Hillcrest is a small, homely centre, with staff who really love working with younger guests.
It’s in a quiet rural setting and is ideal for a first visit away from home or if you’re looking for somewhere really friendly and extra welcoming!
Canoeing / Kayaking
Canoeing / Kayaking
What is it?
Canoeing and Kayaking are sports that evolved from the boats people would use to travel on waterways. The progression into a recreational activity came in the mid 1800s as people began to race each other and created courses to navigate, and evolved into two separate types of boat; the canoe (often open topped, and being propelled by the use of a single-bladed paddle) and the kayak (more typically having a closed deck, and the paddler using a double-bladed paddle).
What does it involve?
At beginner level, canoeing and kayaking would involve getting to grips with operating the paddle correctly and propelling yourself forwards, but once you have gotten to grips with the technique you can perform tricks, paddle down whitewater rivers at a higher speed and even use small sails to power your movement.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Canoeing and Kayaking are good for exercising gently - the manner of movement required gradually builds strength in both the upper body and the legs, and there's little risk of any impact injuries in this sport. Being out on the water can be a thrill and a novel experience, especially for younger students who may not have been in such close quarters to the open water before.
What equipment do we need?
It's unlikely you will need to provide any equipment for going canoeing or kayaking as the establishment you visit should supply everything for you as part of the price, but always double check with your chosen providers beforehand to make sure.
Who is it suitable for?
There's no real minimum age for having a go at canoeing or kayaking, but you should feel confident that any youngsters will pay attention to the instructor/be okay on the water before taking them on a trip!
Costs?
Prices will vary between establishments, but about £30-40 per person for a half day is reasonable - be sure to shop around in your local area before deciding on where to go.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Canoeing and Kayaking are reasonably safe sports that are suitable for a wide variety of ages, so the main thing to keep in mind is to pay attention to the instructor and obey all the safety procedures - especially when it comes to wearing bouyancy aids!
How do we include?
There is a great disabled canoeing/kayaking culture in the UK, so most people should be able to be included - consult your chosen provider to find out what they are set up for.
Doing it abroad?
There should be many places abroad who host canoeing and kayaking, but countries with expanses of open water will obviously have more options - if it's something you want to include in your trip, consider your destination carefully!
Main website:
You can visit here for some good general information, but you must check out the websites of the individual venues to find out the specifications of what they provide.
Venues with this Activity
We can come to you to arrange your trip, or you can come to the Centre for a pre-visit. This will allow us to plan your excursion down to the last detail so that it works perfectly with your individual needs as a school or group.
Canoe Adventures operate steersman guided Voyager open canoes offering family adventures from toddler to grandparent to big groups and all between.
The centre is set in 45 acres of grounds with its own private beach and cliff top views. One of the first things you’ll notice is the huge high ropes course with its zip wire and the stunning views of Weymouth, Portland and Chesil Beach.
Sea kayaking offers an experience unlike any other mode of travel. More spectacular scenery than you will see on any canoe trip. Amazing views that you can’t get from the top of even the highest mountains. Lazy days on flat water for the less adventurous but massive seas, big surf and fast tidal races for the adrenaline junkie.
Coastal adventure training provides adventurous activities and training for individuals and groups aged 9+, We specialise in Sea Kayaking, Rock Climbing and Coasteering. We are AALA registered and all our staff have excellent knowledge, experience and hold NGB qualifications.
We offer the perfect location for world-class adventure activities. Based in North Cornwall we have the most awe-inspiring surroundings. You can enjoy rock climbing where the dramatic sea cliffs of Cornwall meet the Atlantic Ocean. You can coasteer and eco-coasteer in a fabulous wildlife-rich environment.
Widehorizons Bryntysilio Centre is set above the River Dee, situated in ten acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. We provide a broad programme of adventure activities including mountaineering, canoeing and mountain biking.
Welcome to Harbour Challenge Outdoor Education Centre, the premier home of outdoor activities, adventure and extreme sports in Dorset. Our highly experienced instructors are qualified to provide a wide range of activities from climbing to coasteering, mountain biking to kayaking and sailing to windsurfing suitable for all ages, groups and abilities.
We are a family-run sailing and watersports school based from Mudeford Quay, Christchurch (near Bournemouth, Dorset). We provide sailing, powerboating, first aid courses and tuition at all levels, as well as kayak, dinghy and windsurfer hire across Christchurch Harbour.
The Christian Adventure Centre at Viney Hill is here to provide you with the most amazing adventure activity experience available, either residentially or as a day visitor.
As well as the beautiful sandy cove to explore and enjoy, you can sample great food at our beach-side restaurant or from our take away facility. Get active on a range of adventure activities, experience fantastic live music and events. Stay in self catering accommodation on the beach or learn new skills on our on-site training courses.
Mepal Outdoor Centre has been providing outdoor experiences for over 30 years to schools, colleges, youth groups, clubs, charities, corporate groups, families and individuals. Whether you are visiting us for the day or coming for a residential visit, we can tailor a programme to suit your needs.
At Adamson Adventures our aim is to provide exciting outdoor experiences tailored to all ages and abilities in an environmentally friendly way. We are able to provide you with experience sessions, organised trips (UK, Europe and worldwide) and courses leading to certain qualifications.
Standon Bowers is currently the largest of all our centres with accommodation for over 150 in the historic Victorian main building. Murray House is a separate and fully accessible facility on site which is ideal for smaller groups with a range of needs.
AQUASPORTS is a Christian lakeside watersports camp that's definitely not to be missed! Based near Marlow, Buckinghamshire, the camp offers young people from 14 to 19 years old of any background a week of exciting watersports and the chance to make new friends from across the country.
We offer training in a wide variety of disciplines, using a diverse fleet of modern equipment.
Vive la Montagne Adventure Consultants enjoy a reputation for reliability, professionalism, performance and value.
We shall contact you with further information and prices. Should you be enquiring on behalf of a group or organisation we shall be happy to arrange a visit and explain more through a presentation.
Come and enjoy the fabulous facilities at The Lensbury Watersports Centre – a peaceful haven in an otherwise busy world. The Lensbury Watersports Centre offers a variety of craft including sculling boats, kayaks, canoes and a choice of sailing dinghies from Optimists to Lasers plus small motor boats.
Outdoor and adventurous activities enable pupils to enjoy challenging and unfamiliar experiences that test and develop their physical, social and personal skills. They can be among the most memorable experiences for pupils of their school days.
Springboard Adventure manages the 180 acre Hetton Lyons Country Park on behalf of Sunderland City Council. Within a safe, exciting and engaging environment, we offer a wide range of outdoor, adventurous and environmental activities, successfully working in partnership with schools and youth organisations, as well as offering courses to the public.
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The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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