Training & Courses
Find out more about the various ways you can participate in our activities either as an individual, a couple or a family.
Instructor Training Courses
Train with us on a range of instructor courses that are fully accredited by national governing bodies. We offer training in paddle sports, target sports, climbing and more.
British Canoeing - Paddlesport Instructor Award
The qualification will support the instructor with practical skills such as kitting up a group and getting afloat, initial familiarisation activities, games and activities to support learning. Also looking at how to use mini journeys to support learning, inspire adventure and exploration. This will be enhanced with support on how these sessions can be delivered in a way that is enjoyable, safe and rewarding.
The process of completing the qualification aims to help prepare candidates for their first paddlesport instructing role; ‘primed and ready’.
There will be some classroom teaching, but we prefer to do as much as possible out on the water, so be prepared to paddle both days. Assessment is a continuous process throughout the course and will include you being shown how to run short sessions, demonstrating rescues and completing a learner development pack. You will be expected to be paddling confidently at your chosen craft and be able to rescue from it – an assessment of various rescues from your chosen craft will take place.
Prerequisites
- Min Age 14
- Completed Paddle Sport Safety and Rescue Training
- Full British Canoeing Membership plus registration with the award
- 27th, 28th April 2024
- 5th, 6th October 2024
Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor
The Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor is very much like the Paddle Sport Instructor. Where a Paddle Sport Instructor is a mixed craft award, involving canoe, kayak and SUP, the SUP Instructor will only work from a SUP and only deliver SUP activities. The general ethos around the award is first time experiences, introducing people to the sport of stand up paddleboards
The course will include items such as:
- Group arrival and kitting up
- Familiarisation with the craft
- Games and Activities to support learning
- Mini Journeys
- Rescue Assessments
There will be some classroom teaching, but we prefer to do as much as possible out on the water, so be prepared to paddle both days. Assessment is a continuous process throughout the course and will include you being shown how to run short sessions, demonstrating rescues and completing a learner development pack. You will be expected to be paddling confidently at your chosen craft and be able to rescue from it – an assessment of various rescues from your SUP.
Prerequisites
- Min Age 14
- Completed Paddle Sport Safety and Rescue Training
- Full British Canoeing Membership plus registration with the award
British Canoeing - Core Coach Training
The new Coach Award is aimed at existing L1 Coaches/paddlesport Instructors and experienced recreational or competition paddlers wanting to gain their first formal coaching qualification. The new Coach award offers a great progression for instructors wishing to take their coaching to a higher level.
The Coach Award provides over 18 different pathways based on craft, environment and competition. All the former Level 2 qualifications and endorsements are covered by the Coach Award. As the new Coach Awards are direct entry, you can decide when you are ready to undertake the training, without a requirement for star tests/performance awards or other qualifications. This could considerably reduce the time and cost of becoming a qualified coach.
Training for the new Coach Award comprises a two-day Core Coach course and a two-day Discipline-Specific course, followed by a development period and then a one-day Assessment. The only formal pre-requisite for attending the core training is British Canoeing membership.
NSRA Air Rifle Tutor
The NSRA Youth Proficiency Scheme Tutor’s Diploma is the standard course to equip adult instructors to run both “taster” sessions in air rifle shooting and also a YPS course, which young people can use as part of their Duke of Edinburgh , Chief Scouts Award, etc
The course will cover:
- Shooting accurately
- Safe use of the air rifles
- Different shooting positions
- Building an appropriate range
- Parts of the air rifle
- Basics on how to teach someone to operate an air rifle
- Legalities with use of air rifles
The course fee includes an NSRA course handbook and certification (valid for 5 years).
Previous experience
No experience necessary. Minimum age 18 to do the course but you must be 21 to lead on a range.
Cost – £170
Dates: No more dates for 2024, contact us on corporate@lopc.co.uk if you would like one scheduled.
Archery GB Instructor Award
This 2 day course is designed to qualify novices and beginners to deliver archery taster sessions and be able to provide individual coaching. The course includes:
- Loading and shooting
- Different styles and techniques
- Improving personal skill
- Coaching other people
- ·Safety on the range
- Setting up a range
- Choosing the right equipment
- Designing games
The course will cover all relevant technical and coaching skills, history and etiquette. You must attend all days of the course and it will be based at the Leicester Outdoor Pursuit Centre.
