Take the next step in your paddlesport journey with the Paddle UK Paddlesport Instructor Course at Oulton Broad Water Sports Centre. This entry-level instructor qualification is designed for people who want to introduce beginners to paddlesport through fun, safe and engaging taster or starter sessions in very sheltered water. It is suitable for kayak, canoe, sit-on-top kayak and stand up paddleboard, with candidates certificated in one craft while being able to instruct a mixed fleet within the appropriate environment and deployment.
Course Details
Course Content:
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for outdoor centre staff, club volunteers, aspiring instructors, youth group leaders and confident paddlers who want to support beginner sessions. It is particularly useful for anyone who wants a recognised first instructing qualification and is ready to develop group management, coaching communication and session delivery skills.
What you will learn
Across the course, candidates develop the practical skills and judgement needed to prepare a group for activity, get participants afloat, use games and activities to support learning, deliver mini journeys, select suitable equipment, maintain safety and respond effectively to common teaching and group management challenges. The programme also focuses on professional behaviour, communication, decision-making, environmental awareness and the ability to create enjoyable and rewarding first paddling experiences.
Here at Oulton Broad Water Sports Centre, we offer a wide range of water-based activities — and we build every session around you. Whether you’re looking for equipment hire, expert training, or a fun, organised experience on the water, we tailor each booking to suit your needs.
Please fill in the form below to register your interest. A member of our team will be in touch shortly to discuss your preferred date, answer any questions, and help you get booked in.
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This is one of our most popular courses with typically 6-8 available places. If the course is showing full please click here to send us a message and we will contact you if more places become available. Contact Us
Course viability
The viability of our courses depends on a minimum of two participants booking and the availability of our instructors. OBWSC reserves the right to cancel a course up to 7 days before the start date if either of these conditions isn’t met. In that case, we’ll offer you a full refund or the option to rearrange your course for another suitable date.
You can find more details in our Deposit and Refund Policy.
To attend the Paddle UK Paddlesport Instructor Course, candidates should ensure all of the following are in place before the course starts:
Please note: The course fee shown here includes equipment and certification, but Paddle UK / home nation membership and learner registration are official prerequisites and may need to be arranged separately by the candidate unless your booking information states otherwise.
This is a combined training and assessment course. During the programme, candidates are assessed in three key areas: professional standards, rescue skills and personal skills. On successful completion, the course provider recommends the candidate for certification. Optional instructor eLearning is available through registration and can help candidates prepare before attending.
Candidates should bring clothing suitable for paddling and getting wet, footwear such as old trainers or water shoes, a buoyancy aid if they prefer to use their own, lunch and drinks, a towel, a full change of clothes, and any personal paddling kit they normally use. If candidates plan to use their own craft or equipment, this should be agreed in advance with the course provider.
What is the Paddle UK Paddlesport Instructor Course?
It is an entry-level instructor qualification designed for people who want to run safe, enjoyable taster and starter paddlesport sessions in very sheltered water.
How long is the course?
The official Paddlesport Instructor qualification is a two-day combined training and assessment course.
Who is the course suitable for?
It is suitable for aspiring instructors, centre staff, club helpers, volunteers and confident paddlers who want to support beginner sessions.
What craft can I use?
The qualification covers stable craft such as kayak, open canoe, sit-on-top kayak and stand up paddleboard. Candidates are certificated in one craft, but the qualification can support mixed fleet delivery within the appropriate environment.
What are the prerequisites?
You must be at least 14 years old, hold full Paddle UK or home nation membership, complete registration ahead of the course, and have already completed Paddlesport Safety and Rescue (or FSRT). You also need appropriate personal paddling and rescue competence in your chosen craft.
Do I need to complete Paddlesport Safety and Rescue before this course?
Yes. Paddlesport Safety and Rescue (or the previous Foundation Safety and Rescue Training) is an official prerequisite and must be completed before attending the Instructor course.
Do I need to be an expert paddler?
You do not need to be an advanced coach, but you do need to paddle independently and confidently in your chosen craft and be able to demonstrate the personal and rescue skills assessed during the course.
Is the qualification assessed?
Yes. The course includes assessment in professional standards, rescue skills and personal skills.
What does the £225 fee include?
The advertised course fee includes all equipment and certification. Membership and learner registration are official prerequisites and should be checked separately when booking.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Successful candidates are recommended for Paddle UK / BCAB certification by the course provider.
Is eLearning included?
Optional Instructor eLearning is available through learner registration and can be used to support preparation before the course.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear suitable paddling clothing and footwear, and bring a towel, a change of clothes, food and drink for the day, and any agreed personal paddling kit.
