Qualifying expedition
2 days and 1 night is the DofE minimum for Bronze.
Official expedition guidance
DofE · canoe & kayak expeditions
Bronze paddlesport expeditions.
A supported first step into expedition planning, paddling and camping. Explore how GoSport helps your team prepare for a canoe or kayak expedition.
2 days / 1 nightQualifying expedition minimum
6 hours each dayPlanned activity
Canoe or kayakAgree the right craft
Bronze by canoe or kayak
Build your foundations.
The first expedition is an opportunity to turn new skills into a real journey. Training helps the team become confident with their craft, practise working together and understand how to look after themselves and their equipment.
At Bronze, preparation is shaped around your group’s starting point. Discuss whether an additional practice experience would help the team get ready.
Planned activity
6 hours of planned activity each day. Journeying, the expedition aim and the wider programme are planned together.
Prepare for your journeyYour programme
GoSport agrees training, practice, location and equipment with the group and DofE leader.
Discuss your programmeWhat you will work on.
- Paddling and manoeuvring the chosen craft with the rest of the team.
- Navigation, route planning, expedition aims and decisions along the way.
- Packing, waterproofing, food planning, camping and shared jobs.
- Understanding safety briefings, support arrangements and what to do if plans change.
Expedition outcomes depend on meeting DofE requirements and the assessment process. The wider Award remains with the participant’s DofE centre or Licensed Organisation.
From the first session to the final expedition01 02 03 04
A programme that builds towards the journey.
Learn
Paddling, rescue awareness, navigation and the practical skills for the chosen craft.
Prepare
Plan the route and team aim. Organise waterproof packing, food and shared equipment.
Practise
Use the agreed practice programme to test routines, reflect and prepare for qualifying.
Journey
Put the team’s preparation into action on the qualifying expedition, with the agreed supervision and assessment arrangements.
Training and practice are shaped around the award level and the group’s experience. Silver and Gold require a practice expedition. Bronze preparation is agreed with the organiser.
Practical support before departureSpecialist & group kit Your tailored quotation
Know what to organise. Know what to ask.
Start with the GoSport kit list.
Craft, paddles, buoyancy aids, waterproof storage and the agreed shared expedition equipment are planned with GoSport. Check the full kit guide for the equipment allocation.
See the equipment guideMake the whole programme clear.
Agree training and expedition dates, staffing, support and assessment arrangements. Ask the quotation to identify campsite, transport, food and other costs, so inclusions and separate items are clear.
Plan with your school or groupYour next step
Let’s shape your expedition.
Tell us the award level, group numbers, paddling experience and preferred dates. We’ll discuss training, suitable locations, equipment and a tailored quotation.
Your enquiry starts a conversation. Dates, route, programme and final arrangements are agreed with GoSport and your DofE leader.