South Wales Outdoor Activity Providers Group

17 Oct 2025 Camping Leader Assessment (by Outdoor Matters)
2025-10-17 00:00 - 23:59 (Europe/London)
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
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.

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.

2 Dec 2025 SWOAPG Annual General Meeting (face-to-face / hybrid)
2025-12-02 18:30 - 21:00 | Up and Under, 490 Cowbridge Road East, Victoria Park, Cardiff, CF5 1BL, United Kingdom
TEAMS LINK FOR THOSE JOINING US ONLINE

This year’s SWOAPG AGM will be hosted by Up and Under in Cardiff, although we hope (technology permitting) to be able to offer a hybrid option as well. The papers will be published in due course, but in the meantime Up and Under have confirmed that they will:

provide brews, drinks, nibbles and staff to chat to;

donate some sort of prize raffle or similar;

give us a short presentation around new products and/or other equipment-related matters; and

offer “professional” pricing on all products in all departments, so attendees can do centre top-ups or family Christmas present shopping!

Please RSVP on our website event listing so we know who to expect; we look forward to seeing as many of you there as possible!

Draft Agenda:

Welcome & Apologies – apologies received from Pete Jeffery
Matters arising from 2024 AGM – see 2024 AGM Minutes
Overview of recent and planned activity – a brief summary of what we’ve been up to and what we are planning.
Annual Report & Accounts – see 2025 Annual Report and Accounts.
Election of Steering Group, Directors and Chair – Mark Davies to be confirmed; Pete Jeffery, Ant Morgan and Mark Soanes to be re-elected as Steering Group Members. Steve Bird to be re-elected as Director. Mike Smith to continue as Chair.
2026 Membership Fees – ‘default’ inflationary increase agreed previously: Full Membership £100 & Associate Membership £34.
Q&A Session
Paddle Cymru Update – by Jethro Moore, Interim CEO.
Equipment Update – by Up and Under.

4-5 Dec 2025 BCA Cave Leader Training (by Juliet Parker-Smith)
2025-12-04 00:00 - 2025-12-05 23:59
For further details please email Juliet.

6 Dec 2025 AMI CPD Event - Beyond the Crag: Rigging Skills (by Tom Partridge)
2025-12-06 00:00 - 23:59 | Llangorse Rope Centre, The Gilfach, Llangorse, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7UH, United Kingdom
£50 (for AMI members only) carries 1 CPD point

6-7 Dec 2025 16 hour Outdoor First Aid (by WithDave)
2025-12-06 00:00 - 2025-12-07 23:59
Can include paediatric bolt on if required – only a couple of spaces remaining.This qualification is designed to enable learners to undertake the role of the first aider when in rural and the more remote regions of the UK where emergency medical assistance may be more than 30 minutes away.The learner will gain the first aid skills and knowledge to competently and confidently provide first aid in an outdoor remote environment. This course is delivered by a very experienced outdoor professional with first hand knowledge of the outdoors including paddlesports and mountains. There is a focus on practical scenarios.Course cost £160 / £175Venue – Nr Llandrindod Wells

6-7 Dec 2025 16-hour Outdoor First Aid course (by Steve Rayner Outdoor Pursuits)
2025-12-06 00:00 - 2025-12-07 23:59
RLSS Outdoor First Aid course, Caehopkin Scout Hut (near Abercraf), special introductory price £100. More details and booking via the website link.

8-12 Dec 2025 RLSS NWSMP Core TA and Specialism (by Tom Partridge)
2025-12-08 00:00 - 2025-12-12 23:59 | Atlantic College, Llantwit Major, CF61 1WF, United Kingdom
£675 (Core and Specialism available as separate courses if required)

5-9 Jan 2026 BCAB Core coach with sheltered water discipline specific training (canoe / kayak) (by WithDave)
2026-01-05 00:00 - 2026-01-09 23:59
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.

