South Wales Outdoor Activity Providers Group

22-23 Apr 2025 RLSS NWSMP Training & Assessment Course (by Gary Evans)
2025-04-22 00:00 - 2025-04-23 23:59 (Europe/London)
Based on Gower and other South Wales venues. £260pp.

22-23 Apr 2025 British Canoeing Awarding Body Canoe & Kayak Coach (Sheltered Water) Training (by Steve Rayner Outdoor Pursuits)
2025-04-22 00:00 - 2025-04-23 23:59
This 2-day Discipline Specific Training course you will focus on how to coach technical and tactical skills in both Canoe and Kayak on Sheltered Water. The course will help you plan and deliver safe, enjoyable, progressive coaching sessions and you’ll explore specifics to help you coach some typical learners relevant to these craft in this environment.

You need to meet the following prerequisites before attending the course:

Full ‘on the water’ membership of Paddle UK national association;

Completed Core Coach Training (or the following ‘old’ British Canoeing courses, if you feel confident with their content: Level 2 (UKCC) Training OR Assessment; Moderate or Advanced Water Training OR Assessment; Level 3 (UKCC) Core Training OR Assessment;

A good level of knowledge of both canoeing and kayaking on sheltered water; and well-practised personal skills.

Venue to be confirmed (somewhere in the Brecon area).

The course fee is £200, which includes coaching, equipment and certification.

23 Apr 2025 FUNdamentals of Climbing 2 (by Outdoor Matters)
2025-04-23 00:00 - 23:59 | Dynamic Rock, Swansea, SA6 5EJ
£100 a day for BMC members and worth 1 CPD point for MTA and AMI members. Info and booking via the link…

24 Apr 2025 Foundation (Climbing) Coach Training (by Outdoor Matters)
2025-04-24 00:00 - 23:59 | Dynamic Rock, Swansea, SA6 5EJ

25 Apr 2025 FUNdamentals of Climbing 3 (by Outdoor Matters)
2025-04-25 00:00 - 23:59 | Dynamic Rock, Swansea, SA6 5EJ

6-9 May 2025 RLSS Core Trainer/Assessor and NWSMP Specialism (by Tom Partridge)
2025-05-06 00:00 - 2025-05-09 23:59
£650 – based in South Wales

22-23 May 2025 NCC Coasteering Guide Award Training (by Gary Evans)
2025-05-22 00:00 - 2025-05-23 23:59
Based on Gower and Pembrokeshire. £150pp

23 May 2025 Cave Leader Update Workshop (by Richard Hill)
2025-05-23 00:00 - 23:59
Two people booked on so this will run; can have up to 6 on the course: it would be a shame if anyone in need of an update missed out! Book via the button or contact Rich for details.

29-30 May 2025 Lowland Leader Training (by Outdoor Matters)
2025-05-29 00:00 - 2025-05-30 23:59
Join us for 2 days building the skills and knowledge required to lead groups in Lowland terrain in the UK. This Mountain Training approved course is run by an experienced trainer and includes post course support and learning material.£170, Gower

19-20 Jul 2025 British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor Award course (by Steve Rayner Outdoor Pursuits)
2025-07-19 00:00 - 2025-07-20 23:59
The British Canoeing Paddlesport Instructor qualification is for people aged 14+ whose main focus of work is delivering paddlesport taster/starter sessions within clubs, centres or other organisations. The qualification is not discipline specific and is suitable for instructors who work with paddlers from any of the competitive and non-competitive paddlesport disciplines.

The process of completing the qualification aims to help prepare candidates for their first paddlesport instructing role; ‘primed and ready’.

Venue: Brecon area

Cost £200 per person (non-residential).

Candidates need to:

be aged 14 or over;

be members of Paddle Cymru / Paddle UK (etc.);

register for the Award with Paddle Cymru / Paddle UK (etc.) – cost c.£48;

have attended a British Canoeing Awarding Body Paddlesport Safety & Rescue (PSR) or Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (FSRT) course; and

have personal paddling (equivalent to the former 2*-level) and rescue competence in one type of craft (kayak, open canoe, sit on top, or stand up paddleboard).

27 July 2025 BCAB Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course (by WithDave Ltd)
2025-07-27 00:00 - 23:59
This course will support you to explore and practice simple strategies and safe skills that provide you with the tools to solve common paddling issues in a sheltered water environment, providing peace of mind when venturing out onto the water. Kit and craft can be providedThis course is open to anyone of any age.Places are already booked on this course.Course cost £95Venue – Brecon Beacons National Park

2 Aug 2025 Subsidised 'Climbing for All' course (by The Outdoor Partnership)
2025-08-02 00:00 - 23:59
The Outdoor Partnership have booked in another Climbing for All course with Andy Cummings of Manzoku Climbing and Mountaineering on Saturday 2nd August. It is being hosted by Boulders, Cardiff and is a full day BMC workshop (worth 1 CPD point).

