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Paddlers seen from behind on a water-based expedition
DofE · canoe & kayak expeditions

Make it your journey.

Get ready for your GoSport DofE canoe or kayak expedition: learn the skills, share the planning and organise your kit with the rest of your team.

Plan your DofE programmeView the kit guide
Expedition AAPGoSport’s licensed DofE section
Bronze · Silver · GoldCanoe and kayak programmes
Your group. Your programme.Training, preparation and support
For participants

This is your team’s journey.

  • Learn the paddling skills and ask questions during training.
  • Help choose the team’s expedition aim and understand the route.
  • Take a share of the jobs: equipment, navigation, food and camp routines.
  • Practise packing and know which items must stay dry.
  • Use feedback from practice to improve the team’s plan.
A meal cooking on an expedition camping stove

Prepare before you arrive.

Read your joining information and the kit list. Label belongings, try your footwear and clothing and make sure you know how your waterproof storage will be organised.

Plan meals with your team and bring the personal eating kit listed. Keep a dry sleep bag separate from wet paddling clothes.

If you need help with equipment, experience or confidence, tell the organiser in advance. Training is the place to practise and work out what the team needs.

Your packing checklistSee the training pathway
Map and waterproof equipment secured to a kayak

Learn, reflect, improve.

At each stage, think about what worked and what could be better. Good communication, reliable routines and looking after each other matter as much as an individual paddling skill.

Your leader and GoSport explain the qualifying and assessment arrangements. Completing the expedition involves meeting DofE requirements, with the wider Award recorded through your DofE centre.

An example expedition rhythm

A day is more than the paddling.

01

Get ready

Pack, check equipment and agree the route and shared jobs.

02

Travel as a team

Navigate, communicate and work on the expedition aim along the way.

03

Make camp

Organise the kit, prepare food and get ready for the next day.

04

Look back. Look ahead.

Reflect on what worked and decide what to improve together.

This describes a typical expedition rhythm. The exact programme and daily plan are agreed for your group.

Your 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.

Start your DofE enquiryEmail the team

Your enquiry starts a conversation. Dates, route, programme and final arrangements are agreed with GoSport and your DofE leader.