Minimum Age: 17 years old Maximum Number of People on Course: 12 Persons Cost: £250 (2 day course)
No experience necessary. 50% payment required to secure a place, together with completed registration form. No refund is given for failure to attend the course. Notice will be given prior to the course if it has insufficient numbers to go ahead.
Learning Outcome:
Qualify to deliver archery taster session at a beginner, entry level.
Typical Session Structure:
Theory and practice Learning styles both included within the course. Their is a practical shooting assessment to test the shooting competences of the candidate.
Typical Session Time: Start 9:30 am -5pm both days
Dates
29th, 30th June 2024
Paddlesport Safety Rescue (PSSR) Course
To do the course the candidate must have basic boat handling skills – this must not be your first time in a boat! However you do not need to hold any awards, just feel happy in a canoe/kayak.
Candidates will need to be able to swim in normal suitable clothing. You will be expected to wear a buoyancy aid while on or near the water. You may be asked to wear a helmet for parts of the course if the course provider deems it appropriate.
Payment required to secure a place. Further to the courses fee, candidates will be required to pay a certification fee if you want for us to register you as completing the course. This is paid to LOPC at the end of the course and we then pay British Canoeing directly.
Learning Outcome:
Covering both Theory and Practical Skills, the objective of this training course is to teach simple and safe skills that can provide the tools to problem solve simple common paddling scenarios in flat/sheltered water regardless of the craft.
Candidates will learn:
- Skills which will enable them to ensure the safety of themselves and others
- Appropriate rescue skills which can be used to help themselves and/or others in difficulty
For more information on the content covered please read the Syllabus.
The PSSR Training is also a pre-requisite of the British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor Award.
Minimum Age: 14 years old Maximum Number of People on Course: 6 Persons Cost: £110 (Full day course)
(courses of larger numbers will be ran with multiple Coaches)
Typical Session Time: Start 9:30 am – 5pm
Dates
- Monday 11th March 2024
- Saturday 14th September 2024
Paddle Sport Leader
This qualification is for anyone who wants to lead groups on sheltered water. This qualification is a great enhancement to the Paddle Sport Instructor, stretching your remit from very sheltered to sheltered water, and working more remotely.
There are separate training and assessment courses, with the expectation that having completed the training you then go on to gain experience and prepare for your assessment. However you can go straight on to assessment if you wish.
Training is a two day course that covers topics including:
- Leadership theory and putting it into practice
- Planning and preparing for a journey
- Personal paddling skills
- Decision making on the water
- Rescues
Pre-requisites for assessment
- British Canoeing membership and registration on to the award
- Minimum age 16
- Valid first aid certificate (1 day)
- Valid Safeguarding training
Assessments typically run over two days, but can be fitted into one day. There needs to be a journey on open water and on a river, you will be assessed on the following areas:
- Participant focused leadership skills
- Personal paddling skills
- Rescue skills
- Underpinning background knowledge, understanding and experience
Cost
£190 for either training or assessment.
Dates
Training Course
- 2nd, 3rd March 2024
- 28th, 29th September 2024
Assessment
- 23rd, 24th March 2024
- 19th, 20th October 2024
Bell Boat Helm
A Bell Boat is a twin hull, very large and stable open canoe. It can have up to 14 children or 8 adults all working as a team to paddle it. Bell Boating is a fun way to introduce people to paddle sport.
The helm award is aimed at coaches, youth leaders, teachers or anyone wishing to introduce or develop paddlers on a placid water environment. It is a two day course, which at the end will qualify you to take groups out on this craft. LOPC will run them on ad-hoc basis, if you are interested please phone the centre or email corporate@lopc.co.uk.
Paddlesport Skills Courses
Start to Discover Canoeing and Kayaking
This course is all about getting people out on the water and learning the basics. You will gain the first two awards in British Canoeing – Start and Discover.
We run separate kayak and canoeing courses, so make sure you choose the right course with the right craft.
We work on basic boat handling skills and decision making, this course is for those people interested in taking their canoeing a little bit further.
British Canoeing certification is £8 for this course and is emailed directly to you (If you are a BC member then the price is £6.) This cost is optional and will be charged after the course only for those who want the certificate.
We work on a ratio of 1:6 to give plenty of personal tuition throughout the course.
Necessary equipment such as boats, paddles and buoyancy aids will be provided.
