although additional material may be added to the assessment to compensate.

The Four Star is the first award that proves proficiency on moving water. The emphasis is on the skills needed on moving water, and successfully proving the ability to handle their canoe safely as part of a group. The Four Star is a prerequisite to becoming a Level Three Kayaking Coach.

Five Star

Note: A Four Star IS required, and the paddler must provide evidence of at least three days of formal training in whitewater leadership, safety and rescue as well as evidence of a range of river trips. A first Aid certificate is also required. There is an age limit of 18, and the paddler must have been paddling whitewater for at least three years, with a bias towards wild rivers. A paddler may be exempt from the prerequisite Four Star and the age limit if they are recommended by a BCU Level Five coach.

The Five Star is the highest attainable, non-coaching qualification a canoeist can achieve. The paddler will be assessed their ability to lead a group of experienced paddlers down grade three and four rivers. Again there is assessment on Theory as well as Safety and Rescue topics. A Five Star is required to become a Level Four Coach.

BCU Coaching Certificates

The BCU also assess and regulate coaching of canoeing and kayaking. These certificates qualify someone to train and assess paddlers up to a certain Star Award level. There are three main categories of coach: Kayak Coach who can operate open and closed cockpit kayaks, and open canoes; Canoe Coach (traditional or Open canoes) who may only operate open canoes; and Placid Water Coach who may operate in both open and closed cockpit kayaks for racing on flat, sheltered waters. All coaching courses require a first aid certificate prior to taking the assessment.

Level One Coach

NOTE: A "Two Star" in the relevant specialisation is required.

This is a basic coaching qualification and is intended for youth-leaders and others who wish to introduce people to the sport at a "taster-session". A Level 1 coach is qualified to provide basic safety cover; to organize a group on flat, sheltered water; and to train/assess paddlers for their One Star award.

Level Two Coach

NOTE: A Three Star is required, and there is an age limit of 18 to receive the certificate, although the training and assessment may be undertaken at any age. Membership of the BCU or one of the member-associations is also required.

This coaching qualification shows that the paddler can successfully coach a small group (nominally 4) of novices the basic skills defined in the 1 and 2 Star tests. They must give evidence of at least 20 hours of logged coaching.

Liquid Logic

Liquid Logic is a company born out of a group of dedicated paddlers who wanted a different kind of Kayak company - one with a passion for paddling. Although a relatively new company, Liquid Logic is now widely viewed as one of the best kayak manufacturers. They offer a wide range of products including whitwater kayaks of various flavours, sea and touring kayaks and sit-on-tops.

Based in Flat Rock, near Headersonvill in North Carolina... <pending work>.