New Paddlesport Performance Awards

Wensum Ospreys are introducing the new paddlesport performance awards, which have been implemented by the British Canoe Union (BCU).

These new awards are required so that developments in skills and equipment in paddlesport can be suitably tested.

The “new” star tests will consist of a training course and a test at the end, as before.

The Paddlepower scheme will consist of a modular system with no final test but is only open to people younger than 16.

The Paddlepower and new star tests are parallel schemes, so once a candidate has passed the highest level of Paddlepower they can proceed directly to the new 3 star training.

The new star test schemes will have an introductory encouragement award called the Paddlesport Start Certificate, followed by star tests 1 to 5.

One of the main differences to the new 1 and 2 star tests is that they can be taken in any craft, kayak, open canoe or sit on top. However the candidate must  carry out the skills using both single and double blade paddle to pass the test.

Unfortunately this is a transition period and we all have to adjust to the new system.

For example paddlers who hold the old 2 star will now have to do the new 2 star test before they can proceed to the new 3 star. This should be viewed as a sideways move, it is a new test and you will not be re-sitting the old 2 star although some of the skills will have been covered before.

New 3 star tests are much more specialised, i.e. white water, surf, polo, open canoe etc. Apart from some basic skills we cannot run the new 3 star on local rivers. White water training and testing will have to take place on trips away to Northampton, Nottingham or other white water locations

In the Paddlepower scheme once a skill has been mastered the assessor can check it off, even at a higher level. The candidate progresses through the modules until complete, when a certificate is issued.

We hope that everyone will adjust enthusiastically to the new schemes which have had positive reports from other centres.

Please remember the instructors have to adjust as well.

Enjoy your paddling, whether doing a test or not!

More details are available at www.bcu.org.uk/bcu/2263-5-paddlesport-performance-awards.aspx or speak to an instructor

One Star - A Flat water award that demonstrates an individual has basic boat control and foundation skills. The one star can be taken in any kind of paddlesport craft (e.g. sit-on-top, slalom C2, polo boat, sea kayak, racing canoe etc.)

Two Star - An improvement award that helps paddlers develop fundamental paddlesport skills on flat water. The emphasis is on gaining a breadth of experience, creating the desired movement of the boat and developing an understanding into how the paddle, boat and water interact.

This award is significantly different to the old 2 star, with a change to develop generic movement skills that can transfer to any discipline and with an assessed journey. Assessors will need to be able to assess the award in a variety of craft.

Three Star—Successful performance at this level indicates that a candidate can consider themselves an intermediate paddler rather than a beginner.

Unlike the existing award this will be discipline specific with awards in Sea, Surf, Canoe, WW Kayak, FW Kayak and some of the competitive disciplines. The three star paddler will be a competent performer in sheltered to moderate water environments and have the ability to paddle unsupervised, with similar standard paddlers on sheltered water. The new award will look similar in structure to the existing 4 star, but with the skills applicable in an easier environment.

Paddlepower is an exciting scheme that has been designed to meet the needs of young people. It’s colourful and youth centred approach aims to :
¨ Encourage more young people to come into and stay in the sport

¨ Provide progression and reward achievement in a wide range of topics

¨ Show them all aspects of the sport – both competitive and adventurous

¨ Provide signposts into Clubs where their skills and development can be nurtured

¨ Provide a flexible structure for delivery according to venue/situation

The scheme has recently been revised and now comprises of 5 Awards to support a young paddler’s introduction and progress in Paddlesport.