National Canoeing Course TS Duke of York Weymouth
April 2006
April 2nd 2006, Ordinary Cadet Hugo Oakley, 12, traveled to Sea Cadet Training Centre, Weymouth. His task: to train with nine novice paddlers and turn into a good British Canoe Union (BCU) 2 Star canoeist. Hugo actually started with a BCU 1 Star but hadn't paddled for over 8 months. The weather was good for them but while canoeing in the sea and on beaches was great fun, the sea was really cold. For once a wet cadet was not a happy cadet, but a frozen one!
None-the-less all nine trainees left with a certificate in hand. They got on well together and had great fun off the water too. Great for social skills and self reliance. For those who don't know SCTC Weymouth is a great place to train in canoeing! Highly recommended and outrageous fun!
The BCU operates a comprehensive coaching and education programme. BCU training is designed to ensure that coaches and participants are fully and properly prepared to take part in the sport and that coaches are qualified to instruct participants in all aspects of technique, safety and understanding. Access to any of the awards within the BCU scheme can be achieved via the Sea Cadets.
There are five levels of BCU personal performance tests. They gradually build up the range and level of performance of the strokes and techniques necessary for successful paddling in the canoeing discipline concerned. The first three levels are assessed on flat water, while the 4 and 5 Star are assessed in the real situation to which they relate. There are no age restrictions on BCU tests.
The levels are intended as 'milestones' to indicate when natural learning plateaus have been reached, as follows:
1 Star Beginner
2 Star Improver
3 Star Intermediate
4 Star Proficient
5 Star Advanced
At St Albans Unit Sgt Lansdown is a devoted and talented instructor and regularly takes cadets training to Stanborough Lakes and other local rivers and canals. As well as entering teams in district and area competitions.
See course picture libray on Madyakkers website here.
Also See:
Madyakkers - SCC National Canoe and Kayaking Website
TS Tuna - Eastern Area Canoe Centre