It’s all change for the British Canoe Union Courses at Castle Semple in 2008.
Canoe and kayak coaches based at Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park’s Castle Semple Activity Centre in Lochwinnoch have been busy gaining new coaching awards and learning about the brand new course structures for British Canoe Union (BCU) Courses.
Four instructors based at Castle Semple have gained new awards and qualifications of late. Willie McLeod, John Donnelly and Gordon Mackenzie have all achieved level 3 coaching awards for kayaking or canoeing allowing Castle Semple to become a BCU recognised centre.
With all this new training Castle Semple really will be awash with freshly trained staff that are fully informed and up to speed on the new course structures.
The BCU has phased out the junior Rainbow Award Scheme the new scheme is called ‘Paddle Power’. This allows a range of skills to be taught at the same time with more flexibility than was available under the old scheme.
Adult courses have also been re-structured; there is still a star system under the ‘Paddle Sport’ banner. The 1 star course is now only 1 day long and is delivered in either a kayak or canoe, however during the course you will be given the opportunity to use several different types of boat.
To pass a 2 star course you have to be proficient in both kayak and canoe. Those with more experience wanting to gain their 3 Star will now be doing some river kayaking or canoeing to gain their award.
For juniors or adults that would like to just have an introduction to paddling in either a kayak or canoe there is now a 2 hour ‘Start’ option. This gives those of any age the opportunity to give paddling a go without committing very much time or money.
As well as the new courses Castle Semple has additional new changing facilities and the older changing rooms have been refurbished all really for the new season. New boats include Dagger and Pyrhana kayaks – all ideal for use by both those that have not been in a kayak before, beginners and more advanced paddlers.
The BCU course dates as well as other activities such as sailing and mountain biking are on the Regional Park website www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk.
