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Star Awards
The Star Awards
The Star Awards are a set of personal development awards designed to indicate a persons ability in a canoe or kayak.
The awards give an individual an indication of the areas they need to work on to become more proficient. They are also useful for trip leaders / coaches because they indicate what the group members are capable of - and this helps them plan a suitable trip.
There is also a new Paddlesport award scheme which is an alternative to star tests but is oriented towards younger paddlers (under 14).
1 Star
Novice. An introductory award indicating very basic ability.
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A flat water award reflecting basic boat control that can be done in a kayak or open boat (canadian canoe).
The first star award reflects the level of skill that people would typically reach after a 6 hour introductory course, e.g. one full day on the water or a six week evening course.
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2 Star
Beginner. Awarded to recognise a good set of foundation skills.
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A flat water award covering a range of kayak and open boat (canadian canoe) skills.
This award must be assessed in both a kayak and canoe. It should be assessed in more than one location, e.g. a river and the sea, and the padddler must have taken part in more than one club event. Consequently it demonstrates a broad set of skills in controlling a variety of craft in sheltered conditions.
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3 Star
A boat specific award reflecting a high degree of personal competence.
There are 5 separate awards at this level, each of which must be assessed and awarded separately.
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3 Star Flat Water Touring Kayak
An efficient paddling stroke demonstrating reliance on torso rather than arms to enable a larger distance to be travelled.
Capable of adjusting the trim of their boat in response to the load carried and the prevailing conditions, with winds no more than Force 3.
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3 Star White Water Kayak
The paddler should have experience of at least 6 club events on more than one river with grade 2 sections.
Capable in grade 2 rivers, as part of a led group, able to catch eddies when paddling down a rapid, and paddle upstream in grade 1 conditions.
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3 Star Open Boat (Canadian Canoe)
Demonstrating a fluent J-stroke, poling and sailing.
Capable of paddling fluently on rivers and lakes, adjusting the boat's trim, as part of a led group, with winds no more than Force 3.
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3 Star Sea Kayak
The level of skill, understanding and knowledge demonstrated is of the standard of an able improving sea paddler.
Capable in a moderate tidal environment, as part of a led group, with winds no more than Force 4.
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3 Star Surf Kayak
Equipped with the ability to move their boat with control in the surf, not surfing straight at the beach.
Surfs the waves rather than being surfed. Uses dynamic body movement. Engages rails. Demonstrates S-curve transitions and the ability to exit the wave at any point.
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4 Star Leader
Recognises the ability to lead a group of 4 paddlers in appropriate locations, in up to moderate conditions.
As with the 3 star award, there are 5 separate awards at this level, each of which must be assessed and awarded separately.
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The paddler will personally be comfortable on grade 3 rivers, or moderate Force 4 conditions, confidently demonstrating a high level of boat control, and qualified to lead a group of 4 other paddlers in trips where they would ideally encounter no more than grade 2 water.
Capable of planning trips, assessing and managing risk, ensuring the group safety, and acting as team leader when rescuing is required. Demonstrates good group awareness and control.
In addition to the personal skills and group leadership skills, the paddler should have their Safety And Rescue, REC First Aid and VHF Operator awards, and carry a VHF radio.
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The 4 star leader award is aimed squarely at skilled amateur paddlers in clubs and societies, rather than professionals working for outdoor pursuits companies, where the cost of attaining and keeping professional coaching qualifications up to date can be prohibitive.
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Safety And Rescue
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This award concentrates on how to keep yourself and others safe when paddling. It is an extensive safety qualification covering risk awareness and management, individual and group safety, use of safety equipment, and in-water rescues.
Important principles introduced are
- CLAP - communication, line of sight, avoidance, position of most usefulness
- Rescue - self, team, victim, equipment
- Rescue - shout, reach, throw, row, wade, swim
- Use of tow lines and throw lines
- Clean Rope - no loops or knots; and if you carry a rope, carry a knife
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Rescue & Emergency Care First Aid
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This award concentrates on how to act as a first responder to a casualty, and covers basic first aid including CPR.
