Tides Module (British Canoeing Awarding Body)

Courses (non-water based) currently running and available to book as follows:-

Sunday 24th August, 1pm to 4pm, Kirkcaldy, Fife

If this course is showing as "sold out" please contact me to arrange a date, I will do my best to facilitate your request.

Do you know what a tidal diamond is, or how to work out when the tide will turn and how fast it’s moving? If not—or if you’d like to build your confidence and skills in planning safe, enjoyable trips on the sea—come and join me for the brand new British Canoeing Tides module. It’s designed for paddlers of all craft who want to understand tides, tidal streams, and how they affect your journey. Whether you're new to paddling on the sea or training to be a paddling leader, this short, practical course is a brilliant way to boost your knowledge.

The British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) Tide Module is one of five new support modules - alongside Weather, Surf & Swell, Navigation for Paddlers, and Open Crossings - introduced in 2025, replacing the older Coastal and Open Water Navigation and Tidal Planning courses.

Key Learning Topics include:-

• Locating and interpreting tidal information and tide tables
• Understanding tidal flow, including strength and direction, and selecting tidal windows for safe departure / re-entry
• Estimating tide depth, awareness of local environmental influences and applying practical "rules of thumb" for tide prediction
• Learning through realistic paddling scenarios and example trip plans to reinforce decision-making in tide-affect environments.

The program is delivered by Och Aye Canoe over 3 hours.  It will be delivered at a local beach in Fife, or indoors (TBC) depending on weather.  

Och Aye Canoe will run courses periodically throughout the year or you can contact us to find a date that suits you better subject to availability.