Paddlesport Instructor Course
Turn your passion for paddling into the power to inspire others.
If you love being on the water and want to share that enthusiasm with others, the Paddlesport Instructor Award is your perfect next step. This course gives you the skills and confidence to deliver fun, safe, and engaging taster sessions in kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) within sheltered water environments.
Whether you’re looking to instruct at an outdoor centre, within a club, or as part of a community group, this qualification is the nationally recognised starting point for all paddlesport instructors.
Why Take the Paddlesport Instructor Course?
The PaddleUK (formerly British Canoeing) Paddlesport Instructor Award is the go-to qualification used by clubs, schools, and outdoor organisations across the UK. It focuses on helping you develop the practical, people-focused skills to introduce beginners to paddlesport in a way that’s safe, supportive, and fun.
You’ll learn how to run engaging sessions that build confidence and spark a lifelong love of paddling — no matter which craft your participants choose.
- - Suitable for anyone aged 14 or over
- - Recognised by CIMSPA and aligned with professional industry standards
- - Earns 20 PaddleUK CPD points and 10 CIMSPA CPD points
- - Includes training and assessment over approximately two days (around 15 hours)
What You’ll Learn
Over the course of your training, you’ll explore a wide range of topics and practical skills designed to prepare you for real-world paddling instruction.
Key areas include:
- - Preparing and equipping groups to get afloat safely
- - Running activities and games that support learning and build confidence
- - Using short journeys to encourage exploration and adventure
- - Adapting sessions to meet individual needs and motivations
- - Managing groups effectively on the water
- - Choosing the right equipment for different paddlers
- - Ensuring safety and responding to common on-water challenges
You’ll also have opportunities to develop your own paddling skills, gain hands-on experience, and connect with like-minded instructors who share your passion for the sport.
eLearning and Learning Support
Registered learners gain free access to the PaddleUK Instructor eLearning package, a comprehensive online resource designed to enhance your understanding before, during, and after your practical course.
This self-paced learning covers nine key topics, including:
- - Coaching philosophy
- - Safety and group management
- - Feedback and communication
- - Meeting participant needs
- - Fundamental paddling skills
- - Performance models and more
These online modules help you build confidence, fill knowledge gaps, and earn additional CPD points as you progress toward qualification.
Course Assessment
The Paddlesport Instructor course combines training and assessment within a supportive learning environment. Our experienced tutors will help you build confidence throughout, ensuring you feel fully prepared before being assessed.
You’ll demonstrate your understanding and competence in three key areas:
- Professional standards
- Personal paddling skills
- Rescue techniques
Assessment is continuous and designed to feel natural — like part of the course, not a test. Once complete, your tutor will recommend you for certification, valid for the craft type(s) used during your training (canoe, kayak, or SUP).
Who Should Attend?
This course is perfect for:
- - Paddlers who want to introduce beginners to the sport
- - Outdoor centre staff and club volunteers delivering taster sessions
- - Anyone wanting to develop coaching and leadership skills in paddlesport
- - Enthusiastic paddlers with around 70 hours of experience or those who’ve completed the Paddle Explore Award
If you’re new to coaching or want to brush up on your personal safety skills before starting, we recommend completing the Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course first.
Course Details
📍 Location: Leicestershire
🕒 Duration: 2 days (approx. 15 hours)
🎓 Qualification: PaddleUK Paddlesport Instructor Award
💧 Crafts Covered: Kayak, Canoe, and SUP
👥 Minimum Age: 14 years
Start Your Paddlesport Instructor Journey Today
Learn to lead, inspire, and create unforgettable experiences on the water. Whether you’re teaching for fun, for work, or to support your paddlesport community, this qualification is the perfect foundation.