Sharpen your crew's race skills with focused, coached raft training near Dorking. This full-day session mixes on-water drills, timed runs, and bank-side video coaching to turn practice into performance.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and upper-body endurance help; able to swim comfortably in cold water.
Wildlife
History
Dorking is an historic market town on the edge of the Surrey Hills with long-standing outdoor recreation traditions linked to nearby downland and woodlands.
Conservation
Coaches emphasize leave-no-trace shore use and careful river access to minimize erosion and protect riparian habitat.
Rock The Boat Training LTD
Rock The Boat Training LTD delivers BCAB-accredited paddlesport courses and assessments focused on safety, leadership, and coaching. The company offers a range of sheltered-water and white-water experiences including Paddlesport Safety and Rescue, Sheltered Water Kayak and Canoe Coach Assessment, and multiple white-water leader and coach trainings and assessments. Courses range from six-hour skill sessions to intensive one- and two-day practical trainings and assessments.
Experienced instructors lead practical sessions that emphasise rescue techniques, emergency planning, and group management. Training uses sheltered water environments and grade 2–3 white-water scenarios where specified, enabling participants to develop paddling, rescue, and leadership skills under realistic conditions. Assessments combine hands-on demonstrations with professional discussions to verify competence for BCAB awards.
Rock The Boat Training LTD presents clear course goals, structured learning outcomes, and no-assessment safety courses where noted, making progression transparent for paddlers, aspiring leaders, and prospective coaches. Practical focus and small-group delivery support rapid skill acquisition and confidence on the water.
Bookings are structured around individual course durations and assessment requirements; participants should choose the course that matches their current skills and certification goals. Course content is aligned with BCAB standards for sheltered and white-water coaching and leadership. Rock The Boat Training LTD prioritises participant safety, clear instruction, and evidence-based rescue practice to help paddlers progress from introductory safety skills to white-water coaching qualifications. Courses suit paddlers at varying levels, from novices seeking basic white-water safety to experienced paddlers pursuing leadership and coach assessments aligned to BCAB standards, consistently delivered in structured, instructor-led small-group formats.
Courses Offered
9 BCAB courses
Sheltered and white-water options available
Course Lengths
6 hours – 2 days
From short sessions to multi-day training
Instruction Style
Instructor-led
Practical, small-group delivery
Standards
BCAB-aligned
Training and assessments follow BCAB
Choose the right BCAB training or assessment and take the next step in paddlesport safety, leadership, or coaching.
Bring a durable buoyancy aid
A well-fitting PFD lets you focus on technique during timed sprints and rescue drills.
Arrive rested and hydrated
A high-intensity training day is most productive when crews are fueled and well-rested.
Record your runs
Use a phone or camera on the bank for video debriefs to see stroke timing and line choices.
Practice throw-bag drills
Expect repeated swimmer-recovery practice; rehearsed rope technique speeds rescues and builds confidence.
Personal buoyancy aid (PFD)
Essential for safety during on-water drills and recoveries.
River shoes or closed-toe water boots
Protect feet on rocky launches and provide grip in wet conditions.
Wetsuit or drysuit
Keeps you warm in cooler water and extends comfortable training time.
spring
Throw bag and knife
Useful for practice and supplied kits are often available but personal gear is handy.