BCU Syllabus - Environmental Awareness?

[Mark Gawler]

Having just read marks update to the Barle access situation, I was wounding if the BCU syllabus includes anything on Environmental Awareness which promotes responsible paddling. If it doesn't should it?

[Simon Westgarth]

Having just read marks update to the Barle access situation, I was wounding if the BCU syllabus includes anything on Environmental Awareness which promotes responsible paddling. I it doesn't should it?

Yes it does, well these are being written at present, to fit into the awards scheme.

[Mark Gawler]

Thanks simon, Its go to know it will be there in the future. I'm not sure if I'm surprised that its only being added now. I would hope most coaches include this kind of stuff anyway.

[Ian Dallaway]

In fairness, the theory part of the star awards does cover both Access and Environment. The sample questions in the assessors notes are possibly a little dated though. There is very little 'official' information available for the coaches to use, to pass on to their candidates that will clarify the assess situation within the UK. (not wishing to start another access 'debate' - just a statement of fact).

The fact is that the topics are on the star award syllabus and it is down to the individual coach/assessor to pass on the current advice with respect to these issues. Whether or not that happens is possibly a totally different issue....!

[Mark Gawler]

There is very little 'official' information available for the coaches to use, to pass on to their candidates that will clarify the assess situation within the UK.

I specifically didn't mention access. I was thinking along the lines of how to prevent damage to the river / sea environment when kayaking. Identification of potential sensitive areas.

[Cha0sSt0rm]

Like not paddling into reeds on flat water, careful when launching to not damage the banks, don't scrape down the beach too much to avoid moving all the gravel, is that sort of thing you were meaning?

Because, if yes, I think that that is a part of paddling and should be assessed.

[jmmoxon]

You, your canoe and the environment leaflet:

http://www.canoe-england.org.uk/media/p ... 206_lr.pdf

& canoeing on the sea:

http://www.canoe-england.org.uk/media/p ... 202010.pdf

They do also have an "understanding" with English Nature:

http://www.canoe-england.org.uk/media/p ... %20MoU.DOC

No surprise that they aren't as easily accessible / well advertised to all as they should be...

Mike