Paddlesports Instructor Award

The British Canoeing Awarding Body Paddlesports PSI Instructor award is a great first step for all paddlers looking to deliver safe and enjoyable taster/starter sessions based on their group’s needs and aspirations.

The qualification will support the PSI instructor with practical skills such as kitting up a group and getting afloat, initial familiarisation activities, games and activities and how to use mini journeys to support learning, inspire adventure and exploration. This will be enhanced with support on how these sessions can be delivered in a way that is enjoyable, safe and rewarding.

The Paddlesports PSI Instructor award qualification is designed for instructors running taster/starter sessions within the safety management systems of clubs, centres or other organisations in:

• Very Sheltered Water environments
• Craft suitable for a first-time experience

The process of completing the qualification aims to help prepare candidates for their first PSI instructing role; ‘primed and ready’.

We would normally meet at 09:00 at the venue discussed with you. This could be Loch Insh or another appropriate venue. This combined training and assessment course will enable you to run games and activities to support learning and inspire adventure and exploration for new paddlers on mixed craft. On this practical course, you will learn skills such as:

• Kitting up a group and getting afloat
• Activities and games to support learning
• How to use mini journeys to promote exploration of the environment
• Keeping your group safe

You need to be able to paddle your craft independently on flat water. You will also need to be able to keep yourself and others safe on and near the water, for example a paddler falling off their SUP. We find that paddlers that have completed the Paddle Explore Award or with around 70 hours of personal paddling experience can focus on the training and get the most out of their course. Paddlers also need to have developed their rescue skills ahead of the course. Your course tutor can provide more details if you are unsure of the required skills.

• A typical PSI Instructor award course takes place over 2 days.

We are proud to recommend local accommodation options within the area for people when you are up for your Paddlesports PSI Instructor Award Course:

Aviemore:

Youth Hostel A budget friendly option for people.

Coylumbridge Hotel Aviemroe – good for groups and families alike.

Premier Inn – always a good shout.

Rothiemurchus Campsite – situated in the stunning forest, this is a beautiful budget friendly option.

Glenmore Campsite – situated at Scotland’s highest beach, Loch Morlich has phenomenal views across to Cairngorm Mountain.

Newtonmore & Surrounding Areas:

https://www.wherestagsroar.co.uk/ award winning accommodation in the Highlands – perfect to stay at while up on an outdoor adventure.

Invernahavon Caravan Park – a bit quieter than the others as it is a little further away from the hustle and bustle of Aviemore.

Dalraddy Holiday Park – a family and dog friendly campsite.

Completing a Paddlesports Instructor PSI Award can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for a number of reasons. Here are a few:

If you love paddlesports, becoming an instructor allows you to share that passion with others. You get to introduce people to the sport and help them develop their skills and confidence on the water. The award is designed to support entry level instructors and coaches help get beginners on the water and provide them a quality day. it is sought after by centres and individuals.

Being a PSI instructor can be a great way to meet new people and build connections with like-minded individuals. You’ll have the opportunity to work with a variety of people from all walks of life, and you may even make some lasting friendships along the way.

If you enjoy being outside and working in nature, being a PSI instructor can be a great way to spend your workdays. You’ll get to spend time on the water, enjoying the sun and fresh air while helping others develop their skills.

Overall, becoming a paddlesports instructor can be a fulfilling and enjoyable career choice for those who love the sport and enjoy working with others.

We pride ourselves on providing as much kit as possible for you.  However, the list below is what we recommend you should bring to your Paddlesports PSI Instructor Award Course:

• Travel insurance. (We are insured for all our trips, but we recommend everyone has their own travel insurance as well.)
• Transportation to the venue. (We may be able to help with this though – if you need transportation please drop us an enquiry and we can see what we can do to help.)
• Lunch, water.
• Personal medication
• Everything that you wish to bring kit & boat wise as most people prefer to use their own.

Here at Highland Outdoor Adventures, we pride ourselves on providing as much as we can but you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you do prefer. The list below is what we provide you with on the day.

It is expected normally when sitting awards like this people would come with at least their own personal equipment but we appreciate this is an entry level coaching award and not everyone may have things yet so we can still supply equipment if needed. We do find that people prefer to use their own.

• Hala SUP’s -The world’s best Stand up Paddleboards – perfect for our Paddlesports PSI Instructor Award Course- if you need
• Silverbirch canoes
• Zet kayaks
• Paddles – if you need
• Wetsuits – if you need
• Buoyancy aids – if you need
• Helmets – if you need
• SUP leashes on a quick release belt.
• Neoprene wetsuit boots – if you need
• Swimshorts to go over the top of wetsuits – if you need
• All instruction & administration fees included.
• All first aid and safety equipment.
• Photographs of the day provided for you at no extra cost! If the weather is good we will have a DSLR professional camera  so we can take photos and videos of your adventure and you can look back at the day for years to come. If the weather is less favourable we will bring a GoPro (as it is waterproof) so we will still be able to take photos for you.