Cost: £100
Dates:
Canoe courses
- 23rd & 30th March 2024, 9:30am – 12:30pm
- 11th & 18th May 2024, 9:30am – 12:30pm
- 6th & 13th July 2024, 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Kayak Courses
- 23rd & 30th March 2024, 1:30pm -4:30pm
- 12th & 19th May 2024, 12:30pm – 3:30pm
- 14th & 21st July 2024, 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Start to Discover Stand Up Paddle Boarding
This is just like the Start to Discover Canoe and Kayak courses, but for Stand Up Paddle Boarding.
We work on on the basic skills to paddle and manoeuvre your board as well how to stand on your board and move around on it. We also give some basic knowledge to build on and help with decision making,
British Canoeing certification is £8 for this course and is emailed directly to you (If you are a BC member then the price is £6.) This cost is optional and will be charged after the course only for those who want the certificate.
We will work on a ratio of 1:6, to give plenty of personal tuition throughout the course.
Necessary equipment such as boards, paddles and buoyancy aids will be provided.
Cost: £100
Dates:
- Saturdays 9th, March 2024, 9:30am to 4:30pm
- Weekend, 11th, 12th May 2024, 1:30pm to 4:30pm
- Sundays 30th June, 7th July 2024 12:30pm to 3:30pm
- Weekend 17th, 18th August 2024 9:30am to 12:30pm
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Paddle Explore
The paddle awards are designed for people who are new to paddle sport, enabling them to feel confident in their chosen craft. The Explore Award is the final stage of the Paddle Awards, before paddlers then move on to Personal Performance Awards such as the White Water, Touring or Canoeing.
We hope that by the time you have reached this stage that you want to take part in the Explore Award, you are starting a lifelong journey in paddle sport. The Discover Award should have taught you the fundamentals of paddling, and now you are ready to progress and refine those skills.
British Canoeing certification is the same price as it is for the Discover Course
Cost: £100
Dates:
Canoe
- 6th & 13th April 2024, 9:30am – 12:30pm
- 8th & 15th June 2024, 1:30pm – 4:30pm
- 3rd & 10th August 2024, 9:30am – 12:30pm
Kayak
- 20th & 27th April 2024, 1:30pm – 4:30pm
- 23rd & 30th June 2024, 12:30pm – 3:30pm
- 11th, 18th August 2024, 12:30pm – 3:30pm
SUP
- 17th, 18th August 2024, 1:30pm – 4:30pm
SUP Sheltered Water Award
This is a weekend trip in aimed at introducing or improving skills used to paddle on slightly more challenging water. This is an British Canoeing course, where participants are given the chance to learn at their own pace, and experience paddling in some amazing places.
We will be running the course as part of a weekend trip, based in North Wales. Locations will be chosen based on the weather conditions, however we will be looking places like Lake Bala (Llyn Tegid) and the River Dee (not the white water section).
Typically the course will cover areas such as:
- Location choice
- Key clothing and equipment
- Safety and Rescue
- SUP Skills
- Future Development
There is an optional extra pre-course session to prepare for the weekend the week beforehand.
Course does not include travel or accommodation, however car sharing may be organised and a suggested campsite will be shared if people want to camp together.
Further to this, there is a certification fee for the course, which is £20.80, (£10.40 for members), which is then paid to British Canoeing.
For more information contact David Robinson, corporate@lopc.co.uk.
Cost: £200
Dates: 21st, 22nd September 2024, (pre-course session 15th September, 9:30am – 11:30am)
Roll Clinic
This course is designed specifically to get you able to roll a kayak. Rolling a kayak can be quite a complex manoeuvre made even more difficult by having to perform it underwater.
There is no start or end date to the course, simply book which ever dates you are able to participate. We recommend at least four sessions in order to make significant progress. Should you be able to roll within that time our coach will guide you through further progress helping you to convert that roll from the swimming pool to the open water.
Swimming pool sessions are based at New Parks Leisure Centre, where you’ll be in a calmer environment and be more able to learn the techniques needed to roll.
Dates
No dates scheduled currently. If you are interested please contact corporate@lopc.co.uk
Cost
£25 per session, or £10 – if you just want boat hire with no coaching.
Paddle Safer Courses
A short course designed to give paddlers more confidence a greater
understanding of how to keep themselves safe on the water.