Important principles introduced are
- Danger - check for dangers
- Response - is the casualty concious
- Airway - clear and open the airway
- Breathing - check for unaided breathing
- Circulation - check for bleeding
- Deformity - check for breaks and swelling
- Emotion - provide emotional support
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Level 1 Coach
 The L1 coach at work (they love to talk)The level 1 award is essentially an assistant coach award. Level 1 coaches can operate alone in very sheltered water environments with groups of up to 8 paddlers, if a supervising coach has provided session guidance and task cards for the level 1 coach to follow.
Level 2 Coach
A level 2 coach is able to deliver a series of canoe and kayak sessions safely and efficiently in a sheltered water environment. It is aimed at Level 1 coaches who feel they are ready to further develop their coaching skills so that they can deliver sessions independently of other coaches.
Level 3 Coach
A level 3 coach is able to plan, implement and analyse long term development programmes. This is an appropriate level of coach for a person to be in charge of paddlesport activities in a club or centre. It is at this level that coaches begin to become increasingly specialised.
Links
British Canoe Union
Euro Paddle Pass
Canoe Association Of Northern Ireland
Items relevant to an introductory award
BCU one star or Euro Paddle Pass level one (yellow paddle)
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A flat water award reflecting basic boat control that can be done in a kayak or open boat (canadian canoe).
The first star award reflects the level of skill that people would typically reach after a 6 hour introductory course, e.g. one full day on the water or a six week evening course.
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Notes
- Try to use different types of boat
- When using an open boat (canadian canoe) learn to paddle on both sides, without switching
- When using a double sea kayak or an open boat with two people, try both front and back
Technical Ability
- Lifting, carrying and launching
- Forward paddling, reverse paddling and stopping
- Maintain an active posture
- Turning using sweep strokes, looking where you are going
- Paddle straight courses and figure-of-8 courses
- Moving the kayak sideways using the classic draw stroke
- Keeping the kayak straight using the stern rudder
- Preventing a capsize using a low support stroke
- Returning to the bank or beach and disembarking
Safety
- Capsize drill - swim ashore; retain equipment; empty; (assisted) re-entry
- Personal Protective Equipment
- How to use a buoyancy aid and helmet
- The basics of a kayak and paddle
- Appropriate personal clothing - windproof & waterproof clothes
- Water Confidence
Items relevant to a beginners award
BCU two star or Euro Paddle Pass level two (green paddle)
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A flat water award covering a range of kayak and open boat (canadian canoe) skills.
This award must be assessed in both a kayak and canoe. It should be assessed in more than one location, e.g. a river and the sea, and the padddler must have taken part in more than one club event. Consequently it demonstrates a broad set of skills in controlling a variety of craft in sheltered conditions.
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Notes
- Paddlers must use more than one type of boat
- When using an open boat (canadian canoe) learn to paddle on both sides, without switching
- When using a double sea kayak or an open boat with two people, try both front and back
Technical Ability
- Lifting, carrying and launching
- Forward paddling, reverse paddling and stopping
- Maintain an active posture and good body rotation
- Using the power of the torso
- Appropriate trim
- Steering a kayak
- Sweep strokes
- Low brace turn
- Beginning edging
- Stern rudder
- Bow rudder
- Steering an open boat
- One-quarter sweep strokes
- J strokes
- Outside pivot turn
- C strokes
- Beginning edging
- Paddle straight courses and figure-of-8 courses
- Draw strokes and moving the kayak sideways
- Classic draw stroke
- Sculling draw
- Stern rudder and keeping the kayak straight
- Support strokes and preventing a capsize
- Low brace / low support stroke
- Sculling for support
- High brace / high support stroke
- Returning to the bank or beach and disembarking
- Securing kayaks and canoes to trailers and roof racks
Safety
- Capsize drill - swim ashore; retain equipment; empty; (assisted) re-entry
- Eskimo rescue, bow presentation and paddle presentation
- Peer rescue via X-Rescue, curl, or tow to shore
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Buoyancy aid, helmet and spray deck
- Kayak and paddle
- Personal clothing - windproof & waterproof clothes
- Water Confidence
Items relevant to an intermediate award
BCU three star or Euro Paddle Pass level three (blue paddle)
A boat specific award reflecting a high degree of personal competence.
