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PPA Canoe Award

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The Canoe Award is all about building the confidence and control to enjoy paddling open canoes on both open water and gentle rivers. Over two days you’ll develop efficient paddling techniques, understand how to read the water, and gain the skills to explore new environments safely and independently.


This course focuses on your personal paddling — blending technical development, journeying, and real-world decision making in a relaxed and supportive setting. Whether you’re new to canoes or looking to refine your solo or tandem skills, you’ll leave feeling confident, capable, and ready for more adventures.

When & Where

📍 Location: South Coast – typically Beaulieu River, Poole Harbour, or a local Hampshire river
📆 Availability: Scheduled dates and private bookings year-round
⏱ Duration: 2 days (1 day open water / 1 day river)
💷 Price: £180 per person


How to Book

✅ Book online via our course calendar
💬 Contact us if you’d like to arrange a private date or group session
👥 Private Groups: Bespoke 1:1 or group coaching available – contact for a quote

What Happens on the Course


Day 1 – Open Water Skills


 We’ll begin on calm open water, developing efficient paddling techniques and boat control:

  • Trim and balance for solo and tandem paddling
  • Forward paddling, manoeuvring and edging
  • Efficient use of wind and body position
  • Safety awareness and rescues

Day 2 – River Journey


 We’ll then take your skills into a moving-water environment on a local river:

  • Reading the river and planning lines
  • Ferry glides and controlled manoeuvres in flow
  • Simple rescues and assisted landings
  • Journey planning and group management on the move


By the end, you’ll understand how to select and plan your own canoeing trips on sheltered and gently moving water — and feel confident leading your own mini-adventures.

Ideal For

  • Paddlers looking to develop independent canoe skills
  • Suitable for those with some basic paddling experience
  • No formal prerequisites required
  • Great for anyone who wants to paddle solo or tandem on open water or rivers


What’s Included

  • Coaching and assessment with an experienced PaddleUK coach
  • All technical equipment (boats, paddles, buoyancy aids, helmets etc.)
  • Use of wetsuits, cags and safety kit if required
  • Certification upon successful completion
  • Small-group ratios to ensure personal attention and support

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about our discover paddleports sessions? Check out our FAQs to find the answers you need!

  • Do I need any experience?

    Some basic paddling experience helps, but there are no formal prerequisites — we’ll tailor the sessions to your level.

  • What conditions will we paddle in?

    You’ll experience both open and gently moving water — typically up to Grade 1 or Beaufort Force 3 winds.

  • Is certification included?

    Certification isn’t automatic — to achieve the PaddleUK Personal Performance Award – Canoe, you’ll need to demonstrate the required standard by the end of the course. Your coach will guide and support you to help you reach that level.

  • Can I bring my own boat and kit?

    Absolutely. You’re welcome to use your own canoe and gear, or borrow ours at no extra cost.

  • What’s next after this award?

    Progress to the Canoe Progressive Award, or look toward Paddlesport Leader or Open Water Canoe Leader pathways.

Have more questions? Feel free to reach out to us directly. We're here to help you embark on your adventure!

Came on the 3 hour sea kayaking introduction. Had a great time, achieved all that I expected and more, always love courses so much more when the instructor's are obviously passionate about what they do.

Had a lovely 3 hour kayak tuition session on the river at Beaulieu today. Ellen, our instructor, kitted us out and went through the basics before getting us on the water. We were a group of 4 adults with little or no experience of kayaks or canoes and Ellen very quickly had us paddling forwards, turning left and right and stopping etc. We were guided along the river, learning about the local wildlife and history of this beautiful setting. A really relaxing experience with an engaging instructor and pretty good weather to boot! Highly recommend!

Great session covered everything we needed to get going, enjoy lots of adventures since then. Instructor Leander was amazing, the session was well paced and so useful!