The sheltered water canoe / kayak coach is designed, to support you to coach paddlers who want to gain/improve their paddlesport skills. You will coach in canoe and/or kayak in the sheltered water environment. This will include coaching beginners new to the sport, or paddlers looking to develop their skills.

As a Coach you can work independently or you could be deployed by a club, centre or organisation. Being a Canoe and Kayak Coach allows you to design coaching to support your learners. You will be able to provide some Paddle UK Awards and Training once qualified.

Course cost £350 for 5 day courseVenue – Brecon

12-14 Jan 2026 Advanced white water canoe leader training (by WithDave)
2026-01-12 00:00 - 2026-01-14 23:59
Your award will support you to lead safe and enjoyable journeys. You will lead canoeists with a range of experience on trips based on their needs and aspirations on grade 3(4) white water.

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 qualified

Course cost £275

Venue – Mid-Wales – where the water is!

13-14 Jan 2026 Advanced First aid course (at Trewern OEC)
2026-01-13 00:00 - 2026-01-14 23:59 | Trewern OEC, Cusop, Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire, HR3 5RF, United Kingdom
The course is ITC Advanced Outdoor First Aid course run by Robin Harris from Somerset Adventures; we can offer a place for £120, if you wanted accommodation it would be £15 a night.

20-22 Jan 2026 Advanced open water canoe leader (by WithDave)
2026-01-20 08:00 - 2026-01-22 17:00
Your award will support you to lead safe and enjoyable journeys. You will lead canoeists with a range of experience on trips based on their needs and aspirations on advanced open water.

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 qualified

Course cost £275

Venue – Mid-Wales reservoirs – where the wind is!

24 Jan 2026 Cave Skills Development Day: Rope work and Group Management (by Tom Partridge)
2026-01-24 00:00 - 23:59
Aimed that those working towards BCA Cave Leader Assessment or as a refresher.Based in the Mendip Caving Region (unless weather necessitates a change)

£70 per session

25 Jan 2026 Vertical Cave Skill Development Day: Personal SRT Skills and Rigging Pitches (by Tom Partridge)
2026-01-25 00:00 - 23:59
Aimed that those working towards BCA Vertical Leader Assessment or as a refresher.Based at an indoor venue (South Wales) to allow for maximum learning and development

£80 per session (includes entry fees)

26-27 Jan 2026 BCA Cave Leader Training (by Tom Partridge)
2026-01-26 00:00 - 2026-01-27 23:59
Based in South Wales

£180

31 Jan 2026 Vertical Cave Skill Development Day: Group Abseil, Ladder Pitches and Problem Solving (by Tom Partridge)
2026-01-31 00:00 - 23:59

1 Feb 2026 Cave Skills Development Day: Navigation and Personal Caving Skills (by Tom Partridge)
2026-02-01 00:00 - 23:59

9-10 Feb 2026 BCA Vertical Leader Training (by Tom Partridge)
2026-02-09 00:00 - 2026-02-10 23:59
Based in South Wales

£220

Tue 10 Feb 2026 Welsh Water Workshop (1-hour, online)
2026-02-10 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
This online workshop (being repeated on Wed 25 Feb) is an opportunity for watersport users to learn more about how Dwr Cymru Welsh Water wants us to work with them to protect and secure water sources for our future recreational use. All Reservoir Passport holders and instructors who work on our reservoirs and rivers are strongly encouraged to attend!

Wed 25 Feb 2026 Welsh Water Workshop (1-hour, online)
2026-02-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Online
This online workshop (being repeated on Tue 10 Feb) is an opportunity for watersport users to learn more about how Dwr Cymru Welsh Water wants us to work with them to protect and secure water sources for our future recreational use. All Reservoir Passport holders and instructors who work on our reservoirs and rivers are strongly encouraged to attend!

6-8 Mar 2026 Rescue 3 WRT - Pro (by Parkwood Outdoors)
2026-03-06 00:00 - 2026-03-08 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!

South Wales – Bannau Brycheiniog.

From £260, accommodation options also available where needed.
