New course dates are now available for the BCAB Core Coach Training taking place online over the autumn and winter months.
If you are interested in becoming a paddlesport coach, the Core Coach Training course is the first step on the qualification pathway.
This is an 18 hour course involving 6 live sessions with a tutor (60-90 minutes long) and tasks to complete in your own time in between each live session. The self-directed learning (approx. 1-2 hours per week) is completed via our online learning platform, Brightspace.
Now open for bookings:
3 November to 15 December 2025
Monday evening course 7-8:30pm
12 January to 23 February 2026
Monday evening course 7-8:30pm
2 March to 13 April 2026
Monday evening course 7-8:30pm
If you don’t think online learning is the best format for you, you can also attend this course as a two day face-to-face event instead. Check out our course finder to find dates.
Payments
The total course cost is £200. A subsidy may be available. See here for eligibility.
Prerequisites
To attend this course you must be an Full or Junior Paddle Scotland member or a member of another National Association (Paddle UK, Paddle Cymru or Paddle Northern Ireland).
What level of knowledge do I need before joining the course?
You need a base level of knowledge of the discipline(s) you wish to coach and we also recommend that you complete the BCAB Paddlesport Instructor eLearning prior to starting this online course: Paddlesport Instructor eLearning
Who is this course for?
This course is specifically designed to support people working towards the BCAB Coach Award Qualification. It is also appropriate, and repeatable, as stand-alone training to support ongoing coach learning and development.
If you are looking to gain your first paddlesport coaching qualification, or looking to update your general coaching knowledge this course could be for you.
The course is suitable for learners aged 16 and over.
Course Format
You must be available to attend all Live Sessions scheduled in the course, and have time to complete the self-directed learning between the live sessions.
What does the course involve?
This course includes six online (real-time) webinar sessions following a set course schedule. In between each webinar there are specific tasks and activities for you to complete in your own time. A class of 4-12 students will complete the course together and you'll get to know one another through the webinars and some tasks you’ll complete together.
Some quotes from past students...
“I feel as we go through the course I am better understanding my existing coaching ability as well as my existing inabilities. I am really starting to think on a much broader spectrum when it comes to coaching. I do coach and train now and am enjoying applying my new found knowledge.”
“I am hoping to progress to discipline specific coaching in Sea Kayaking. An additional- and unexpected- benefit is that much of what I am learning on this course is also applicable to my daytime job which includes management, support and teaching others.”
“It's giving me frameworks to consider the sessions I'm involved with at my club and helping me to have better conversations with the qualified coaches there as I'm beginning to speak their language better now.”
“I have no previous experience in coaching or the psychology of coaching. As a place to start from this course has been interesting, engaging and informative.”
“I found that this course has helped massively with how I coach and noticing techniques others use when coaching me.”
“I am relatively new to paddlesports and coaching - this feels like a great way to build my confidence.”
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