The Open Canoe Foundation Course is designed to train the candidate in the skills required to pass the BCU 1-star and 2-star open canoe proficiency tests. You will learn to be confident on the water, gain paddling skills and be able to carry out simple rescues. You will also undertake a short journey. The instruction will be mainly practical on various types of water.

You will need to be 15 years or older, physically fit, able to swim and have a little experience on the water.

If you are successful you can canoe with a qualified instructor, and gain more experience. You could also undertake a canoe expedition on sheltered water such as a canal. You can then go on to undertake a Canoe Safety Test (good paddlers may be able to do this during the weeks course) followed by a BCU Level 1 coach course. Alternatively you may go on to BCU 3-star training.