In this guide
- What it is: The UK's personal paddling awards, from your first go to discipline skills.
- What you need first: Nothing. No prerequisites, and they're open to all ages.
- What you'll learn: Confidence on sheltered water, then skills and decisions in the craft you choose.
- Cost: A lake taster or half-day guided paddle usually costs £35 to £90.
- What's next: Skills track: Safety and rescue. Teaching track: Paddlesport Instructor.
No registration needed. You pick the award that suits you, and you go at your own pace.
The Paddle Awards
- Paddle Start: your first time on the water, having a go.
- Paddle Discover: the next step towards paddling on your own, building decision making and practical skills.
- Paddle Explore: you choose where you go next in paddlesport.
They're for people getting into a boat for the first time, on sheltered water. Instructors, coaches, leaders, bell boat helms and raft guides can all deliver them.
Personal Performance Awards
These build your skills and decisions in the craft and environment you choose, whether that's freestyle tricks, polo or coastal sea kayaking. There's a range of awards in each discipline:
- Canoe, Freestyle, Polo, Racing, Rafting
- Sea Kayak, Slalom, SUP, Surf Kayak
- Touring, White Water, Wild Water Racing
Coaches and leaders deliver them. Find a course through your home nation's Delivery Centre.
Source: Paddle Awards and Personal Performance Awards, 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.
