Gold canoe Qualifier 2025

Service Description

6-10 September An opportunity to complete your Gold DofE Qualifying Expedition section by canoe on the river Wye. Participants will need to have completed appropriate training for canoeing and a practice expedition by canoe prior to signing up for this expedition. You will have access to our e-learning modules, where we expect you to access training on any areas that you have not covered previously or require further development (first aid, camp craft, hygiene) as well as a section on the expedition requirements and our company specific emergency procedures. Qualifying expedition 6-10 September Day 1: Kit issue and checks, a skill refresher and chance to look through your routes, menus and team goal ready to start your assessment the following morning. During this day you will paddle with your team mates and we will look at boat dynamics to work out possible pairings for tandem paddling. We also have the option of solo canoes for the more experienced paddlers or 3 person canoes to be able to accommodate odd numbers. We will be completing rescue drills on the river, you will need clothes that you are happy to get wet for this day that don't necessarily form part of your expedition kit (they can be transported in the van for you). Day 2-5 : Your 4 day, 3 night qualifying expedition, canoeing down the river Wye as part of a team of between 4-8 participants. Assessors and supervisors will see you at various points along the river. You'll have trackers and a radio to improve communications in case of emergency, but your expedition will be self sufficient and you'll carry all your kit in barrels and drybags. All group equipment (tents, stoves, safety kit) and canoe specific equipment (boats, barrels, paddles, helmets and buoyancy aids) are provided by us- you'll need to bring suitable waterproof clothing, your food and crockery, sleeping bag and mat and any other personal kit (full kit list is available to download). Bookings close August 29th