More info on course content here – Climbing for All workshops: instructing disabled people in rock climbing.

It costs £20pp to book, booking link here, feel free to share with your instructors and freelancers – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1461675764559?aff=oddtdtcreator

There are no pre-requisites for the course, however, you will need the appropriate climbing qualifications to use some of the systems and CWIs and RCIs will need to attend a half day site specific sign off in order to use some of the more advanced systems. We now have adaptive climbing equipment in 3 climbing walls in South Wales – Llangorse, Summit Centre and Dynamic Rock and Boulders have their own equipment. There is also a process for signing out kit to external providers such as yourselves, and attending this 1 day course is the first stage of the process for instructors wishing to borrow the equipment. Get in touch if you would like to find out more, we are hoping to open up climbing to more individuals in Mid and South Wales going forward. Join our Facebook group if you would like to be informed of future inclusion training opportunities, ask questions or share resources and ideas – (1) Inclusive Adventure | Facebook If you haven’t already seen it, here is the video we had made about inclusive climbing sessions taking place at Llangorse – Inclusive Climbing Club-Powys and Gwent

23-25 Aug 2025 BCAB Paddlesport Instructor Course (by WithDave Ltd)
2025-08-23 00:00 - 2025-08-25 23:59
This combined training and assessment course will enable you to run games and activities to support learning and inspire adventure and exploration for new paddlers in stable craft. Kit and craft can be provided.Places are already booked on this course.Course cost £200Venue – Brecon Beacons National Park

24-26 Aug 2025 BCAB Whitewater Safety (Canoe Specific) (by WithDave Ltd)
2025-08-24 00:00 - 2025-08-26 23:59
Two of the UK’s most experienced canoe coaches—Ken Hughes and Dave Snr—are teaming up to deliver a seriously hands-on, high-value three-day whitewater safety course, on the stunning River Tay at Grandtully.Between them, Ken and Dave, bring over 100 years of paddling wisdom. While their styles are very different, their shared approach is all about empowering paddlers with real-world skills, confidence, and clarity on the river.Places are already booked on this course.Course cost £200Venue – Grandtully

13 Sep 2025 British Canoeing Awarding Body Paddlesport Safety & Rescue course (by Steve Rayner Outdoor Pursuits)
2025-09-13 00:00 - 23:59 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom
I have a few spaces on this upcoming course in Brecon…

The British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) Paddlesport Safety & Rescue course aims to provide paddlers with the key safety and rescue skills required to operate safely and to be able to deal with common problems in a sheltered water environment. The course is designed for all paddlers irrespective of their chosen craft. The objective is to introduce, explore and practise simple strategies and safe skills that can provide you with the tools to solve common paddling issues.

The Paddlesport Safety & Rescue course is a pre-requisite for the British Canoeing Awarding Body Paddlesport Instructor Award.

No minimum age (although paddlers must be physically able to undertake the course!).

£100 each. Contact organiser or follow link to book places or find out more.

17-19 Sep 2025 Hill & Moorland Leader Training (by Outdoor Matters)
2025-09-17 00:00 - 2025-09-19 23:59
Join us for 3 days building the skills and knowledge required to lead groups in Hill & Moorland terrain in the UK. This Mountain Training approved course is run by an experienced trainer and includes post course support and learning material.

£250, Abercraf.

26-28 Sep 2025 Hill & Moorland Leader Assessment (by Outdoor Matters)
2025-09-26 00:00 - 2025-09-28 23:59
Join us for 3 days demonstrating the skills and knowledge required to lead groups in Hill & Moorland terrain in the UK. We run a calm and relaxed assessment where you are given the opportunity to perform at your best and encouraged to learn something new too.

£270, Abercraf

3 Oct 2025 Climbing Wall Instructor Assessment (by Outdoor Matters)
2025-10-03 00:00 - 23:59
Join us for a day demonstrating the skills and knowledge required to lead groups indoor climbing. We run a calm and relaxed assessment where you are given the opportunity to perform at your best and encouraged to learn something new too.

£100, Swansea.

8-10 Oct 2025 Hill & Moorland Leader Assessment (by Outdoor Matters)
2025-10-08 00:00 - 2025-10-10 23:59

17 Oct 2025 Camping Leader Assessment (by Outdoor Matters)
2025-10-17 00:00 - 23:59
Join us for a day demonstrating the skills and knowledge required to lead groups camping. We run a calm and relaxed assessment where you are given the opportunity to perform at your best and encouraged to learn something new too.

£100, Abercraf

BCA Cave and Vertical Leader Assessments (by Tom Partridge)
2025-10-21 00:00 - 2026-12-31 23:59
BCA Cave and Vertical Leader Assessments (Core Skills and Group Days) available on request

22-24 Oct 2025 Hill & Moorland Leader Training (by Outdoor Matters)
2025-10-22 00:00 - 2025-10-24 23:59

30-31 Oct 2025 Lowland Leader Training (by Outdoor Matters)
2025-10-30 00:00 - 2025-10-31 23:59
Join us for 2 days building the skills and knowledge required to lead groups in Lowland terrain in the UK. This Mountain Training approved course is run by an experienced trainer and includes post course support and learning material.

