BCU Supplies

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BCU Coaching Handbook (2006)

BCU Members $40.00

non-members $45.00

Full color 384 pages

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A manual of coaching techniques, advice and guidelines for the canoe and kayak coach. This book is a mine of useful information and practical tips. If you aspire to be a better canoe or kayak coach, this is the book for you. The book divides into three sections: Part One deals with coaching theory and fundamentals such as psychology and physiology explained in terms that make sense to a practical coach. Part Two looks at generic coaching skills that will provide useful tools whatever discipline the coach is involved in. It works its way from introducing people to canoesport right through to coaching elite athletes. Part Three looks at specific aspects of canoesport such as slalom, racing, sea kayaking, white water kayaking, open canoeing and freestyle.

BCU Canoe and Kayak Handbook (2002)

BCU Members $35.00

non-members $40.00

350 pages

The old handbook is available at a discounted price of $20

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The complete paddlesport reference book, a completely re-written 3rd edition (now in full colour). Written by enthusiastic and current British Canoe Union coaches and practitioners, this book is an invaluable source of information for both novice and expert alike. For the newcomer it will provide a firm foundation in their chosen aspect of the sport. The coach or experienced paddler will find it invaluable as an update to current theory and practice; an introduction to new aspects of the sport; and a pointer to other sources of information such as relevant books and websites.

Top Tips for Coaches

BCU Members $12.00

non-members $15.00

144 pagesSmall size, easy to read

A simple, no nonsense book of ideas collected by the coaches at Plas y Brenin (UK National Mountain Centre) with over 300 top tips to help you fill your own 'coaches toolbox'. You cannot learn to paddle a canoe or kayak in the UK without being influenced by 'The Brenin' and its canoe department, be it first-hand, on our courses, or indirectly, via one of the thousands of coaches or paddlers we have helped to train over the last 30 years. Their coaches have been at the forefront of the sport's development and the massive developments in coaching and leadership skills during this period. It makes sense to print a simple, no nonsense book of ideas from the department's coaches. Some of the ideas they will have thought up themselves and some they will have collected as 'coaching shareware' by watching other coaches. The simplicity of the ideas belies the combined experience and breadth of expertise of the contributors that helps to make this the best £4-95 any aspiring coach could spend. We would like to acknowledge the contributions and influence of the many coaches who have been involved in the development of canoeing and kayaking at Plas y Brenin and have directly or indirectly contributed to this book.

Tip #1: Watch other coaches work and use their ideas. (It's not stealing, think of coaching tools as "shareware").

Kayak Rolling

BCU Members $20.00

non-members $25.00

76 pages

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Learn to Roll - Improve your roll - Develop a bomb-proof roll. A visual approach to learning to roll a kayak or developing a ‘bomb-proof’ rough water roll. Rolling is learnt by working through a sequence of exercises to allow the learner to ‘feel’ what is required. I remember my first roll. It was on the river Tawe in South Wales. I actually pushed off the bottom but it was enough to make me realise that I could do it. That incident is living proof to me that the secret of rolling under pressure is mostly in the head. However I also remember my last swim… getting tumbled down a shallow creek in California and realising that no one’s roll is perfect. For some the appeal of rolling is that it is perceived as the ultimate skill for the kayaker. For many people this is simply because they’ve had such a hard time trying to master the roll they are convinced that it must be the pinnacle of skill. The truth is that it is often possible to get people to roll very quickly if you push the right buttons, but that it then falls apart once you hit the cold water because the skill isn’t strong enough. People become disillusioned and convinced it’s some kind of black art. I wanted to write a simple book about how to learn to roll and how to deal with any little problems that may arise. Here it is!

Sea Kayak Navigation

BCU Members $20.00

non-members $25.00

112 pages

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A concise manual of navigation aimed specifically at sea kayakers. In this respect the 2nd edition hasn’t changed at all. The devil is, of course, in the detail.

