Thank you for volunteering to be a student for a PaddleSport Leader assessment 😉 Your role is important in helping candidates demonstrate their skills in leading a group on the water.

What to Expect

  • The day will feel like a normal coached or guided paddling trip.

  • You will be part of a small group, usually 4–6 students.

  • The PaddleSport Leader candidate(s) will plan and lead the day, while an assessor observes.

  • You may be asked to take part in simple activities or exercises so the candidate can show their leadership skills.

Your Experience Level

  • You do not need to be very experienced.

  • Ideally, you will have paddled once or twice before, so you are comfortable getting on the water.

  • Very experienced paddlers are less suitable, as the day is designed for candidates to demonstrate leading a typical group.

Practical Details

  • Meeting point: Club stores at Balloch.

  • Meeting time: 9:30am (candidates meet earlier).

  • Bring your normal paddling kit, plus lunch, snacks, and a drink.  The club has kayaks, paddles, buoyancy aids, spraydecks, sleeveless wetsuites and cags to borrow.

  • The trip/day will not cost anything as you have volunteered to help the club and the people being assessed. 

Weather and Conditions

  • The assessment must include some time in conditions up to Beaufort Force 3 (a good breeze).

  • If the forecast is unsuitable, the day may need to be postponed or cancelled. You will be informed as early as possible.

Safety and Support

  • The candidates and assessor will make sure you are safe and well looked after throughout the day.

  • You should feel comfortable, included, and supported from start to finish.

Paperwork

Notes:

  1. the sign up form asks people if they are going to take their ICE card to provide emergency details.  For data protection purposes it is easier if everyone uses ICE cards, but if you answer ‘no’ to this, then the form offers the opportunity to enter emergency details.  If someone answers ‘yes’ to bringing an ICE card, then the form will not collect ICE details. Leaders should have blank DCKC ICE cards to purchase at reasonable cost, which you can keep and use going forwards. 
  2. ICE cards are primarily for emergency details. If you have a medical condition that may affect the day, you should still communicate this  when asked, or in private, to leaders/assessors at the start of the day, and not assume that because it is on the ICE card.