£170, Gower

3 Nov 2025 Porth yr Ogof debris clearance
2025-11-03 09:00 - 15:00 | Cwm Porth Car Park, Ystradfellte, United Kingdom
Following the renewed build-up of debris in the PyO cave entrance (and our successful removal of so much last year), BBNPA is once again getting volunteers together for further removal activity (subject to river level), starting on 3 Nov with further work on the next 2 Mondays if needed.

NB this is not an official SWOAPG- or BBNPA-led event and all participants attend at their own risk. Please bring suitable equipment to work in the underground environment near the cave entrance (including helmet, lamp, waterproof boots and strong gloves).

Please RSVP below so we know how many and who to expect – and can contact you if plans change at short notice (apologies to those who’ve already let Steve know by e-mail, but he is away from 26 Oct to 2 Nov with limited admin time to get short-notice messages out if needed, so having everyone’s contact details in one place will be extremely helpful!). Thanks.

4-5 Nov 2025 BCAB paddlesport leader and paddlesport touring leader training (by WithDave)
2025-11-04 00:00 - 2025-11-05 23:59
Both courses running the same weekend.Your award will support you to run safe and enjoyable trips, based on your group’s needs and aspirations. You will lead journeys, on sheltered water (paddlesport leader) / moderate inland water (paddlesport touring leader), for canoes, kayaks, SUPs or multi-craft.As a Leader, you can work independently or be deployed by a club, centre or organisation to lead trips and journeys. The purpose of these trips may be wide ranging from educational experiences, social adventures or trying something new.You will be able to provide Paddle UK Awarding Body Awards and Training once qualifiedPlaces are already booked.Course cost £200Venue – Brecon Beacons / Hay area

8-9 Nov 2025 BCAB core coach training (by WithDave)
2025-11-08 00:00 - 2025-11-09 23:59
One place remaining.The Core Coach Training is open to all paddlers regardless your discipline or previous coaching experience.During this course, you will explore different approaches to understanding and enabling learning. You will also be supported in evolving your personal coaching development plan to enable you to take your learning into practice after the course.It is the first step towards becoming a qualified paddlesport coach within the BCAB system.Course cost £215Venue – Clywedog Sailing Club

10 Nov 2025 Porth yr Ogof debris clearance
2025-11-10 09:00 - 15:00 | Cwm Porth Car Park, Ystradfellte, United Kingdom
Following the renewed build-up of debris in the PyO cave entrance (and our successful removal of so much last year), BBNPA is once again getting volunteers together for further removal activity (subject to river level), hopefully on 10 Nov with further work on the following Monday if needed.

NB this is not an official SWOAPG- or BBNPA-led event and all participants attend at their own risk. Please bring suitable equipment to work in the underground environment near the cave entrance (including helmet, lamp, waterproof boots and strong gloves).

Please RSVP below so we know how many and who to expect – and can contact you if plans change at short notice (apologies to those who’ve already let Steve know by e-mail, but he isn’t available himself on the 10th and having everyone’s contact details in one place for the BBNPA staff will be extremely helpful!). Thanks.

15-16 Nov 2025 Safety and rescue training for Paddlesport touring leader candidates (by WithDave)
2025-11-15 00:00 - 2025-11-16 23:59
Safety training for Paddlesport Touring Leader candidates. During the two days you can achieve your Inland Open Water Safety as well as looking at the techniques required to look after paddlers in Grade 1(2) environment. We will cover all areas of section C of the Paddlesport touring leader Assessment Criteria.Course cost £195Venue – Around Hay on Wye

17 Nov 2025 Porth yr Ogof debris clearance
2025-11-17 09:00 - 15:00 | Cwm Porth Car Park, Ystradfellte, United Kingdom
Following a great start last Monday, BBNPA is once again getting volunteers together for further removal activity (subject to river level) – with big chainsaws – next Monday.

NB this is not an official SWOAPG- or BBNPA-led event and all participants attend at their own risk. Please bring suitable equipment to work in the underground environment near the cave entrance (including helmet, lamp, waterproof boots and strong gloves).

Please RSVP below so we know how many and who to expect – and can contact you if plans change at short notice (apologies to those who’ve already let Steve know by e-mail, but he isn’t available himself on the morning of the 17th and having everyone’s contact details in one place for the BBNPA staff will be extremely helpful!). Thanks.

21-23 Nov 2025 Rescue 3 WRT - Pro (by Parkwood Outdoors)
2025-11-21 00:00 - 2025-11-23 23:59 | Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer, Pontsticill, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2UR, United Kingdom
The Rescue 3 White Water Rescue Technician – Pro course is a really worth while course for any white water user and great fun too! Drying room, class room, natural rivers and equipment hire all included. From £260, accommodation options also available where needed.
