Canoe Instructor Jobs & Training Courses
Quite a few people fall in love with canoeing when they first try their hand at it, I know I did. The ability to propel yourself through the water is a great feeling. Canoeing, kayaking, indeed any form of paddlesport also has a lot of scope in terms of how you enjoy it. You may enjoy taking your time through peaceful lakes and slow water in a Canadian style canoe, or perhaps the rush of a furious white water river is more your thing. Then of course there is sea kayaking where you head out past the breakwater and are immediately pitched about like a cork, the person in front of you several feet above one second, disappearing from view below the next. The good news is there are jobs available for every style of paddling.
Paddlesport Coaching Qualifications
If you are looking to get working as a canoe or kayak instructor you are going to need some qualifications (See below for some course options). You are likely going to be introducing a group of school children to paddling on a small lake or teaching already competent canoeists how to improve their white water technique. Much depends upon the level of canoe or kayak experience you have. You will probably be required to have a UKCC (UK Coaching Certificate) Coaching Paddlesport qualification at either level 1 or level 2. Higher if your job involves developing already competent paddlers. The new style coaching certificates were introduced in 2007, and focus on developing your coaching skills as much as your paddling prowess. The older BCU qualifications are still accepted by many employers though conversion courses are also available if you wish to gain a new style coaching award.
We have some courses listed below. Also take a look at the British Canoe Union website to make sure you are getting the correct qualification for the type of teaching or coaching you wish to undertake.
Other skills
So you've got the qualification, but so has everyone else who is applying for the same job as you. As well as the technical canoeing qualifications, employers will be looking for you to demonstrate that you have the ability to work well within a group and to be able to interact well with other people. Any previous teaching or coaching experience, especially with groups of young people will help make your application stand out from the crowd! If you are applying for a job later in the year, why not use the time available to get some teaching experience, perhaps some volunteer work.
What's it like
We asked Rob what life is like as a Canoe Instructor.
“I had to take the BCU level 2 qualification before I got my current job. I already had level 1 but the teaching I was doing meant I needed the higher qualification. Fortunately the company were happy to help me get the qualification after I started working for them. They are even helping me get my level 3 now.”
“I work with groups of mixed abilities and mixed age ranges. Some of them have never done it before while others are pretty good. I love it when you see kids getting into a canoe and being worried about staying upright, then after you show them what to do and build their confidence in the canoe, they are wizzing around the lake and asking if they can paddle on some rapids. I prefer it when I have a few days to work with the kids. Sometimes a two hour session isn’t quite long enough.”
“I’m lucky, I have a fixed contract, working full time between March and October. It’s not always easy getting a canoe coaching job but once you are in, if you are good, it can be quite easy to renew your contract for a second season if you want to. Make sure you have something lined up for the winter though.”
“Not having your own kit isn’t usually a big issue. I didn’t when I started, but as you get into the job you’ll probably find you want your own stuff. I wouldn’t get back in the boat I started in now if you paid me, ha ha.”
 Summer Camp Staff Country: USA This summer how exciting would it be to work in a summer camp in America instead of the facing another rainy British summer? It’s free to apply and our salaries are the highest available so if the thought of working in a summer camp in America fills you with excitement then check us out...[more] | Camp Counselor Country: USA Work in a US Summer camp with CCUSA teaching the sport/activity that you love and get paid up to US$1,390. You could be coaching Tennis, Basketball, Climbing, Horse riding, Sailing and much more, or maybe you have a lifeguarding qualification. Whatever your skill we’ll find the perfect job for you...[more] |
 BCU Kayak 3 Star Training & Assessment Country: UK This course is about getting to grips with the the fundamentals of personal kayaking skills on white water. This couse will build and extend your knowledge understanding and personal abilities from the 2 star and focus on safety, rescue, leadership, and theory to paddle a kayak safely on white water...[more] | BCU Kayak & Canoe 2 Star Training & AssessmentCountry: UK This course runs over 2 days and provides the fundamentals needed to paddle different craft safely on waterways anywhere. These include personal paddling skills, safety and rescue, leadership, group skills, and paddling theory needed for paddling a kayak and a canoe...[more] |
Canoe, Kayak and Paddlesport Courses and Jobs
Raft Guide Training Location: Scotland Company: Dunolly Adventures
Recognised by the Scottish Rafting Association and the International Rafting Federation, this is a six day practical river based course that will gain you a raft guide qualification.
UKCC Level 1 training and assessment Location: Scotland Company: Dunolly Adventures
If you wish to coach paddlesports, this course is the first step and will give you a good grounding in coaching techniques. It allows you to coach all paddlesport disciplines.
BCU Canoe/Kayak 1, 2, 3 star Location: North West UK Company: Adventure Makers
From basic boat control on flat water to competant white water paddlers. These canoe and kayak courses will develop your skills and broaden your level of experience on the water.
Introduction to Canoeing Location: North West UK Company: Real Adventure
This one day course is a perfect way to gain the basic skills of canoeing. The aim of the course is to equip you to be able to manoeuvre your canoeeffectively on open water.
Introduction to White Water Canoeing Location: North West UK Company: Real Adventure
This one day course assumes you are confident on flat water and are looking to get a taste for moving water.
Sea Kayaking Location: South East UK Company: Liquid Logistics
Basic introductions and improver courses at this amazing section of the UK coast with taster sessions or full day trips.
BCU 3 Star Training Open Canoe or Sea Kayak Location: South West UK Company: Adventure Centre
A two day course covering all aspects of the BCU 3 Star Award in White Water Kayaking. This training course does not include the assessment.
BCU 3 Star Assessment Open Canoe or Sea Kayak Location: South West UK Company: Adventure Centre
A one day assessment course covering the new BCU 3 Star White Water, Open Canoe or Sea Kayak syllabus. This assessment course does not include the training.
BCU/UKCC Level Two Training & Assessment Location: South West UK Company: South Cerney Outdoor
This course and its associated assessment equips you to coach canoeing in sheltered water. The training is a mix of theory and practical, while the assessment includes planning and undertaking sessions for students.
BCU 1 Star Kayak Location: North West UK Company: Extreme Element
Get one to one tuition to discover the basic skills of kayaking including paddling and turns, on this one day course. Certificate included.
BCU 2 Star Kayak Location: Midlands UK Company: Extreme Element
Develop competence on flat water. This course is often an entry requirement for canoe expeditions, white water training and sea kayaking courses.