As a result of feedback from readers my views on ‘what sea kayakers need to know and are likely to use’ has changed. I have added and expanded on topics where I have considered this desirable, but have taken great care to keep it as short and simple as possible. There is no need for a glossary as all the terms are explained in the book. To that end there is a comprehensive index.

There are exercises suggested at the end of the chapters. Make use of them – they will ensure that what you have read is understood and remembered. The ultimate test of whether or not the lessons have been absorbed is the first time you plan and execute a trip relying on your own navigation. Take precautions; plan simple trips and aim for big targets to start with.

Ask someone more experienced to check your calculations the first few times. Try and get someone else on the trip to plan it independently and compare your results. If they are reasonably close, carry on. If they disagree, start again! Always take into account the weather forecast, and base your planning on the abilities of the weakest members of your group. Build up slowly.

White Water Safety & Rescue

BCU Members $32.00

non-members $35.00

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White water safety and rescue for canoeists, kayakers and rafters. A completely revised new edition now in full colour throughout. You can find presentation resources of the photos and illustrations below.

The writing of this book started when I tried to put some notes together as course notes for the safety and rescue courses I was running at Plas y Brenin. It soon became clear what a huge topic it is and in sheer frustration I explained to a friend that I would have to write a book to cover it properly. His answer was, "Why don't you?" This is the result. I hope you find it enjoyable and informative.

Kayak Surfing

BCU Members $32.00

non-members $35.00

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A modern guide to kayak surfing by one of the leading exponents of the sport, aimed both at expert kayakers and those considering taking it up. Stunning photos from pioneering surf sessions all over the world. The book covers basic principles of surfing, surfing etiquette, advanced technique, and the psychology and philosophy of ocean wave-riding.

 

Coaching Log Book (without Cover)

BCU Members $15.00, non-members $20.00

78 pages to record all your paddling and coaching activities.

Pages go into a standard 3 ring binder

US Letter size pages

Sea Kayak Navigation

$12.00

First Edition

60 pages

Easy to read

Lots of drawings

Geared to UK waters

Introduction says "The aim of this book is to provide a concise manual of navigation aimed specifically at sea kayakers. It covers what sea kayakers need to know and are likely to use; no more, no less.

White Water Safety and Rescue

$10.00

290 pages

First Edition

Written for Canoeists, Kayakers and Rafters.

Clear, concise and illustrated throughout with drawings, diagrams and photos.

A must whether you are a recreational paddler or a professional river guide.

Contributions from: Loel Collins, Bob Timms, Ray Goodwin, Dave Luke.

The Art of Freestyle

$10.00

225 pages

Hard cover

Lots of color photos

"Never before has so much freestyle, rodeo and playboating information from so many great boaters been gathered together in one place." Shaun Baker

Authors include; Eric Brymer, Loel Collins, "Magic" Tom Hughes.

Contents include: Part One Understanding Freestyle, Part Two The Moves, Part Three Training for Freestyle.

Crib Cards Out of Stock

$15

Available as Canoe or Kayak

Laminated cards can go into your PFD for use on the water.

Covers; forward, reverse, stopping, sweep, draw, rudders, braces, edging and leaning and more.

These are for the current (2007) Star progrms, not the updated 2008 programs

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Kayak Star Test Cards Out of Stock

$15

Covers 1-3 Star Kayak and 4 Star Inland (kayak)

These are for the current (2007) Star progrms, not the updated 2008 programs

Laminated cards can go into your PFD for use on the water.

Does not cover 4 Star Sea

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BCU Directory (CD)

Members $10

Non-Members $15

This is the Directory of the older BCU system. It does not cover the updated system.

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BCU Directory (Book)

We only have a few Directories left in the book version and all them have damage on the front and/or back covers. As such we are selling them at a discount.

Members $10

Non-Members $15

This is the Directory of the current system, not the updated 2008 BCU system

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$75

10 pack of Certificates to be filled out and handed to clients.

No Course Report or Fee Forms are filled out.

Save time and paperwork

Great for kids programs