BCU Personal Skills Awards: Star Awards
We emphasize the Star system as a way to measure your personal skills progression.
2 Star Award
3 Star Award
4 Star Award
5 Star Sea Award
Canoe Safety Test
BCU 2 and 3 Coaching
The 2 Star award indicates an understanding of the cause and effect of strokes on boat movement on flat water. Although the strokes may not be technically perfect, they should move the boat in the intended manner.
2 Star training
1 day
Course fee: $125
Prerequisites: none
2 Star Assessment
1/2 Day
Course fee: $70 plus applicable BCU fee
Prerequisites: 2 Star training or equivalent
The 3 Star award is the point at which one can consider themselves an intermediate paddler. It requires that the strokes are executed effectively to the BCU standard with firm commitment to edging.
3 Star Training
1 Day
Course fee: $125
Prerequisites: BCU 2 Star or equivalent
3 Star Assessment
1 Day
Course fee: $125 plus applicable BCU fees
Prerequisite: 3 Star training or equivalent
The 4 Star award shows that one has the knowledge and skill to paddle safely at sea in moderate conditions under a competent leader. The 3 Star personal skills are transferred to a moderate sea environment while incorporating early seamanship skills.
4 Star Training
2 Days
Course fee: $250
Prerequisites: 3 Star Assessment
4 Star Assessment
1 Day
Course fee: $125 plus applicable BCU fees
Prerequisite: 3 Star training and evidence of three one day journeys on the sea.
This award signifies that you have the knowledge and personal skills to safely lead paddlers in all British sea conditions including tide races, open crossings with swells and strong winds and negotiate coastal waters with large swells and no landing zones This is a true leadership award.
5 Star Sea Training Course
3 Days
Course fee: $375
Prerequisites: Hold the BCU 4 Star Sea Award
5 Star Sea Assessment
3 Days
Course fee: $375 plus applicable BCU fees
Prerequisite: Hold the BCU 4 Star Sea Award
This is a one day course that is divided into two segments. The morning is a session meant to identify the things a paddler must to address to stay safe; as well as, the rescue skills to get yourself or your group out of a potentially hazardous situation. The afternoon is an assessment of your understanding and performance of these skills. Although this is a prerequisite for anyone entering the BCU coaching scheme, the skills addressed are useful for anyone venturing out in small boats.
Canoe Safety Test
1 Day
Course fee: $125
Prerequisites: none
5 Star Sea Assessment
3 Days
Course fee: $375 plus applicable BCU fees
Prerequisite: Hold the BCU 4 Star Sea Award
This is an international qualification for coaches wanting to introduce others to kayaking on sheltered coastal waters. A Coach 2 has an understanding of the basic strokes and can adapt their teaching methods to deliver a safe and enjoyable class to 1-2 Star students on protected waters.
Coach Level 2 Training
2 Days
Course fee: $250
Prerequisites: Canoe Safety Course, BCU 3 Star award, current First Aid/CPR,
18 years or older, comprehensive member of BCU, C-1 Form
Coach Level 2 Assessment
1 Day
Course fee: $125
Prerequisite: Coach 2 Training
Coach Level 3 Sea
A Coach 3 has personal, coaching and leadership skills and is able to teach these skills in open water. A Coach 3 has an in depth knowledge of all aspects of paddling and can successfully pass this on to their students.
Coach Level 3 Sea Training
3 Days
Course fee: $295
Prerequisites: Coach Level 2 Award, 4 Star Award, up to date First Aid/CPR,
18 years or older, BCU comprehensive member, C-1 Form
Coach Level 3 Sea Assessment
2 Day
Course fee: $295
Prerequisite: Coach 3 Training