Master White Water Safety with BCAB’s Intensive 2-Day Course in Dorking, England
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 full days (12+ hours total)
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical shape with basic swimming ability to handle swift water swims and rescues.
Overview
Ready to take your river paddling to the next level? BCAB’s 2-day White Water Safety course near Dorking, England, offers essential hands-on training in rescue and safety on grade 2(3) rivers. Gain confidence, skills, and independence on the water.
BCAB White Water Safety - 2 Days
Ages 16+ • 2 days (12 hours minimum contact time) • Build on what you know!
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About This Adventure
Join this immersive 2-day White Water Safety course designed for paddlers eager to enhance their skills on grade 2(3) rivers. Experience hands-on training in emergency planning, rescue techniques, and safety protocols through realistic scenarios. Gain confidence and independence while mastering essential skills for safe paddling adventures.
This course will support you in considering safe practices and provide practical solutions to common issues and appropriate responses to incidents, providing peace of mind when venturing out onto the rivers.
This 2-day course is aimed at those paddling as peers and covers a range of topics that include emergency planning & procedures, chase boating, equipment rescues and scenarios and much more. This course is designed to support paddlers to be independent participants on grade 2(3) white water rivers. Paddlers can access the course with their preferred craft which can include kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards.
Duration
2 days (12 hours minimum contact time)
About
The White Water Safety aims to teach simple and practical safety and rescue skills that can be applied appropriately to a moderate white water environment.
Using a range of simulated scenarios this training course teaches safe paddling strategies and a variety of different rescue skills and aims to:
- Improve individual's awareness of safety skills in the river environment
- Teach personal decision-making skills on the river
- Teach rescue techniques
- Understand the need for structure in an emergency situation
- Outline basic rescue protocols that prioritise the safety of the individual above all others
- Introduce & develop the ‘clean rope’ principle.
Prerequisites
Due to the paddling environment and the boat control required to participate in this training course, candidates should be:
- Confident in their ability to paddle on grade 2 water
- Confident swimming in normal paddling clothing suitable for a moving water environment -There is no age restriction to the WWS Training course.
- A First Aid certificate is not a prerequisite. However, holding a First Aid certificate is strongly recommended for all paddlers.
What to bring
The following is a list of recommended equipment, do not buy if you do not have it, we will have items you can try out to find the kit for you:
- Towline OR tow system
- Throwline
- Webbing or sling
- large carabiner x3
- Whistle
- Knife
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your start time
Water Levels
Please be aware this course does require a minimum water level to run and will be postponed or relocated if we do not get the conditions required.
Adventure Tips
Practice Swimming in Rapids
Get comfortable swimming in class 2-3 white water conditions before the course to maximize safety and learning.
Wear a Proper PFD
Always use a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device during training for safety.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water with you to maintain energy and focus during the intensive training sessions.
Layer Up for Weather
Dorking’s river conditions can be cool; use moisture-wicking base layers and a wetsuit if needed.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Kingfisher
- European otter
History
The River Mole has served as a vital waterway for centuries and is well-known for its unique chalk stream ecosystem.
Conservation
The BCAB course emphasizes Leave No Trace principles to protect Dorking’s waterways and surrounding habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Dorking
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Helmet
Protects your head during river rescue scenarios and paddle sessions.
Paddle/Wetsuit
Necessary for warmth and efficient paddling in cooler river waters.
spring specific
Dry Bag
Keeps personal items dry during river training days.
Throw Bag
Critical safety gear for rope rescue practice and emergency situations.