This course is for people who either considering, or like to go out paddling
on their own or as part of a group, and would like to know a bit more around
how to go about it as safely as possible. The course
is split up into four categories:
* Equipment
* Environment
* Planning
* Rescues
Necessary equipment such as boats, paddles and buoyancy aids will be provided. The course covers both canoe and kayaks, participants can choose which boat they prefer. Course comes with a certificate of attendance.
Cost: £40 per person
Dates:
- 11th May 2024, 9:30 – 12:30
White Water Award
Your White Water Award endorses your skill, judgment and decision making to ensure a successful day on rivers up to grade 2 in a closed cockpit kayak. You will be confident in planning and undertaking journeys on moving water with proficient skills to be in control throughout. Your award should be seen as a sound basis for building the experience and knowledge associated with Progressive White Water Award holders.
Content includes:
- Environmental factors
- Making decisions
- Clothing and Equipment
- Assessing Risk
- Rescues
- Moving in and out of the flow
- Crossing the flow
- Changing direction
- Reading the river
The course based as a weekend in North Wales – typically based around Llangollen on the River Dee
In addition to the white water trip, we will also conduct a pre-course training session at LOPC. This is to help the coach make better decisions on the course for you, and to help prepare you for moving on to white water.
Price only includes tuition, it does not include British Canoeing fees admin fees, travel, accommodation, parking, access tickets or food. Kit can be supplied with prior arrangement. We cannot guarantee transport, but we can help either by linking candidates together or with an instructor to share fuel costs.
Course Cost: £200
There is a further certification fee required upon completing the course, this is £10 for British Canoeing members, £20 for non members.
Dates: Next course will be in Autumn 2024, contact corporate@lopc.co.uk if interested.
White Water Trips
LOPC wants to support paddlers progression in paddle sport, and understand the need to do so safely. We are putting on a series of white water – coach lead trips where participants can be guided down the river and encouraged to practice their skills. Our aim is to coach essential white water skills so you can manoeuvre around a river in style whilst having fun and experiencing an extreme outdoor environments.
Trips are set at different difficulties, it is highly recommended you check the suitability of the trip before booking, either with someone who has already coached you or you can contact the centre – David Robinson corporate@lopc.co.uk
Trips Scheduled
No trips currently scheduled, contact corporate@lopc.co.uk if interested.
Climbing Skills Courses
Climbing is a very exciting, active and popular element of outdoor pursuits. We have a range of courses to learn all the basics to start you off in your climbing. From how to tie in on level 1 NICAS to learning to lead climb either indoors or outdoors.
The National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme
Course Description
The National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS) is a UK wide scheme designed to promote climbing development and accredit individual achievement on artificial climbing walls.
Level 1 – New Climber
This is the entry level for candidates who wish to learn basic climbing skills. This level focuses on a safety conscious attitude as much as climbing skills. It is designed to be achievable by any climber with aptitude whilst remaining under the supervision of an instructor at all times.
This course is a great starting point for people wishing to take up climbing.
Min age 8. No experience necessary. Please wear loose sports clothing. Payment required to secure a place, together with completed registration form.
National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme Level 2- Foundation Climber
Course Description
NICAS Level 2 Climbing
This course is the next stage on from Level 1 and aims to build on the skills and knowledge already gained to create safe, competent climbers with the confidence to use public walls in their spare time.
Most of the course will be held at The Tower which is at Leicester Leys Leisure Centre, this may change depending on Covid restrictions
Upon completing the course you will either be at an appropriate level to use public climbing walls or you will be given your log book and an action plan to try and complete your Level 2.
Bushcraft and Wilderness Skills
Our courses cater for all experiences and age ranges. Take your first steps into Bushcraft on one of our introduction courses, or develop your outdoor skills further with some of our more advanced skills classes.
NEW FOR 2022 Our courses cater for all experiences and age ranges. Take your first steps into Bushcraft on one of our introduction courses, or develop your outdoor skills further with some of our more advanced skills classes.
If you have any specific requirements we may be able to put on a bespoke course covering the content important to you.
Introduction to Bushcraft
Bush “Crafter”
Primitive skills
Private Tuition
Tree and Plant Identification
Bushcraft Competency Award
Introduction to Bushcraft
Join us on our exciting Introduction to Bushcraft Experience
The aim of the session is to introduce a brilliant building block for your life toolkit!
This 3 hour course is the perfect first step on your journey into the world of Bushcraft. It has been designed to provide an introduction to the Tools, techniques and skills of Bushcraft.
