Leader and ‘Official’ Assistant (s)
MUST have passed the BCU 3* sea assessment (or old equivalent)
Paddling skills known to at least one committee member
Approved by the committee (subject to any conditions)

Participant
MUST have passed ITP (or equivalent), or a higher recognised level.

Ratios and Group Size
MUST be at least 1 Leader and 1 Official Assistant (see above)
Maximum of 4 participants below 3* level
Up to 2 additional 3* participants (approval by committee not needed as they are participants)
Max group size 8 (inc. Leader, Official Assistant(s) and other 3* paddlers)

Location
Small enclosed bays or harbours etc, where there is minimal possibility of being blown offshore.
Easy landing throughout, with no, or only small and few stretches, where landing would not be easy for participants.
No more than 200m off shore
No tide races or overfalls beyond the beach.
No obvious hazards e.g. shipping lanes

Conditions

• For groups with no or little sea experience

Wind not above force 2 (7 mph max), if offshore extra care to be taken
Sea state no more than sea state 1 /‘smooth’ (max 0.5m waves)
In all cases the wind and weather conditions must be favourable and suited to the weakest / most inexperienced participant.

• For groups with some sea experience

Wind not above force 3 (12 mph max), if offshore force 2 (7 mph max)
Sea state no more than sea state 2 /‘slight’ (max 1.25m waves)
In all cases the wind and weather conditions must be favourable and suited to the weakest / most inexperienced participant.

Conditions relate to the actual stretch of water being paddled which may differ from the forecast which may extend up to 12 miles off shore.

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