Paddlesport Leader and Paddlesport Touring Leader

Paddlesport Leader (PSL)

The BCAB Paddlesport Leader qualification is appropriate for leading others on journeys in sheltered waters (both wind affected and slow moving water).

Paddlesport Leader Assessment Guidance

Paddlesport Touring Leader (PSTL)

The BCAB Paddlesport Touring Leader would be deemed appropriate to operate in inland tidal water, which includes defined beaches (where the group could easily land) slow moving estuaries (less than 0.5 Knots) and in winds not above Beaufort force 4 (force 3 if wind direction is offshore).

Paddlesport Touring Leader Assessment Guidance

Paddlesport Leader and Paddlesport Touring Leader Training

We firmly believe that the student/learner/paddler is at the centre of their individual development journey. To support your development effectively we understand the need to be flexible in our tutoring provision. We will work with you to build a development plan that is right for you. There is no requirement to complete PSL or PSTL training. Aspirant leaders can go directly to assessment
Both of these awards can be completed in single disciplines as well as multi-discipline.

We offer:

Full Development Training.

This is for paddlers that have the personal paddling skills for the environment of the award but have little or no on water leadership experience. We will work within a river and/or open water environment to develop the skills in small groups (max of 4 learners) over 4 days (2 in each environment) to meet the individual needs of the aspirant leaders. You may chose to focus on a specific environment (river or open water) as your needs dictate. This training will follow the syllabus of British Canoeing PSL or PSTL in each environment. If you complete training in both environments you can chose to have this training registered.

Paddlesport leader

Full Training Open water and River

15th 16th September 2026 Women specific Mid Wales £200
3rd 4th October 2026 Mid Wales £200
7th 8th October 2026 Mid Wales £200
14th 15th November 2026 Mid Wales £200
19th 20th December 2026 Mid Wales £200

Paddlesport Touring Leader

Full Training Open water and River

3rd 4th October 2026 Mid Wales £200
7th 8th October 2026 Mid Wales £200
5th 6th October 2026 Our fantastic safety and rescue training for paddlesport touring leaders. Covering all Section C of the assessment guidance. Mid Wales £200. Book PSTL training and the safety and rescue course together for a discounted rate of £360
19th 20th December 2026 Mid Wales £200

Top up and tweak training

For those who have some experience but want to develop more, can use this training as a check and balance for their confidence before going into further development. For these people we offer a ‘top up and tweak’ on request

Paddlesport Leader and Paddlesport Touring Leader Assessment

Please see our Leadership assessment page

National Association Delivery Centre Registration

In order to become an Instructor, Coach, Leader or Raft Guide, British Canoeing Awarding Body require candidates to register with their National Association Delivery Centre, ahead of training/assessment once you meet the prerequisites. This is completed through their membership portal.

For Registration Costs, please see the ‘Regulated and Non-Regulated Course Fees’ document.

British Canoeing Awarding Body provider fees are included within the advertised individual course fees.