BELL BOAT HELM AWARD
The main responsibility of the Bell Boat helm is to ensure safety for themselves and their crew and, of course, provide lots of fun and enjoyment for all.
The Bell Boat is a twin-hulled open canoe seating up to 12 paddlers, including the helm. It is a standard class boat. Bell Boating is a rewarding and enjoyable paddlesport activity that can be used in outdoor education, expeditions and competition. ๏ปฟ
The Bell Boat Helm Award is aimed at coaches, youth leaders and others who wish to introduce and develop paddlers on Bell Boats for recreation and sport. Bell Boat Helms may operate on sheltered water including to include slow moving rivers and quiet canals, small lakes or small areas of larger lakes.
British Canoeing Awarding Body Training
British Canoeing Awarding Body Bell Boat Training courses are available to support you in your development of the required skills. These courses typically cover helm skills, and the associated personal skills, group management, safety and rescue skills. As this training is delivered by British Canoeing Awarding Body Bell Boat Helm Providers, they will also be able to help you identify an appropriate action plan to support your progress towards a successful assessment. This is the comprehensive option; courses are normally offered as 1 or 2-day programmes; the 2-day programme would normally include an assessment.
Other Training Opportunities
You may wish to opt for more bespoke training opportunities. For example, private tuition, in-house training through your workplace, working alongside/shadowing other Helms, or conference/symposium workshops. Many British Canoeing Awarding Body Bell Boat Helm Providers are willing to offer bespoke training to individuals or groups of individuals. The benefit of working with a Bell Boat Helm Provider is that they have explicit knowledge of the award requirements. However, there are a great many other experienced Helms who may be in a position to support your development.
Methods of Assessment
Assessment: The assessment for the Bell Boat Helm is 1 day, candidates will be expected to demonstrate the following skills with a Bell Boat and crew successfully and safely:
- Philosophy, Bell Boat and Placid Water
- Safety – Equipment, Boat, Paddles, Safety Equipment, The Crew, Man Overboard, Awareness of Paddling Environment – Current, Weirs, Procedure at Locks, Weather, First Aid, Leptospirosis for Events/Expeditions
- Coaching Group Control Coaching of techniques – Paddling, Steering, Manoeuvring, Negotiating a Lock, Lining
- General Information, Next Steps, Access to Water, The Environment
Certification: Candidates who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate from their National Association.
Bell Boat Helm Overview
Minimum Age
16 years (please note, candidates cannot be deemed responsible for leadership by law until they turn 18)
Duration
Optional Training / 1-day Assessment or combined training and assessment (2 days)
Prerequisites
- Full Paddle Scotland membership
- Valid (within 3 years) British Canoeing Awarding Body recognised 1-day First Aid Award
- Valid (within 3 years) Safeguarding Training recognised by British Canoeing Awarding Body
eLearning
Optional free Leadership eLearning
Course Documents
View the associated documents for the course, please click here.
Registration
You will need to register with Paddle Scotland ahead of assessment.
