Paddlesports Development Weekend
Greater London Middlesex West, along with Hertfordshire County Scouts have a Paddlesports training weekend for adult leaders in May 2026. The course is being operated via The Canoe Sports Trust at Bury Lake Rickmansworth.
The event will run over the weekend of 16th / 17th May 2026. The course will include the British Canoeing Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Skills award.
The weekend is very participative, and candidates will spend most of their time either on, or in the water, paddling in a variety of craft (kayak, canoe and stand up paddleboard) and practicing rescue techniques. Please come prepared to get wet and have loads of fun!
The course is not intended for complete beginners and whilst participants don’t need a formal qualification, they should be confident being on the water in a kayak or canoe, paddling at, or above, the level of the British Canoeing Discover Award. Please see Paddle Awards – British Canoeing Awarding Body. If you are not sure about your current skill level, please get in touch for an informal chat.
On successful completion of the course to a suitable standard, candidates can apply for Scout Adventurous Activity Permits. The permits will be restricted based on the ability of the candidate.
Booking will be via the Canoe Sports Trust website: Home – Canoe Sports Trust
Bookings will open early in 2026. The price is not yet confirmed (as a guide, a similar weekend in 2025 was £150).
Geoff Vanderplank, County Adventurous Activities Team Leader geoff.vanderplank@glmwscouts.org.uk
Bury Lake Rickmansworth