In this guide
- What it is: The entry coaching award, in every discipline and environment. Performance Coach sits above it.
- What you need first: Full National Association membership, then Core Coach Training. Some disciplines also need a leadership award. First aid and safeguarding training before assessment.
- What you'll learn: Approaches to coaching, then how and what to coach in your discipline.
- How long it takes: Core Coach: 2 days or online modules. Discipline training: 2 days. Assessment: 1 day.
- Cost: Coached time usually costs £35 to £60 an hour. Your Delivery Centre lists course fees.
- What's next: Performance Coach Award.
A Coach Award holder plans, delivers and reviews progressive sessions, safely, effectively and independently, from beginners to paddlers chasing their next skill. Both awards carry 8 UCAS points.
Coach Award assessment prerequisites
- Coach Award eLearning.
- Core Coach Training (or equivalent).
- Discipline Specific Training (or alternative).
- A relevant leadership award, for some disciplines.
- In-date first aid training (1 or 2 days, see the Coach Award Course Guide).
- Safeguarding training, as required by your Delivery Centre.
- Full National Association membership.
- Aged 16 or over at assessment (18 for Advanced Water options).
You can register with your Delivery Centre at any point before assessment.
Disciplines
Canoe, kayak, freestyle, polo, racing, slalom, wild water, open water canoe, sea kayak, surf kayak, SUP and white water. Moderate and Advanced Water options are offered where they apply.
At assessment you show practical coaching, rescue skills, personal paddling skills (not needed for freestyle, polo, racing, slalom or wild water racing) and background knowledge.
Performance Coach Award
For experienced, active coaches who want to get better at coaching the paddlers they work with. It runs in 21 pathways and the learning is shaped around you.
- Start with an online meeting with your Delivery Centre.
- You need a coaching qualification in the same discipline and environment: at least Paddle UK (UKCC) Level 2 or BCU Level 3, such as the matching Coach Award.
- You also need full membership, in-date first aid training and safeguarding training (as required by your Delivery Centre).
- Before assessment: at least one community of learning event, at least two online mentor sessions, at least two touch points with a Coach Developer, and evidence of CPD.
- At assessment, an assessor watches at least 3 hours of your coaching with at least two learners.
Source: Coach Award, Performance Coach Award and Registration Requirements, British Canoeing Awarding Body, checked October 2026.
Governing body: Paddle UK. It sets the safety standards and training awards for paddlesport in England, so it's the official place to find out more.
Typical prices, checked October 2026. The club or coach sets and bills the price.
The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.
