ELEVEN students from Duchy College have just received nationally recognised coaching certificates in canoeing. 

The group studying adventure sports courses and apprenticeships have received the British Canoe Union, UKCC Level 1 Coaching Paddlesport Award.

It took four days to complete the award and training took place at Alder Lake at Lewdown near Okehampton. 

During the course the intrepid students, including Jonathan Aylen of Okehampton, Robin Whittaker of Cheriton Bishop, Anthony Jane from Callington, Harry Bartlett from Kelly Bray and Nathan Turnock from Tavistock were hit with every type of weather possible — snow, hail, sleet, wind, rain and even a brief period of sunshine!

As well as honing their paddling technique, the students were taught coaching theory and took part in practical exercises to learn about rescues, group control and session delivery.

Prior to attending this course the students had already achieved both their BCU 2* award and the foundation safety and rescue award with the Duchy College Adventure Sports Team at Stoke Climsland.

Lee Pooley, Canoe England national trainer in International Coaching and Guiding, delivered the training programme that led the students to success.

He said: 'It was great to work with such an enthusiastic group of students, who remained highly motivated despite some difficult weather conditions. I look forward to meeting them all again when they complete their college course and start work as adventure sport coaches.'

Duchy Adventure Sports Course Tutor Chris Wilson was also there, helping to assess the practical coaching sessions.

He said: 'It was great to have students from different courses working so well together.

'It was an excellent performance from all the students with a 100% pass rate. I had to keep reminding myself that all but two of the students were under 20 years old.

'To become a qualified coach, able to deliver kayaking and canoeing, at 17 or 18 years old is a real achievement which will really boost their future employability.'