The British Canoe Union

Newcomers to the sport may not be familiar with the BCU (British Canoe Union) and its activities. Our club is affiliated to it, principally for the benefit of keeping in touch with developments in the sport, and for the third party insurance. All paid up members of the club are covered by this for claims of up to £2,000,000. (Unfortunately boat insurance is not included.)

Many club members are also individual members, of which there are currently 22,600. Basic membership provides:-

	Yearbook with a comprehensive list of other clubs, courses, tours, competitions, and river access data
	bi-monthly Canoe-Focus magazines
	Free use of the River Information Service, including advise on access
	Reduced price BCU supplies and publications and discounts at many trade outlets.
	British Waterways Board licence valid on over 2,000 miles of inland rivers and canals

Those keen enough to pay for ‘Comprehensive’ membership are also eligible to enter the coaching scheme and work their way up the instructors' ladder.

The BCU uses the funds to support competitions and expeditions, and to finance a staff of 16 people at Nottingham who represent the interests of the sport at a National and International level, and provide an information service to paddlers.

Some paddlers are of the opinion that the interests of the average canoeist are not well served by the BCU, but much of the hard work at a local level which goes into river access negotiations and events is done on behalf of the BCU by volunteers. They are the stalwarts of the organisation, and together they make it work.

If you would like to know more ask one of the 'Old Timers' of the club, most of whom are members, or write to: British Canoe Union, Adbolton Lane, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 5AS. or visit their web site : www.bcu.org.uk

BCU Tests of Personal Performance

The BCU administers a range of tests by which a canoeist's level of skill can be measured. Their 'Star Tests' are an assessment of paddling ability and knowledge of the sport. One does not need to be a BCU member to take the tests.

There are 5 levels of personal performance tests which gradually build up the range and level of performance of the strokes and techniques. The first 3 levels are assessed on flat water, while the 4 and 5 star tests are assessed in the real situation to which they relate.

	1 Star Test: Beginner: An elementary test aimed at encouraging youngsters who have completed an introductory course.
	2 Star Test: Improver: A test for improving novices who have grasped the principles of the basic strokes. All those who have been on our pool courses and brushed up with a few sessions on the water should be at this standard.
	3 Star Test: Intermediate: For those who have mastered the basic strokes and rescues, and can roll in controlled conditions. A reasonable knowledge of various aspects of the sport, such as types of equipment, and safety afloat, is required.
	4 Star Test: Proficient this test is designed to indicate that the candidate has sufficient proficiency to apply '3-star' strokes, etc. to a journey on moving water
	5 Star Test: Advanced : The most advanced test for those with total competence in rough conditions on the appropriate water.

The club's instructors are normally happy to Coach and Assess other members free-of-charge!.

There are also two local centres that provide BCU training.

Woodmill: Swaythling : Tel: 01703 556641 www.woodmill.co.uk

This centre offers 1-3 star training and testing weekend and evening courses from April to October, together with Inland Kayak proficiency and instructor training courses.

Calshot: Calshot Spit: Tel: 01703 892077

Calshot similarly offers 1-3 star training and testing weekend courses from April to October, together with Sea Kayak proficiency and instructor training courses.

Further information on the BCU's tests, together with their coaching scheme, is given in the BCU Yearbook and the BCU Directory of Tests and Awards.