Leslie's historic UK Guide Badge Syllabuses

Notes: 

* The test may be taken in a canoe or kayak with an open or closed cockpit on still water.  A spray-deck need not be worn.

* If you hold the BCU 1 Star or BCU Grade 1 Placid Water Test and complete Clause 1, you may have this badge.

* The tester for Clauses 2 to 8 should hold BCU Supervisor (Leader), Placid Water Teacher , Instructor or a higher qualification, or be a person with experience or a qualification approved by the County Assistant Outdoor Activities Adviser (Boating).  the tester should look for performance at the standard expected for BCU 1 Star or Placid Water Tests Grade 1.

2) Wear suitable clothing and a buoyancy aid for the test and be able to explain their importance to the tester.  Know how to check your boat is safe before going afloat.

3) Launch the canoe and get into it.

4) Demonstrate alone or with a partner of similar ability:

a) forward paddling over a distance of at least 100m

b) paddling backwards

c) paddling a circuit or figure-of-eight course using controlled turns

d) stopping

e) turning 360 degrees using sweep strokes.

5) Show that you have made a satisfactory beginning in draw stroke, stern rudder and a support stroke,

6) Return to the edge and get out.

7) Know what to do if you capsize.  If using a closed-cockpit kayak, demonstrate how to capsize and swim ashore.

8) Know the Canoeist's Code of Conduct.

9) Hold a small first aid kit and know how to use it correctly.

Notes: 

* If you hold the BCU 2 Star or BCU Grade 2 or 3 Placid Water Test, or BCU Grade 2 Surf Test and complete Clauses 1 and 9, you may have this badge.

1) Swim 50m and stay afloat for five minutes wearing clothes.  This clause may be done in a swimming pool and you may wear a buoyancy aid if you wish.

2) Show the tester your clothing and equipment and discus why it is safe and suitable.  Show some knowledge of the clothing and buoyancy aids for different conditions and of the materials used for boats and paddles.

3) Launch and get into your canoe.  Fit a spray-deck if appropriate.

4) Demonstrate alone or with a partner of similar ability:

a) efficient forward paddling over at least 200m

b) paddling backwards (keeping the boat straight while showing good paddling style)

c) the skills needed to paddle a figure-of-eight course - doubles partners must paddle both back and front

d) draw strokes on both sides keeping the boat in a straight line

e) Support strokes on both sides whilst stationary and on the move - n a kayak show high and low brace

f) stern rudder

g) 'J' stroke, if tested in an open canoe.

* sculling draw and sculling for support in a kayak

* sculling and cross-deck sculling in an open canoe

* eskimo rescue

* ferry glide

* breaking into and out of moving water

* bow cut (bow rudder).

6) Go ashore showing correct approach relative to wind an current and get out.

7) Know what to do if you capsize and 

Either:

If using a kayak, demonstrate capsize with spray-deck fitted, being rescued and getting back into your boat in deep water, and rescuing another paddler in deep water.

Or:

If using an open canoe, jump out and climb back in unaided.

8) Know the canoeist's code of Conduct.  Answer questions about safety and access in the area where you paddle (for example, dangers of weirs, currents, tides, group control and signs, the effect of weather, launching sites, access agreements, etc.).

9) Know how to recognize and deal with hypothermia.  Describe to the tester the injuries that might happen when canoeing and what you would do.

Notes: 

* If you hold the BCU 3 Star Inland Proficiency, Sea Proficiency, or both Grades 2 and 3 of Placid Water Tests and complete Clause 1, you may have this badge.

* The tester for Clauses 2 to 8 should be qualified as a BCU Senior Instructor of hold a qualification approved by the County Assistant Outdoor Activities Adviser (Boating).  

1) Swim 50m and stay afloat for five minutes wearing clothes.  This clause may be done in a swimming pol and you may wear a buoyancy aid if you wish.

2) Present yourself for the test suitable dressed and equipped.  Be prepared to explain your choice of gear to the tester.

3) Launch your boat and get in.  Return to shore and get out.

4) Paddling alone, demonstrate that you are proficient at moving and controlling the canoe using all the following strokes appropriate to your boat - forward paddling, reverse paddling, sweep strokes, draw strokes, stern rudder, recover strokes, sculling draw, sculling for support, bow rudder/bow cut, cross bow cut, bow draw (open canoe), emergency stop, backwater stroke/cross-deck backwater stroke, 'J' stroke.

6) Capsize in deep water and be rescued by another paddler.

7) Rescue another paddler from deep water.  (Another person may be asked to help you but you must remain in charge of the rescue.)

8) Answer questions that show that you know about:

a) the Canoeist's Code of Conduct.

b) types of canoe and paddle

c) the river grading system and access to local waters

d) hot to paddle in a group

e) the use of tow lines

f) the hazards that may be encountered on open water, rivers and sea

g) specific local features

h) the general effect of tide, wind and current

I) where to obtain weather forecasts and information 

9) Know how to recognize and deal with hypothermia.  Demonstrate what you would do:

a) to stop bleeding

b) to identify and treat a broken bone

c) to treat an unconscious breathing patient.

Using a manikin, show how to give expired air resuscitation.