This is a fully hands on experience, where your Instructor will guide you through a variety of techniques and skills that could make your time outdoors more comfortable, or even one day save your life!
Explore the world of wilderness skills in this exciting half day course. At the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre we have 15 acres at the edge of the city. We are ideally placed for people living in the East Midlands.
Our experienced instructors will introduce you to the limitless subject of bushcraft by expertly demonstrating and explaining and showing you each skill before you have the chance to have a go
Delve into:
- Fire – test different techniques of lighting fires in the outdoors. Learn where to find tinder and kindling selection from a variety of natural and man made options
- Shelter – build and test designs of shelters built with natural materials that are readily found in a woodland environment
- Foraging- explore what edible plants and berries are around and in season.
Bush “Crafter”
£15 for a 90 minute crafting session
An imaginative course looking at a few simple woodcraft projects to work on whilst spending time outdoors. We aim to blend the mix between functional and fun.
Projects may include:
Seasonal decorations
Primitive weapons
Natural Jewellery
Musical Instruments
Camp tools- Tent pegs, pot hangers and mallets
Primitive skills
Half day course – £40 per person
Exploring the old ways. During this course you will get to experience a range of skills that were used to survive whilst living alongside nature, that would have been used by our ancestors or indigenous tribes from around the world.
Private Tuition
We offer bespoke Bushcraft training and tuition for individuals and groups. Whether you are already an Outdoors Practitioner, Forest School Leader, Involved in Scouting or Guides or just wish to improve your own skill set. Our staff can work at your pace to ensure you achieve your objectives.
One hour’s tuition is £45, 2 Hours £80
Rates can be discussed for longer lessons.
Please get in touch with us on 0116 2681 426 or Chris Murnin via email deputy@lopc.co.uk so we can tailor something around your needs.
First Aid Courses in Leicestershire
British Canoeing Aquatic First Aid Level 1 (1 day, 8 hour)
This is a one day (8 hour) course. Teaching the basics of first aid with a focus on application in a paddle sport environment. Syllabus includes:
- Introduction to First Aid
- Resuscitation
- Unconsciousness
- Airway & Breathing Problems
- Circulation Problems
- Wounds and Bleeding
- Injuries to bones, muscles and joints
- Effects of cold and heat
Cost – £90 per person,
This does not include British Canoeing admin fees, which are £16 for a BC member, £21 for a non-member, which we will take on completion of the course.
Dates:
10th February 2024, 9:00am to 5:00pm
20th April 2024, 9:00am to 5:00pm
General Course Info
The Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre runs a variety of Courses to increase your skills, ability, knowledge or gain qualifications.
The Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre runs a variety of Courses to increase your skills, ability, knowledge or gain qualifications. So why choose us?
- Warm, friendly, knowledgable professional staff.
- Wide range of resources including a variety of sizes of safety kit, different styles of boats to use and various teaching aids to adapt to different learning styles.
- We use different assessors to the trainers to avoid any leniency and maintain high a standard of successful candidates.
- A variety of Course Tutors to choose from, each with their own skill set.
- Conference facilities for classroom sessions.
- Pre and post Course consultations should you need any advice on moving forward, whether it be career or just improving your ability.
- Frequent quality control observations on staff.
- Discounts for multiple progressive courses.
Also:
- We are easy to find located just off the Leicester ring road. Find a map here
- We have free camping facilities should you require, or local hotels we can recommend.
- LOPC is proud to have a strong reputation for delivering good quality outdoor sessions in all aspects, including developing people in our courses.
To find out more about who is running your course visit the Course Tutors page.
An Individual Consent Form is needed to book on to a course together with a 50% deposit. You can find the consent form here or ensure you fill in all medical info when you book your space
Please contact the LOPC if you require more information about any of our Courses.
Can’t find the course you’re looking for? We work with a variety of highly qualified coaches who can deliver a variety of courses. These courses can be delivered on demand and tailored to you liking. For more information please visit the Prospective Courses page.
Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Join Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, a leading AAP for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, for the expedition element of your programme.
Join Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre, a leading AAP for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, for the expedition element of your programme.
With full support from our friendly and experienced team, we will work with you to facilitate a tailor made journey to suite all young people.
