Gold canoe training/practice 2026

Service Description

An opportunity to complete your Gold DofE Expedition section, with training and practice expeditions on the rivers Tame and Trent. First, you'll need to complete our e-learning, which covers first aid, risk management and our emergency procedures. We will recap some of these elements in the face to face training but expect you to have achieved a basic level of knowledge via the e-learning first. 2 days of training covering the DofE expedition training framework. You will learn: Paddling skills to be able to canoe efficiently and look after your team on the water Rescue techniques and emergency procedures (this will include getting very wet IN the river) Campcraft- cooking on a gas Trangia stove, pitching tents Navigation and route planning- using our waterproof maps and route cards This is followed immediately by the 2 night, 2 day practice expedition. You'll spend 2 days journeying along the river Trent with your team, reinforcing your paddling skills, working on time management, navigation and communication as a team. Your supervisor will meet you in various places along the river and be able to assist with any extra coaching to help prepare you for your qualifying expedition. Team sizes are 4-8 participants. We reserve the right to cancel expeditions if minimum numbers aren't met; For the expedition to run we require at least a team of 8 participants. We will make the final call 2 months prior on 9th February at which point bookings close. 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). Our expeditions are suited to participants from a variety of backgrounds. No previous canoeing experience is required. We can support participants with a range of additional needs, medical conditions and disabilities; please contact us to discuss individual requirements and the support and adaptations we can provide prior to booking. Bookings close 9th February