Viking offers members a range of courses for all ability levels. We also welcome non-members and run beginners’ courses regularly subject to demand.
On kayak courses, you can choose between a traditional kayak or a sit-on-top kayak.
We have compiled some FAQs about our courses to help you decide if we are a fit for you. If you have any other questions, please get in touch: courses@vikingkayak.co.uk
Upcoming Courses
Note some of the dates below may not be the first date of the course and the course may already be in progress. Please click on the date to find out more.
Nov 23 Sat Held over a weekend at Viking Kayak Club for Viking members only. 10 places available Currently this course is FULL ****************************** Nov 24 Sun Held over a weekend at Viking Kayak Club for Viking members only.
10 places available
Currently this course is FULL
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Jan 25 Sat Held over a weekend at Viking Kayak Club for Viking members only.
10 places available
Members are currently invited to apply for a place
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Jan 26 Sun Held over a weekend at Viking Kayak Club for Viking members only.
10 places available
Members are currently invited to apply for a place
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Subscribe to filtered calendar
Held over a weekend at Viking Kayak Club for Viking members only.
10 places available
Currently this course is FULL
******************************
Held over a weekend at Viking Kayak Club for Viking members only.
10 places available
Members are currently invited to apply for a place
******************************
Held over a weekend at Viking Kayak Club for Viking members only.
10 places available
Members are currently invited to apply for a place
******************************
Courses Available
In January 2019, British Canoeing Awarding Body, now called Paddle UK, launched the new Personal Performance Awards. They replace the existing Star Awards.
Paddle Awards:
Start Award
The Start Award is a place to start your paddling journey. If you’re brand new to the sport and want to learn the basics to get started, then this is the award for you. You’ll cover everything from getting in and out of the boat, what you need to wear and paddling forward.
You don’t need any previous experience to take your Start Award, just the desire for fun! You can take the award in any craft, from kayaks, canoes and SUPs.
Discover Award
The Discover Award allows you to develop your decision-making and practical skills for a fun and safe time on the water, as you become a more skilled and independent paddler. Through this award, you will learn how to choose and effectively use equipment, whilst developing an understanding of the factors which affect your paddling.
You don’t need any previous experience to take your Discover Award, just the desire for fun and learning! You can take the award from any craft, from kayaks, canoes or SUPs.
Explore Award
If you want to become independent on the water, go on self-guided adventures, know how to control your craft and stay safe on the water, this is the award for you. If you’ve never been paddling before, it might be worth starting with the Start and Discover awards. In this award, you will take ownership of your own decisions and learn to make confident choices, based on the places you paddle, wind and weather.
Anyone can take the Explore award. Designed to help you gain confidence on the water, it is aimed at any craft, age and ability.
Discipline-Specific Pathway Awards:
Each of the 12 disciplines has 3 levels of awards.
For example the White Water Discipline: White Water Award, Progressive White Water Award & Advanced White Water Award
The 12 Disciplines are: White Water, Canoeing, Surf Kayak, Sea Kayak, Touring, Stand Up Paddleboard, Freestyle, Rafting, Polo, Racing, Slalom, Wild Water Racing.
Safety & Rescue Courses:
FSRT
Paddle UK FSRT – Foundation Safety and Rescue Training – How to save yourself and others. Learn the key safety and rescue skills required to operate safely in a sheltered water environment and to be able to deal with common emergencies.
AFA
Paddle UK AFA – Aquatic First Aid – first-aid and lifesaving skills in an aquatic environment, with particular attention paid to the situations paddlers are most likely to see.
WWSR
Paddle UK WWSR – The White Water Safety and Rescue Training course is designed for all paddlers operating in a moderate to advanced white water environment in either kayak or canoe and is required for those seeking their leader award.
Coaching:
Why not give back some of the skills and fun you have had? Learn to teach Canoeing and Kayaking. These courses will run when required.
Contact: courses@vikingkayak.co.uk for more information.