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Paddle Leader

Paddle Leaders are responsible for the safety of a group ("Fire") whilst paddling and/or engaging in activities on, or in the margins of the lake/body of water. It is the Paddle Leaders role to manage a Fire in conjunction with at least one other expedition Leader in the parameters set by British Exploring Society, the Chief Leader and/or Senior Paddle Leader.

Compulsory training dates: Leader Induction: 21st-23rd February 2020 (TBC), Leader Training: 27th-29th March 2020 Cumbria, Explorer Briefing 24th-26th April 2020, 16hr Wilderness First Aid Course May 2020 (TBC).

Assessment days: Our final assessment day for 2019 is 9th December and we will be confirming dates for early 2020 soon.

 



Necessary requirements

• All potential Leaders are required to attend an allocated Assessment Day
• An interest in youth development and experience of working with young people relevant to the expedition
• High levels of integrity and sound judgement
• A strong and flexible team player
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire others
• The ability to deal with conflict and overcome challenges
• Significant personal expedition and travel experience

• Significant personal paddling experience, including multi-day/week trips in remote areas
• Relevant UK National Governing Body or recognisable/equivalent qualifications; or demonstrable equivalent & relevant experience
• Environment specific experience relating to the expedition location.
• Experience of managing/coaching beginner groups on water and in remote/challenging environments
• An enthusiasm for expeditions and paddling – and the ability to convey this to our Explorers 
• Recognised water safety and rescue qualification(s)
• Recognised adventure/wilderness first aid qualification (weekend training course provided free of charge by British Exploring Society)

On expedition

• Responsibility for, and pastoral care of, explorers in your group
• Overall responsibility for safety and adventurous activities of the group assisted by the second (and third) group leader
• To train the explorers in basic paddle skills pertinent to the proposed activity and itinerary
• To train the explorers in the methods necessary to live and operate in the expedition environment
• Carry out the planned paddle activities and facilitate any wider expedition projects
• All leaders, must regard it as a priority to ensure the safety of each and every member of the expedition at all times
• To inspire our explorers and engage fully in activities to support the educational aims and purpose of the society and expedition

• To manage a feedback and review process with explorers in the group following the structure provided by British Exploring Society
• Where an assistant or trainee leader is attached to your group, to give them responsibility as appropriate, oversee their actions and provide

Pre expedition

• Attend training residentials (3 to 4 weekends in the 6 months prior to the expedition)
• Contribute to planning, risk assessments, expedition-specific guidelines and similar as appropriate and directed by British Exploring Society and/or the Chief Leader, particularly in your area of expertise
• Plan the group’s water activities in liaison with second Group Leader and Senior Paddle Leader.

Post expedition

• To produce an overview report for the activities you have been in charge of
• Contribute to the overall post expedition report (PXR), post expedition debrief event and presentation and expedition feedback as appropriate and directed by British Exploring Society and/or Chief Leader