This year, the Barcelona Nautical Institute is celebrating a very special moment: the graduation of the first class of students from the Flatwater Canoeing program, an official intermediate-level sports education degree that opens the door to a growing sector. The center, which specializes in vocational training in nautical sports and recreation, has thus incorporated a discipline that combines sport, nature, and real job opportunities.
These studies, structured in an initial cycle and a final cycle, offer comprehensive and practical training. Throughout the degree, students learn to motivate and instruct athletes who are new to canoeing, accompanying them safely and professionally in both calm and white water, sea kayaking, and kayak polo. They also learn about the organization of sporting events, group management, and the technical and pedagogical foundations necessary to become a good professional. Once they have completed the final cycle, students obtain the title of sports technician, which qualifies them to lead training sessions at the technical stage, perfect the technique of other athletes, and also operate recreational boats up to six meters in length.
Career opportunities are diverse. With the initial cycle, you can already work as a beginner canoeing instructor, safety canoeist, or competition assistant. And with the full qualification, opportunities expand to include roles such as calm water coach or technical director of canoeing schools, profiles that are increasingly in demand by clubs, sports schools, tourism companies, and water sports centers. Canoeing is one of the star sports of the summer. More and more coastal areas are including it as a regular activity.
