
Embark on a week-long white water paddling course in North Wales to develop your skills, judgment, and decision-making for rivers up to grade 2. Assessment included.
5 Days
Plas y Brenin
Instructor Ratio1:6
Location
Plas y Brenin
Length
5 Days
Instructor Ratio
1:6
Set against the backdrop of North Wales, a mecca for white water paddling, this course offers you the ideal setting to develop and refine your skills. Whether you’re into whitewater kayaking, C1, or OC1, our expert coaches are here to guide you. Drawing from British Canoeing’s White Water Award framework, the course is designed to instil confidence, sharpen decision-making, and bolster your understanding of water dynamics. It’s not just about technique; it’s about knowing what to do when things don’t go as planned.
By the end of the week, you’ll aim to achieve your White Water Award, an endorsement of your skills and decision-making for safe and enjoyable days on rivers up to grade 2. The course prepares you to plan and undertake journeys on moving water with proficient skills, setting you on a solid foundation for future whitewater expeditions.

Your course kicks off with foundational skill-building on our lake and local river. Day two sees you consolidating these skills, possibly with a session in our rolling pool. On days three and four, you’ll round off your training, covering the complete syllabus and preparing for your assessment on the final day. The course offers a well-rounded experience to ensure that you’re both skilled and savvy for your white water adventures.
You should have kayaked before and had some experience of white water. The British Canoeing ‘Discover’ Paddle award or old 2* standard would be a useful indication of starting ability.
All you really need to bring is sufficient base clothing to wear, and some suitable footwear. Our stores have a wide range of Peak UK soft wear as well as paddles. We have an extensive selection of different styles of kayaks from a range of manufacturers. This is an ideal opportunity to try something new if you’d like to. If you prefer the familiar, feel free to bring along your own kit.
Res
Non-Res
Expert, trained & qualified instructors
In-depth local knowledge
200+ years of combined team experience
PYB coaching ethos & tailored delivery
Fully insured for all activities
Our instructor team shares venue insights, local tips, and tailors your experience based on individual and group needs.
Shared En Suite
Shared with your course attendees
Single En Suite Upgrade
Fully Catered
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Packed Lunch
Afternoon Tea & Cake
Tea, Coffee and Cakes on arrival back at PYB
Two Course Evening Meal
Expedition / Camp Food
Kit Hire & Course Equipment
Climbing Wall Access
Subject to availability, T&C’s apply
Laundry
Drying room
Evening lectures
Some at additional cost if lectures are charged
On-site physio
By appointment
Lake access
Free On-Site Parking
Free Wi-Fi
24hr front desk
Bar and restaurant access
In-Course Transport
Scheduled courses only*
Rolling Pool
T&C’s apply
EV Charger
* In-Course Transport is included for all scheduled courses. For Private Instruction, in-course transport arrangements need to be booked in addition (subject to availability at an additional cost).
If you’re unsure which option is best for you, feel free to contact us — we’ll be happy to talk you through it.
We offer extensive kit lists to help you prepare for your course, including our recommendations for the best in the business. We also have a wide range of equipment available for hire on-site at no extra cost.
All dates and prices can be found on our booking platform.