Gold Canoe: UK & France

Why choose us?

Equipment Included

High quality tents, designed for DofE expeditions / Gas-fuelled Trangia stoves / Waterproof maps and compass / Group First Aid kits / Emergency shelters / GPS Tracking devices

Managed Programmes

If you choose us to run a managed expedition for you, you can expect, reassurance that we are experienced and qualified. You will have our full support for the logistics and delivery, and we will supply all or some of the equipment you require.

Free Activity Day

On all of our Gold expedition packages you will receive a complimentary adventure day at the end of your programme to help you relax and celebrate the end of your expedition! These vary in location but can include canyoning, rafting or Mountain Biking.

Talk to the team

Our practice expedition starts by teaching you the skills required to embark on an expedition at this level. These may include new skills or just a refresher, either way we will make sure you are up to speed. You will be taught how to paddle the canoe safely and prepare it for an expedition. We will also get your to plan your route and create your route card.
Our qualifying expedition includes choosing your aim, planning your route, checking your kit and some group bonding. We will also take you out for a paddle to help you acclimatise to the area and confirm your canoeing skills. Once this is all complete you are then ready to embark on your 4 day qualifying expedition.

On completion of your expedition, you will take part in a debrief. This is a very important part of the expedition, giving you time to reflect on your achievements and those of your team mates. It’s at this point we can complete your assessor’s report for you. To help you reflect for longer on your achievement there is also a requirement for a presentation of your expedition. Once this is completed your expedition section is complete.

Whats included

A comprehensive pre-expedition information pack.
Bunkhouse accommodation or campsite fees for the duration of your expedition.
Free use of group kit.
Supervision from experienced and qualified instructors.
Accredited Assessors for the qualifying expedition.

Tents/Stoves/Fuel/Pans
Group shelters
Group first aid kits
Maps and Compasses
Canoes/Paddles/Helmets/Bouyancy Aids
Barrels

What they'll learn

DofE Gold Training and Practice Expedition

This a 6 day programme which includes training sessions on essential canoe and expedition skills and safety with our qualified instructors before heading out onto the water for your supervised practice expedition.

The final day focusses on preparing you for your qualifying expedition by planning your route ready for submission to the DofE.

DofE Gold Qualifying Expedition

A 5 day programme. Following a days familiarisation and refresher of canoe skills you will begin your qualifying expedition. Throughout this process our supervisors and assessors will be keeping a close eye on your progress and checking your skills in line with the Gold Award.

NB – It is a DofE requirement that Training and Practice expeditions need to take place at a different time and location than the Qualifying expedition. e.g. One in the Wales and the other in France.