DORKING WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
A week on the Soca to become an Advanced White Water Leader
An intensive, five-day development week on the Soca River that pairs BCAB advanced safety and leader training with one-on-one coaching to build the judgement and rescue skills needed to lead Grade 3–4 white water.
A week on the Soca to become an Advanced White Water Leader.
Set against the clear, stable flow of the Soca, this five-day workshop is a concentrated bridge between training and assessment: expert coaches deliver BCAB Advanced White Water Safety & Rescue and Advanced Leader training while running real rescue scenarios, tailored feedback, and repeated on-water leadership practice to build technical skill and judgement under high-energy conditions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Soca’s stable, high-energy playground
The course is run on the Soca River, whose reliable levels allow focused, repeatable coaching on Grade 3 and 4 rapids—ideal for practicing complex manoeuvres and rescue sequences without the unpredictability of UK flows.
Expert, personalised instruction
Rock The Boat’s coaches deliver a highly personalised week: continuous mentorship, clear briefings and one-on-one feedback align your paddling, leadership and rescue technique with the standards you need to progress.
Real rescue practice and leader tactics
Across the week you’ll complete the two BCAB prerequisites—advanced safety & rescue and advanced leader training—through staged drills and live extractions designed to develop judgement, group management and complex rescue execution.
What the day feels like
How the week feels
Expect a compact, coached rhythm: shore briefings that clarify objectives, multiple on-water runs to practise leadership and boat skills in Grade 3–4 water, and staged rescue scenarios that escalate in complexity. Coaching is deliberate and tailored—technical corrections and tactical debriefs are given in real time so you leave with actionable improvements, not just a tick in a box.
THE RIVER
Soca’s stable, high-energy playground
The course is run on the Soca River, whose reliable levels allow focused, repeatable coaching on Grade 3 and 4 rapids—ideal for practicing complex manoeuvres and rescue sequences without the unpredictability of UK flows.
THE COACHING
Expert, personalised instruction
Rock The Boat’s coaches deliver a highly personalised week: continuous mentorship, clear briefings and one-on-one feedback align your paddling, leadership and rescue technique with the standards you need to progress.
THE SKILLS
Real rescue practice and leader tactics
Across the week you’ll complete the two BCAB prerequisites—advanced safety & rescue and advanced leader training—through staged drills and live extractions designed to develop judgement, group management and complex rescue execution.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this week is for—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Recommended kit includes a towline or tow system, a throwline, webbing or sling, three large carabiners, a whistle, a knife and your preferred paddle craft; instructors will have items you can try if you do not own them.
The programme runs over five days.
Meet at Rock The Boat Europe, Cezsoca, Slovenia—please arrive at least 15 minutes before your stated start time.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course?
The development week runs for five days.
What are the prerequisites?
You should be able to paddle Grade 3/4 and be comfortable swimming in a Grade 3 environment.
What kit do I need to bring?
Bring a towline or tow system, throwline, webbing or sling, three large carabiners, a whistle, a knife and your preferred paddle craft; there will be items to try so you need not buy kit you don't already own.
Can I try demo kit during the course?
Yes—organisers will have items you can try out to help you identify the right kit for you.
When and where do we meet?
Meet at Rock The Boat Europe, Cezsoca, Slovenia; arrive at least 15 minutes before your start time.
Will I receive personalised feedback?
Yes—the week includes one-on-one, actionable feedback on paddling technique, leadership style and rescue proficiency to support progression toward the advanced award.