For information about the BCU Certification system and why Atlantic Kayak Tours picked the BCU system over other systems click BCU Certification Information.
The following information is edited information of official BCU booklets. These are not official BCU changes. This information is to give a idea of the BCU system and you should get official information from the BCU syllabuses.
We offer BCU Coach Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 certification programs. Level 2 and Level 3 are two part programs with the training and assessment offered separately.
Detailed information can be found on the BCU UK website at: http://www.bcu.org.uk/bcu/2391-5-new-bcu-coaching-awards.aspx
We offer the opportunity for coaches needing additional coaching hours to come and help on programs. Click for more information on being a visiting Coach Assistant.
Coach Level 1 is a great program for paddlers starting to coach including all clubs and organizations who run kayaking trips or instructional programs. Both the training and assessment is covered during this four day program.
1.5 
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, NY
Prerequisites: Central Registration is not required for this coaching programs. The new (2008) 2 Star and Canoe Safety are required to be a Coach Level 1. You many still take the program even of you don't want to be a BCU Coach.
Four days for Coach Level 1 Training/Assessment, $400
Level 1 covers both training and assessment in the four days. After completing Level 1 you will be a certified BCU Coach. Level 1 is for people who will be working under a higher level Coach, not for those working unsupervised.
This is an ideal program for kayakers who getting started in coaching including working for the Boy or Girl Scouts, schools groups or club paddlers. Paddling skills, leadership, coaching and safety will be covered.
The new BCU UKCC will start in late 2008 or in 2009. Until then the current Level 2 Training is for paddlers who have some formal coaching experience.
1.5
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, NY
Central Registration is required for all coaching programs. It can take four to eight weeks to have it processes, so start early.
Two days for Coach Level 2 Training, $250
One day for Coach Level 2 Assessment, $125
The information below is for the Assessment program. The Training will get you started on your road to becoming a Coach. A syllabus for the training program will be sent from the BCU upon Central Registration.
Purpose of Award
To provide a qualification for those wishing to introduce others to kayaking on very sheltered coastal areas. It is an indication of a level of competence for introducing groups to the standard of the BCU 2 Star Test. C2 level is not regarded as a sufficiently high standard for the safe supervision of kayaking on the open sea. It should not normally be awarded where the candidates main area of activity is to be centered on the sea.
Assessment Syllabus
- Demonstrate an ability to teach a small group the basic skills defined in the 1 and 2 Star Tests.
- Demonstrate an awareness of safety factors and adequate group control.
- Produce a logbook showing relevant experience (20 hours teaching experience).
- Answer questions on safety, local knowledge, and sources of information, particularly the BCU Handbook.
Assessment Method
1 During a practical session the candidate must demonstrate an ability to:
- Teach effectively the basic skills of the 1 and 2 Star Tests.
- Show adequate group control. The candidate should maintain the groups interest.
- Demonstrate 3 Star level of personal performance.
2 During an oral session the following should be covered:
- Check candidates' Log Book for evidence of 20 hours practical teaching experience.
- Candidate(s) equipment should include the same as 4 Star.
- Where kayaking is to take place mainly on the sea, the examiner should consider whether the C2 level award is appropriate to the situation.
3 Ask questions on:
- Basic safety - dangers of offshore winds, long shore drift.
- Access and local knowledge.
Level 3 is a Sea Kayaking program for BCU Level 2 Coaches. You need to have a good deal of experience coaching at Level 2, before entering Level 3 Training.
* 1 day Paddlesport Center 1.5 
* 1 day NY Harbor 4.0
Central Registration is required for all coaching programs.
Two days training, two days Assessment, $250
C3 is the correct grade for a person to be in charge of kayaking activities which includes expeditioning on the open sea (including surfing).
Personal Qualities
- Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of boat handling skills, including the basic strokes and techniques.
- Enjoy teaching kayaking, at any level, and have developed teaching skills i.e. communication, analysis, observation.
- Have a responsible attitude toward danger and risk-taking and be capable of making decisions as a leader which make the safety of the group the highest priority.
- Have sufficient experience as both a kayaker and a leader to be able to anticipate difficulties.
- Have sufficient breadth of knowledge of kayaking to be able to give advice and to help newcomers.
- Be an ambassador for the sport of kayaking by acting responsibly and decently over matters such as access.
PRACTICAL TEACHING
- Enjoyment and satisfaction in helping people to learn.
- Understanding the relevant skills and techniques of kayaking.
- Evidence of effectiveness in improving the technique of the people being taught.
- Experience in altering the teaching style or approach in order to suit different age ranges and types of learners.
- Awareness of hazards and problems which threaten the safety or reasonable comfort of the group.
- Evidence of planning in the teaching process.
What the candidate should know and be able to do.
- Introduce and give technical information relating to strokes etc. in a concise and effective way, and be receptive to the learners understanding of the material.
- Give a demonstration, which will be an effective model for learners to relate to, of every stroke and technique which the C3 is required to teach.
- Organize practices and activities which are appropriate and challenging to the group.
- Observe learners technique and identify corrections. This should be done in a way that shows that the candidate has an awareness of the underlying mechanics of boat control as well as of the different rates at which people learn skills.
- Be aware that there is more than one way to learn (and teach) any technique and use this to advantage in his/her teaching.
- Use encouragement and praise in a sensitive and effective way.
- Ensure that a high level of paddling activity is enjoyed by learners during the practical teaching sessions.
- Control and contain the movements of a group in a teaching.
The following programs are not on this years schedule. They might get added or can be done as private programs.
1.5
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
Price: $125
This program is the requirement to become an Assessor. It will answer your coaching questions with the most up to date information. It will also help you better assess both Star and Coaching programs. The minimum prerequisite to become an Assessor 1 is Coach 2 for 3 year or Coach Level 3. This program is open to anyone, but is official only if you meet the prerequisite.
1.5
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
Coaching is coaching no matter what you are trying to teach. This course will cover many different aspects to Coaching including; Observation & analysis, Verbal input, Demonstration, command words, feedback, goal setting and more. It is highly recommended to anyone teaching kayaking at any level.
1.5
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
BCU Coaches must revalidate every three years and the Coach Update is one way to accomplish revalidation. Program will bring coaches up to date on current Coaching issues and includes; Manual Handling, Child Protection, Standardization of Star Awards.
1.5
Location: Annsville Creek Paddlesport Center, Cortlandt Manor, New York
See the Paddlesport Center Classroom Schedule for Understanding Accessibility, A Workshop For Outdoor Professionals
The BCU provides 2-day 'Disability Awareness Training' courses for instructors who wish to assist disabled people to canoe or kayak. The aim of the course is to give awareness of disability issues and demonstrate that disabled people can access all aspects of the sport. Classroom session will cover adaptations to equipment, accessibility issues, various medical conditions and more. A BCU Coach will be brought in this summer to teach this course. Details will be available on our website.