The British Canoe Union (BCU) is the National Governing Body for the sport of canoeing and kayaking, based in the UK, whose stated purpose is to help and inspire people to engage in paddlesports. It formulates standards for training programs with world-wide acknowledged certification levels in skills and in coaching.

BCU 3* Assessment Videos

The following BCU Skills and Assessments classes are offered by BCU Level 3 Sea Coach  Tom Nickels:
2012 Dates:  call us

BCU Forms

2011 Program Fee Form
Course Report
New “Star” Test Crib Cards

Tom Nickels: BCU Level 3 Sea Coach Award

Tom’s BCU Certificate

• BCU Coach Level 3 Award A-1
• BCU 4* Star Open Water Award
• BCU Endorsed Center and Endorsed Coach Status
• BCU Canoe Safety Award

                     BCU 3 Star Assessment Summary  From Greg (we thank you)

Location & Date of Assessment: St. Petersburg, Florida, June 12, 2011.

 Team and trip description: 6 participants including  assessor (Tom), two candidates (Jay – P&H Cetus LV and Greg P&H Scorpio) and 3 other participants (Eric, Steve and Kathy).  6 hour paddle originating at the southern end of Fort De Soto Park, Mullet Key, south across Tampa Bay shipping channel to Egmont Key at the mouth of the Bay and back. 

 Conditions at the site were as follows:

Morning:  Clear, Sea State 1; initial crossing during or shortly after high water with minimal ebbing current;

Afternoon: Clear, Sea State 2; return crossing during maximum ebbing current of 2.2 kts with westerly (side and following) winds.

 Assessment description:
Onshore prior to start:

 -       Unloaded and carried the boats in teams to the beach from the parking lot; navigating obstacles such as poles and beach wall;

-       Onshore navigation exercise:

• Oriented chart using compass;
• Determined compass bearings to the Egmont Key;
• Calculated true and magnetic bearings to other landmarks and water markers using both chart and compass;
• Discussed tides, their effect on coastal waters and local conditions.

 On water – paddle to Egmont Key:

-       Launching boats from the beach;

-       Paddling reverse figure 8s using the set-up buoys near shore;

-       Organize and paddle as a team to one of the green markers of the channel.  Check the condition of the team, make adjustments (i.e. unzipped PDF, hatches), one candidate acts as a leader (Jay), another as a sweep (Greg). Discuss team plan and rescue strategies.

-       T-rescue of a capsized paddler (leader rescues, sweep holds the rest of the team in place);

-       Conduct number of direction changing maneuvers while underway (both candidates asked to pick-up speed and demonstrate – inside-outside stern-rudders, side slips, bow rudder);

-       In-line tow of one paddler, eskimo roll with a release of tow-belt by second towing boat (Greg);

-       Crossing of the channel – planning on water (Greg leads, Jay as a sweep); special attention to increasing traffic (pausing at a certain point due to small boat traffic).

-       Past the channel – two boat rescue of 1 team member (Jay in one boat);

-       T-rescue by Greg, proceeding to Egmont key;

-       Hand of God rescue by Jay while team is underway (Tom’s goes over);

-       Simultaneous rolls by Jay and Greg upon Tom’s request;

-       Moving sideways – sculling and in-water recovery test;

-       Arrived at Egmont key,

 Egmont Key Onshore:

-       Lunch and theory session;

-       Jay describes the BCU 4 star level trip required kit, while Greg demonstrates it in his own boat;

-       Used first aid kit to treat a cut on the leg;

-       Greg describes hypothermia its stages and effects

 Egmont Key Offshore skills:

-       Both candidates asked to paddle out 100 yards offshore with ‘best stroke’;

-       Conduct side slip and bow rudder and return;

-       Both candidates asked to fill boats with water, paddle out, go over and swim back to shore with boats;

-       Both candidates requested to paddle out and go over simultaneously and conduct a joint rescue.

 Return to Mullet Key:

-       One candidate with boat full of water (Greg) exits the boat to other’s deck while another (Jay) empties the boat, Greg re-enters the boat.

-       Candidates are asked to take out and assemble their spare paddles while on water without primary paddle;

-       Eskimo rescues both candidates – using bow, stern and paddle

-       Tow of a paddler to the red buoy (400 yards), without any towing equipment, both candidates;

-       Tow of 2 boat rafts by both candidates – around the red buoy.  Ebbing current at approximately 1.5-2 knots;

-       Crossing as a team to the other side of the channel at max current – ~2 kts, navigation advice to team;

-       Simultaneous rescue of two boats with paddler and boat separated – both candidates;

-       Rolling after going over at significant speed;

-       In-line tow of a tired paddler to the launch point.

 Offshore Mullet Key:

-       Several maneuvers at in the minor rip area at the end of the beach;

-       Greg asked to repeat reverse figure 8 maneuvers.

 Onshore

-       Carry and load boats to the vehicles, de-brief.

 Both candidates skills were adequate to pass BCU 3 star level.  Jay has demonstrated excellent technique and rescue skills and is well underway in obtaining coaching awards.  Greg demonstrated adequate BCU 3 paddling and rescue skills but may require additional time with specific technique elements.