ICU Training Scheme - Paddle Plus

Paddle Plus the Canoe Union's Training Scheme comprises awards and qualifications in 3 non-competitive disciplines - kayaking (river kayaking), sea kayaking, and open canoeing.

The Scheme consists of 2 components: Skills Awards and Instructor Qualifications.

There are also two stand alone awards in River Safety & Rescue.

Summary of Instructor Qualifications

Kayaking
Level 1 Kayak Instructor
 
Qualified to lead and teach groups of kayakers on flat water within close proximity of their launch point.
Can assess for the Level 1 Skills Awards.
Level 2 Kayak Instructor
 
Qualified to lead and teach on flat water journeys on inland and sheltered waters that remain close to bank/shore.
Can train and assess for the Level 1 and 2 Skills Awards.
Level 3 Kayak Instructor
 
Qualified to lead and teach groups on Grade II rivers.
 
Can train and assess for Level 1 - 3 Skills Awards and run training for the Level 4 Skills Award.
Level 4 Kayak Instructor
 
Qualified to lead and teach groups on Grade IV and advanced white water.
 
Sea Kayaking
 
Level 3 Sea Kayak Instructor
Qualified to instruct and lead groups safely on coastal trips in moderate seas.
 
Level 4 Sea Kayak Instructor
 
Qualified to lead and teach groups on advanced sea journeys
 
Open Canoeing
 
Level 1 Canoe Instructor
 
Qualified to instruct basic canoe skills on water of Grade I, difficulty, in Designated Lake Areas, or in Designated Sheltered Tidal Areas.
 
Level 2 Canoe Instructor
Qualified to instruct and lead groups on Grade I water.
 
Level 3 Canoe Instructor
Qualified to instruct and lead groups on Grade II water and within harbours and designated sheltered non - tidal areas.
Can assess for the Level 1 - 3 Canoe Skills Awards.
Level 4 Canoe Instructor
Qualified to lead and instruct on water of Grade III and above.
 
Level 5 Instructor
The Level 5 Instructor Qualification recognises a level of excellence in coaching techniques. The water conditions a Level 5 Instructor is qualified to operate on are the same as for a Level 4 Instructor.

Further Information

River Safety & Rescue

The River Safety & Rescue Awards are stand-alone awards in river rescue technique. There are no pre-requisites for attending an RSR course. There are 2 levels - RSR1 and RSR2.

Course Registration

Registration of Training Courses and Assessments The following training courses and assessments must be registered with and validated by the ICU:

- Skills Training Courses above Level 3 in all disciplines

- All Instructor Training and Assessments

- River Safety & Rescue Courses

A panel system of training and registration exists for coaches interested in running courses and assessments. Updated lists of Panel Members are available from the ICU Office. Membership/Registration All trainees for instructional or leadership training courses must be registered with the Canoe Union. All Trainees and Instructors should renew registration on an annual basis. Only registered Instructors can organise ICU courses and request ICU certificates.