BCAB Sea Kayak
Coach Assessment
EXTEND YOUR COMFORT ZONE
If none of the scheduled dates work for you, please feel free to contact us and organise an alternative.
What to expect on an Advanced BCAB Sea Kayak Coach Assessment.
The British Canoeing Awarding Body Sea Kayak Coach Assessment is designed to evaluate a candidate’s ability to coach effectively and safely in a sea kayaking environment, having successfully completed their BCAB Sea Kayak Coach Training. The assessment covers key competencies, including practical coaching, personal performance, rescue skills, applied knowledge, analytical coaching and self–reflection.
We strive to make assessments as stress-free as possible, emphasising the journey rather than just the outcome. The experience will be engaging, and enjoyable, with your professional and personal development at the center of the process.
BOOK YOUR COURSE
BOOKING WIDGET GOES HERE
MORE ABOUT THE COURSE
COURSE DURATION AND PRICES +
2 days – £210
TIMINGS +
09:00-17:00
AGE RESTRICTIONS +
You must be aged 16 or over at the time of the assessment.
WHO IS THIS ASSESSMENT FOR? +
This course is for those progressing from the BCAB Sea Kayak Coach Training course.
What will I be able to do after the assessment? +
You will have the knowledge to coach in sea kayaks, touring kayaks, and sit-on-tops within a moderate sea environment, working with both beginners new to the sport and paddlers looking to enhance their skills.
As a coach, you may choose to operate independently or be employed by a club, center, or organisation. Your role allows you to tailor coaching sessions to support learners and deliver British Canoeing Awarding Body Awards and Training, including BCAB Personal Performance Awards:
- Paddle Start Award
- Paddle Discover Award
- Paddle Explore Award
- Sea Kayak Award
ASSESSMENT RESOURCES +
Coach Award Assessment Day Pack
Coach Award Assessment Guidance
Several other resources can be found here.
ASSESSMENT CONTENT +
The British Canoeing Sea Kayak Coach Assessment evaluates candidates across several key competencies to ensure they can effectively and safely coach sea kayaking. The assessment comprises the following components:
- Practical Coaching: Candidates must demonstrate their ability to plan, deliver, and review safe, engaging, and progressive coaching sessions tailored to the needs of their learners.
- Rescue Skills: Assessment of the candidate’s proficiency in performing appropriate rescue techniques, including accurate situation assessment, sound decision-making, and effective execution of rescues.
- Personal Skills: Candidates are required to showcase their personal paddling skills, ensuring they can control their craft efficiently in various conditions relevant to sea kayaking.
- Background Knowledge, Understanding, and Experience: Evaluation of the candidate’s depth of knowledge in coaching principles, safety protocols, and their commitment to ongoing personal development and reflective practice.
ASSESSMENT TASKS +
- Assessment Discussion Task: Prior to the assessment, candidates must prepare a task that involves designing coaching activities addressing specific learner needs, including background information, goals, and coaching progressions. We will ask questions and discuss your presentation with you as part of the assessment.
Here’s an example of what you should prepare.
- Practical Coaching Task: You are required to design and deliver at least 90 minutes of practical, progressive coaching. This can be structured as two separate practice-based sessions, multiple shorter sessions, or one extended session. You will coach real students whose skill level aligns with the upper limits of the designated award environments.
Throughout your coaching delivery, you will be assessed on:
- Fulfil your coaching responsibilities
- Delivering safe sessions
- Effective planning & delivery
- Rescue and self-rescue skills
- Personal performance and competency in your craft
- Demonstration of applied knowledge and informed judgement
- Ability to self-reflect
For more information, read the Coach Award Assessment Day Pack.
PREREQUISITES FOR THE ASSESSMENT +
Before taking your assessment, you must complete several prerequisites which are detailed in the Coach Award Course Guide. Below is a summary of the key requirements:
- Registration
- Completion of the Coach Award eLearning
- Completion of Coach Award Core Training
- Completion of Coach Award Discipline Specific Training
- A relevant Leadership Award
Minimum Standards for Deployment:
- Valid First Aid Training
- Safeguarding Training
- Full National Association Membership
- Minimum Age: 16 or over at the time of assessment
Once all prerequisites are met, please request our approval before booking your assessment.
Required Documents for Assessment:
You must bring the following paperwork to your assessment:
- Completed Assessment Discussion Task
- Logbook of Experience
- Evidence of Delivery Centre Approval for Assessment
WHAT COMES NEXT? +
You may wish to progress to the Advanced Sea Kayak Coach training and assessment.
WHERE +
For practical sessions, you’ll meet at our base near Solva to get kitted up (exact location will be shared in your confirmation of booking) and we’ll head to a nearby harbour which we’ve chosen to best suit the conditions on the day.
KIT PROVIDED +
- The use of one of our fleet of high quality P and H custom sea kayaks
- Touring paddling jacket
- Personal Floatation Device (PFD)
- Spraydeck
- Paddle
- Drybag
- Long John wetsuit
WHAT TO BRING +
In your confirmation of booking, you’ll receive a full list of basic items to bring on the day e.g. bathers to wear under the wetsuit, a water bottle, a towel etc.