These programs assess to the standards laid out in the BCU syllabus, which can be downloaded from http://www.bcu.org.uk/bcu/2263-5-paddlesport-performance-awards.aspx. At the end of the program, you will be given feedback about your skills in relation to the skills outlined in the syllabus. If you pass and you want the BCU certificate, you will need to pay a BCU fee. If you don’t pass, you will go home with detailed knowledge of what you will need to practice in order to pass next time.
BCU Star assessments and coaching programs require an additional fee, payable directly to the BCU. A certificate from the BCU will be sent to all successful assessment candidates. BCU Star/Canoe Safety fees are payable only for assessments passed. You may also take an assessment and waive BCU processing, thereby eliminating the BCU fee.
The reason to take an assessment is to find out where your skills are at and to get direct feedback on how to get better.
Prerequisite: None
2007 Price: $140.00 which includes equipment or $95.00 if you have your own.
1.5 
Location Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, on Annsville Creek and the Hudson River
Download BCU 1-3 Star Syllabus
The day starts out with some warm up before the assessment begins. During the assessment the group or individuals will be asked to perform many different tasks. Many of these tasks will be fun activities allowing candidates to try many different skills in a low pressure atmosphere. The assessors will be looking for efficiency, effectiveness and repeatability against the BCU syllabus.
Once the assessment begins, no training will be done. The assessors will take note in order to give feedback at the individual feedback sessions. If you have a log book, bring it for signatures from the assessor and to write down your feedback. At 3 Star we strongly suggest you have a logbook, but it is not required or part of the assessment. We feel that a logbook will help you progress in your paddling skills.
2 Star
The emphasis is on creating the desired movement of the boat through developing an understanding of cause and effect rather than concentrating on rigidly defined strokes. It is not just about doing individual strokes. The candidate needs to have solid Body, Boat and Blade awareness. Body rotation and edging must be grooved in and part of everything the candidate does. Not just when asked.
The assessment takes place mostly on sheltered water, but will included some time on moving water (Hudson River). All types of crafts can be included in the assessment (canoes, ww kayaks, rec kayaks, sea kayaks).
3 Star Sea
To recognize the level of skills, understanding and knowledge demonstrated (while journeying in a sheltered sea environment as part of a led group with winds no more than Force 3) is of the standard of an able improving sea paddler and beyond that of a beginner. The nature of the assessment is that of continuous evaluation throughout a suitable day journey.
A 4 Star paddler needs to have a wide range of personal and leadership skills. This program assesses the candidate against the skills laid out in the BCU 4 Star syllabus.
Prerequisite: BCU 3 Star Sea and Canoe Safety or equivalent.
2007 Price: $110.00
Note: This is a non trailered programs and equipment is not included.
Locations : Rhode Island
The 4 Star course is an open water program designed to ensure that the candidate has sufficient knowledge and skill to lead a small group (4) to sea in moderate tidal waters (winds not exceeding Force 4) on a short (4-6 mile) trip .Many areas including equipment, strokes on open water, rescues, surfing small waves, handling following and beam seas, navigation and more will be assessed. 4 Star is a leadership award, not a coaching award.
