DofE Gold Canoe/Kayak Expedition

Training and Practice

Days 1-3: Pre-Expedition training

Planning your Gold DofE Canoe/Kayak Expedition will form a large part of the first couple of days, including marking the routes on maps to be paddled each day.  Also important, is learning and being aware of the skills you will need to keep you safe, self-sufficient and make the most of your time on the water.  

• Boat handling and paddling skills
• Launching and landing safely 
• Boat specific navigation 
• General Expedition skills 
• Safety and rescue training 
• Weather and waterway environments  
• Food, cooking and campcraft 
• Route planning 

Days 4-6: Practice Expedition

The Practice Expedition is designed to give students responsibility and independence, with the confidence in knowing the instructors are close by if needed. It is the perfect opportunity to put into practice what has been learnt in training. It's also a time to consolidate more in-depth learning with our instructors usually offering additional training whilst in a real, outdoor situation.   

• Emergency scenarios – what to do and how to manage 
• Boat handling and safety 
• Dealing with bad weather and conditions 
• River and water hazard awareness 
• Navigation and route planning techniques – putting them into practice 
• Basic paddle stroke techniques and efficiency 
• Expedition skills and teamwork in the outdoors 
• Camping, kit and cooking 

Teams will be continually supervised throughout the Practice Expedition, both remotely and with regular meeting points. Once they arrive at camp, (camping or wild camps will be included, depending on location) there will be a warm welcome and a cheer, then it's time to set up camp and start cooking. 

Celebrating achievements and learning is always important at the end of the Practice Expedition, so there’s always time to reflect, ask questions, give and receive feedback. Our DofE instructors will also produce a full report for each student which can be used as evidence of completion and uploaded to their eDofE account.  

Qualifying

The Gold Qualifying Expedition is a chance for students to shine. Putting all that knowledge, hard work and experience into practice.  

Days 1-2: Refresher Training

• Full kit checks on Expedition morning before leaving  
• Distribution of group kit and emergency contact cards 
• Route plan and map check for Expedition route 
• Navigation refresher 
• Paddling and boat handling techniques refresher 
• Refresh of emergency procedures 
• Meet-up points reminder  

Days 3-6: Qualifying Expedition 

• Remote supervision by our qualified DofE assessors 
• Ongoing assessment  
• End of Expedition debrief and reporting 

A big 'congratulations' awaits the team at the end of their Expedition. A full debrief is an important part of the Expedition, upon completion the assessing instructor will ensure this is carried out with the group. The debrief chat provides an opportunity for any questions, highlight any learnings and proud moments and gives time to reflect on the best parts of the expedition. Most importantly, it's a chance to really appreciate what has been achieved. 

A full report is produced for each student, which is to be uploaded to their eDofE account as evidence of the Gold Expedition Award completion.