Author: Simon

Want to Learn to Paddle? Start Courses now Running.

Are you new to paddling and Interested in having a go at kayaking, canoeing or SUP? 

Then these adult START sessions are for you. You must be over 18 and able to swim 50 metres in your clothes.

Sessions: evening or weekends* and last 2-3hr covering the basics of: staying safe; clothing and equipment; paddling forward, turning and stopping; getting on and off the water.

You will need: Neoprene shoes/wet-suit boots (or sandals/small trainers that are not too bulky and do not fall off if you swim!); tracksuit or thermal trousers; thermal t-shirt, woolly jumper or fleece (or wetsuit if you have one). YOU SHOULD BE PREPARED TO GET WET IN THESE CLOTHES. Towel and change of clothes. Also bring a lightweight windproof jacket if you have one. 

We will provide: a kayak, canoe or SUP; paddle, buoyancy aid, helmet and spray deck (or quick release leash for SUP). Please feel free to bring your own if you have this equipment.

Booking Details:

DateTimeCoursePlacesBooking Link
Tue 6th July6:30START kayak6 placesHere
Thu 8th July6:30START kayak6 placesHere

Restarting Activities

Now that lockdown restricts are being eased we can make a start with resuming club activities.

Paddling for members with their own kit has restarted and we look forward – subject to government and British Canoeing guidance – on being able to fully reopen, use our new hut and introduce new people to paddling a little later in the summer.

Club members will be receiving regular updates about what sessions we are running. As soon as is feasible we will be running courses for the public, more information about these will be forthcoming shortly.

Paddling during lockdown 2

With a second lockdown upon us all Club paddling activities have been suspended. If you do wish to paddle please follow the Government and British Canoeing advice which can be found here:

https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news/2020/recreational-paddling-permitted-under-new-government-measures.

The important points being that; the guidance issued by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Sport England confirms that recreational paddling is permitted within the government measures so long as you are:

  • On your own
  • With the people you live with (your household)
  • Your support bubble
  • On your own and with one person from another household – this could be a coach for 1:1 coaching

In addition as club members: 

  • Paddlers should restrict their paddlesport activities to environments which are well within their capabilities, alert friends and family to their activity and predicted return times and ensure they have a means to call for help, handy at all times.
  • If you do meet others on the water you should maintain social distancing (except in an emergency) and make sure you arrive and depart as your two.