Star Awards The new Star Award scheme provides the support and encouragement paddlers need to get out and go paddling. The initial awards are generic, encouraging paddlers to experience the various disciplines of Paddlesport availalbe, with paddlers 'specialising' at the Three Star Award.
The emphasis of these initial awards is to develop personal skills and gain independence; the Four Star and Five Star awards are leadership awards and enable paddlers to lead groups in appropriate conditions. The Star Award Scheme best suits paddlers aged 16 and over.

Course AimsSuccessful performance at BCU Three Star level indicates that a candidate can consider themselves an intermediate paddler rather than a beginner. Unlike the existing award this will be discipline specific with awards in Sea Kayak, Surf,  Open Canoe, White Water Kayak, Flat Water Kayak and some of the competitive disciplines. The three star paddler will be a competent performer in sheltered to moderate water environments and have the ability to paddle unsupervised, with similar standard paddlers on sheltered water.