There are 5 separate awards at this level, each of which must be assessed and awarded separately.
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3 Star Flat Water Touring Kayak
An efficient paddling stroke demonstrating reliance on torso rather than arms to enable a larger distance to be travelled.
Capable of adjusting the trim of their boat in response to the load carried and the prevailing conditions, with winds no more than Force 3.
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3 Star White Water Kayak
The paddler should have experience of at least 6 club events on more than one river with grade 2 sections.
Capable in grade 2 rivers, as part of a led group, able to catch eddies when paddling down a rapid, and paddle upstream in grade 1 conditions.
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3 Star Open Boat (Canadian Canoe)
Demonstrating a fluent J-stroke, poling and sailing.
Capable of paddling fluently on rivers and lakes, adjusting the boat's trim, as part of a led group, with winds no more than Force 3.
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3 Star Sea Kayak
The level of skill, understanding and knowledge demonstrated is of the standard of an able improving sea paddler.
Capable in a moderate tidal environment, as part of a led group, with winds no more than Force 4.
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3 Star Surf Kayak
Equipped with the ability to move their boat with control in the surf, not surfing straight at the beach.
Surfs the waves rather than being surfed. Uses dynamic body movement. Engages rails. Demonstrates S-curve transitions and the ability to exit the wave at any point.
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At least 3 club outings of at least 3 hours in the disciple being assessed, and experience of club outings in other disciples.
Technical Ability
- Lifting, carrying and launching
- Forward paddling, reverse paddling and stopping
- Maintain an active posture and good body rotation
- Using the power of the torso, cycling action with legs
- Keeping the arms in the safety box
- Appropriate trim
- Steering a kayak
- Sweep strokes
- Low brace turn
- Beginning edging
- Stern rudder
- Bow rudder
- Steering an open boat
- One-quarter sweep strokes
- J strokes on and off the gunnel
- Outside pivot turn
- C strokes
- Beginning edging
- Poling
- Sailing
- Paddle straight courses and figure-of-8 courses, forward and reverse
- S-transitions in surf or in a current
- Draw strokes and moving the kayak sideways
- Classic draw stroke
- Sculling draw
- Draw-on-the-move
- Hanging draw
- Stern rudder and keeping the kayak straight
- Ferry gliding across a current
- Surfing a wave
- Support strokes and preventing a capsize
- Low brace support stroke
- Sculling for support
- High support stroke
- Paddling into and out of stoppers
- Eskimo roll
- Breaking-in and breaking-out of the current
- Returning to the bank or beach and disembarking
- Securing kayaks and canoes to trailers and roof racks
Safety
- Capsize drill - swim ashore; retain equipment; empty; (assisted) re-entry
- Eskimo rescue, bow presentation and paddle presentation
- Deep water peer rescue via X-Rescue, curl, or tow to shore
- Personal Protective Equipment
- Buoyancy aid, helmet and spray deck
- Kayak or open boat fitted with suitable buoyancy, and paddle
- Personal clothing - windproof & waterproof clothes
- Knife, whistle, two-line, first aid kit, repair kit
- Spare clothing, food and drink
- Exposure bag or emergency shelter
- Water confidence
- Use of throw-lines
- Towing - push & pull contact tow; use of tow-lines, incl. emergency release
- Etiquette - particularly surfing, and in rapids
- Swimming in a current
- Group awareness
Theory
- The effects of wind, tide, swell, geographical features
- Coastguard rescue services
- Potential hazards
- Access
- Map reading, tide tables (BBC Tide Tables)
- Weather forecasts
- The difference between a skeg and a rudder
A skeg is used to control the tracking of a kayak against wind. With a skeg up, the kayak weathercocks (turns into the wind). With the skeg down, the kayak turns downwind. Adjusting the skeg allows the paddler to control the kayak's tracking between these two angles.
Trim refers to how an open boat sits on the water. In general a boat can be slightly stern heavy when paddling forward, and slightly bow heavy when paddling backwards. However, if the bow or the stern are out of the water the boat will be extremely susceptible to the wind and very unstable.
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