SUP Coastal Leader: Assessment

Assessment Content +

We structure our assessments to ensure all candidates are provided with the opportunity to perform to the best of their ability. To help alleviate the inherent pressures tied in with assessments, we endeavour to ensure the assessment is delivered in a fair, clear and relaxed yet structured way.

Prior to joining the course all candidates will be sent a pre-course information pack. This will include details outlining the structure of the assessment and the prerequisites (including the Candidate Leadership Registration form, available from B.C.A.B. online).

• Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning (C.N.T.P.)

Candidates should demonstrate their ability to plan and navigate effectively on coastal journeys in moderate sea conditions, up to 2 nautical miles offshore, in areas of tidal movement of up to 2 knots. They should be familiar with the content of BC’s Coastal Navigation and Tidal Planning [internal link to SUP Guides Weather, Tides, Surf and Swell and Navigation for Paddlers modules pen link in new tab] syllabus. You will have covered this 1 day-theory course if you have already attended our BCAB SUP Coastal Leadership Award Training course SUP Guides SUP Coastal Leader Training course .

• Leadership Skills

The leader is a positive role model who inspires their group with their passion and enthusiasm for sea kayaking and the ocean environment. Candidates will demonstrate familiarity with the core values of the BC awarding body, such as environmental sustainability, educational philosophy, access and equality. Leaders should show excellent management of the group with a balanced approach to empowerment and command in order to ensure safety.

Candidates will exhibit natural leadership qualities and the ability to establish an encouraging and supportive atmosphere where the needs, differences and abilities of individuals are recognised, and their personal strengths nurtured. They will show their capacity to create challenges, set goals and motivate the group. Candidates will implement an effective communication strategy which involves and engages the whole group.

• Situational Awareness and Decision Making

Candidates will demonstrate their in-the-moment dynamic risk assessment skills which will be applied to a changeable and diverse environment. They should be confident to make sound trip planning decisions and reliable real-time judgements in order to optimise safety and enjoyment of the group. Leaders are expected to be calmly responsive to the changing conditions throughout the journey, in the context of the capabilities of the group. They will demonstrate appropriate application of a range of rescue and self-rescue techniques, carried out with equanimity. 

• Personalised Action Plan

The course will culminate with concise feedback and an action plan to enable continued progression with paddling skills, ideally coupled with receiving your BCAB SUP Coastal Leader Award.

Download detailed guidelines for the assessment here.