We are based in Leicester, in the East Midlands on the banks of the River Soar. But we can also operate in any part of the UK, appropriate to Bronze, Silver and Gold Expedition levels. LOPC can bring the adventure to you…
We are dedicated to providing the best possible experiences and support for you and your DofE teams.
Young people progress through three levels within the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to achieve a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. Taking part in the scheme builds confidence and develops self-esteem. It requires persistence, commitment and has a lasting impact on the attitudes and outlook of all young people who do their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre is an Approved Activity Provider (AAP). The AAP Licence is a quality standard which shows that our organisation’s programme has been proven to meet the requirements of the DofE Expedition and Residential sections.
Course Tutors
David Robinson
Corporate Development Officer
Chris Murnin
Deputy Manager
David Robinson
Corporate Development Officer
As courses manager David has been in charge of the provision and development of LOPC’s courses for a few years now. If you have any questions about attending any courses or developing your outdoor skills he is more than happy to help, just email on si@lopc.co.uk.
David has been kayaking for over 15 years with a wide breadth of experience paddling in places such as Norway, Italy, France and Austria being the career highlights. David is also a keen canoeist and has enjoyed many aspects of the sport including paddling on open lochs in Scotland, white water rivers, racing events and camping expeditions. When not paddling David can be found rock climbing, mountain biking and climbing mountains. Qualifications include: Bsc Outdoor Recreation Management, BCU L3 Kayak Coach, BCU L2 Canoe Coach, MLTE Single Pitch Award, MLTE Mountain Leader Award, plus many more.
Chris Murnin
Deputy Manager
Chris has spent a large part of his life outdoors. More recently in the hills of north Wales and Scotland or the sea cliffs of Dorset. Using this experience to become a well established rock climbing instructor and qualified mountain leader, holding both awards provided by Mountain Training as well as the European Ropes Course Association . Dedicated to the mountain environment at home and abroad, there isn’t much Chris doesn’t know about climbing and rope work.
Chris is also very much part of the paddling world enjoying the excitement of white water kayaking. Currently a BCU Level 2 Kayak and UKCC L2 coach, holding a 4 star kayak award as well. A strong believer in ‘learning through doing’ and likes to spend as little time in a class room as possible, preferring to create the classroom outside.
Chris currently coaches the Discover & Explore paddle sport awards and level 1 and 2 NICAS courses, as well as NNAS and bespoke navigational courses.
Steve Vincent
Senior Instructor & AAP Manager
A keen rock climber/mountaineer, Steve has climbed crags all over the UK such as Wales, Peak district, Scotland, Lake district, Dorset and Cornwall.
Highlights include classics such as Flying Buttress Direct at Stanage and Outside Edge Route at Craig Yr Ogof (136 metres)
Steve’s passion is being in the mountains, more remote the better, his words ‘pure escapism’. Steve is also a kayak/canoe paddler and paddled various rivers and lakes in The Midlands, Wales and the Lake district. Steve is very experienced and his outdoor career spans over 14 years. Frequently asked for by various customers Steve is very much a fun instructor to be around who always has a smile on his face. Qualifications include: MLTE Single Pitch Award, BCU Level 2 Kayak Coach and BCU 3 star Canoe Award, Basic Expedition Leader Award plus many more.
Bhavesh Ramji
Senior Instructor
Bhavesh started his outdoor career working for outdoor centres in Surrey and then in Cumbria where he developed a deep interest in Rock Climbing and Canoeing. Climbing for 8+ Years Bhavesh has a wealth of knowledge and experience in this area. A talented climber himself he leads at a 6a+ and has climbed all over England as far north as Northumberland and south as Swanage on the south coast. Bhavesh is known throughout the centre for his grit and determination and ‘can do’ attitude when it comes to climbing, happy to take plenty of falls if it means completing that route he’s struggling on. He holds the MLTE Single Pitch Award and is trained in MLTE Mountain Leader. Currently coaches both level 1 & 2 of NICAS
Bhavesh also holds the BCU 3 Star Award in both Canoe and Kayak and is a qualified BCU Level 2 Canoe Coach. He is also currently working towards holding the UKCC L2 Coaching Award.
Katy Groom
Bookings Coordinator and Senior Instructor
Katy started kayaking at school in 1996. She then carried on paddling at Bicton College while she studied for her National Diploma in Outdoor Recreation. She became a BCU Level 2 Kayak Coach in 2003, and in the same season gained her BCU 4 Star Kayak award in the French Alps. Her love for canoeing became a way of life on the Ardeche in the south of France, working here for 5 months each year in 2000, 03, 04 & 05. Katy completed her BCU Level 3 Canoe Training in Wales in December ’04 before passing her assessment in April ’05. She then updated her training to the new UKCC endorsed Level 3 certificate in 2014.
