Below is a brief overview of the performance and leadership awards available for adults:
BCU Paddlesport Start
The Paddlesport Start Award is designed to provide a framework for a paddler’s first session. It is very much an encouragement award and can be used by coaches who offer taster sessions, or as the first session of a series. More information on the Paddlesport Start Award can be found here.
BCU Star Awards
The Star Award scheme best suits paddlers aged 16 and over.
The 1 star and 2 star awards are generic, encouraging paddlers to experience the various disciplines of Paddlesport available, with paddlers ’specialising’ in particular disciplines from the 3 Star Award onwards.
The emphasis of the 1, 2 and 3 star awards is developing personal skills and gaining independence; while the 4 star and 5 star awards are now leadership awards and enable paddlers to lead groups in appropriate conditions.
BCU 1 Star
The BCU 1 Star is a flat water award that demonstrates an individual has basic boat control and foundation skills. Assessment can be taken in any kind of paddlesport craft (e.g. sit-on-top, slalom C2, polo boat, sea kayak, racing canoe etc.). More information on the BCU 1 Star Award can be found here.
BCU 2 Star
The BCU 2 Star is an improvement award that helps paddlers develop fundamental paddlesport skills on flat water. Assessment is now performed in a kayak and in a canoe.
The emphasis is on gaining a breadth of experience, creating the desired movement of the boat and developing an understanding into how the paddle, boat and water interact. More information on the BCU 2 Star Award can be found here.
BCU 3 Star
Successful performance at BCU 3 Star level indicates that a candidate can consider themselves an intermediate paddler rather than a beginner. The award is available for:
- White water
- Touring (Kayak or Canoe)
- Canoe
- Sea
- Surf
More information on the BCU 3 Star Awards can be found here.
BCU 4 Star
BCU 4 Star shows that a paddler is competent within a particular discipline, able to lead groups in moderate water environments and familiar with the relevant safety and rescue techniques for that discipline. The award is available for:
- White water
- Canoe
- Sea
- Surf
More information on the BCU 4 Star Award can be found here.
BCU 5 Star
BCU 5 Star shows that the paddler is very competent and skilful within a particular discipline; they are able to lead groups in advanced water environments and familiar with the relevant safety and rescue techniques for that environment and discipline. The award is available for:
- White water
- Canoe
- Sea
- Surf
More information on the BCU 5 Star Award can be found here.