She has paddled rivers in the Massif Central in France, French Alps, Wales, Peaks, Lakes & Devon, and also paddled on Lochs and rivers in Scotland. With a wide breadth of knowledge in coaching paddlesport, Katy has been assisting with running the Level 1 and 2 coaching courses since 2009. 2019 saw her complete a long term goal of becoming a provider of the new Paddlesport Instructor Award and the Sheltered Water Coach Award. Also an FSRT provider and a Bell Boat Helm Tutor, as well as a mentor to the interns at LOPC. Her other passions are climbing and snowboarding, which she does as often as time and money allow.
Paul Taylor
Lead Instructor
Paul has a great wealth of knowledge of the outdoors, he grew up in North Yorkshire where he started camping with his family in the 1950’s at the age of 4. He learned lots of Camping and Bushcraft skills through the Scout Association, and is still involved today as a County Skills Instructor for Leicestershire.
Through Scouting Paul became involved in Canoeing and Kayaking. In 2005 he was part of the Water Team for the European Scout Jamboree held on Alton Water in Suffolk. This was practice for the 2007 World Jamboree also held at Alton Water. Paul was part of the Kayak Team that launched over 500 kayaks each morning and each afternoon.
Recently Paul has enjoyed 4 Summers working as an Assistant Guide Sea Kayaking on the Island of Milos, Greece.
Paul has been involved with the Leicester Outdoor Pursuit Centre for over 13 years. Qualifications include: BCU Level 3 Kayak Coach, BCU Level 3 Canoe Coach, BCU Bellboat Helm, RYA Powerboat Level 2, British and England Fencing – Fencing Activity Leader, The National Small-Bore Rifle Association Diploma [National Youth Proficiency Scheme] IOL Institute of Outdoor Learning Bushcraft Competency Certificate.
Ducklings for Kids: Canoe, Kayak and SUP
Have fun learning all the skills for starting out in paddlesport!
Ducklings: Progressive lessons, ideal for beginners, aged 8 to 12
Beginners THURSDAYS – (Ducklings) – Sign in at 3:45 pm – Session: 16:00 – 17:30
Participants will begin by following the Paddle Award scheme, specially adapted for younger learners. Children can track their development with a log sheet as they work their way through the activities to achieve the Start & Discover awards in the Duckling (beginner) sessions.
Five week block -£50
Booking and Payment:
Click *Book Now* on the calendar below.
Pay in advance for the 6 week block – Pay online to sign up (£60)
You can book and pay online and this will cover the whole 6 week block.
When children pass a level (Start, Discover, Explore) they can register to get a certificate. Start certificates are free, but Discover is £6 and Explore is £8 each. These are optional but can be paid for when you receive the email from British Canoeing to say your child has passed.
Cygnets for Kids: Canoe, Kayak and SUP
6 week course
Wednesday’s 4pm – 6pm
Can your child control their own Kayak and Canoe? Then the Cygnets club is perfect for them!
Running year round, we run a slightly longer session than our beginner club so that the group can go away from the centre and have adventures out on the river further afield.
There is always something fun for the Cygnets to do and we usually plan the following week before they go home.
If you are looking for our beginners (Ducklings) club, please click here
Booking and Payment for Cygnets:
Click *Book Now* on the calendar below.
The cost for a 6 week block is £72.00
When children pass a level (Start, Discover, Explore) they can register to get a certificate. Start certificates are free, but Discover is £6 and Explore is £8 each. These are optional but can be paid for when you receive the email from British Canoeing to say your child has passed.
Minimum age: 8
Maximum group size: 8
Instructor ratio: 1:8
Previous experience
No experience is needed for ducklings, just an enthusiasm to try something new!
Cygnets need to have some basic boat handling skills in both canoe and kayak – we recommend coming to a ducklings session first!
Typical session structure
Cygnets will also be having lots of fun, building on their already acquired skills to get even better and have adventures. 2 hour sessions to enable the group to move away from the centre on journeys.
What to wear
Dress for the weather, include shoes you can get wet. Don’t forget a full change of clothes for afterwards