Our tailored development programmes can be residential or non residential. Overnight options include our shepherd huts, camping (either near the centre or deep in the woods) or building and sleeping in a bivi. Each programme is always designed around the needs of the group but most overnights will involve a campfire at some stage.
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 are an exciting on-demand white water facility located in the heart of the International Sports Village in Cardiff.
A centre of excellence for training, we also provide training courses from our Paddle School to Duke of Edinburgh awards.
The Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre in Plymouth is one of the foremost Outdoor Education centres in the South West – the centre has a reputation for excellence, professionalism and operates to the highest standards.
All of our instructors are highly experienced and qualified individuals, maintaining the highest levels of safety. They will bring out the best in everyone, whilst providing a challenging and fun experience. Our staff are also experienced in all areas of group management, first aid and rescue in all environments.
The Adventure Centre prides itself on being one of the leading development training centres in the UK and our aim is to provide “excellence in outdoor adventure and education”. The Centre was established in 1991 and has been providing quality development training courses for a wide range of individuals and groups ever since.
Spirit of Adventure has a wide range of activities and programmes for children and young people in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and across the west country.
Group adventure days, outdoor adventure activities, family adventures and stag and hen activity days in Devon - join us for coasteering, rock climbing and gorge walking
Active Escape are a dedicated adventure and outdoor activities company operating in North Devon. We supply a range of outdoor activities ideal for groups or families, including Kayaking, Coasteering, Surf Rafting and much more.
If you are looking for exciting, safe and fun activities in Devon, then you have found the right place. With a wide range of activities for daily and residential stays, whether it's for outdoor education, development training or just for a holiday in Devon, Skern Lodge is the ideal outdoor centre for you.
The Ultimate Adventure Centre offers the most comprehensive range of outdoor activities available throughout North Devon, with an Ultimate twist.
Plymouth and Devon Schools Sailing Association is a not for profit volunteer organisation. We take pride in offering outstanding sailing, kayaking and powerboat courses at very reasonable prices! Based at Commercial Wharf on the Barbican, we have a wide range of training equipment and Plymouth Sound provides a great teaching environment for all levels of tuition.
From the start of the 2015 season, Welsh Water will run the water sports tuition and equipment hire service, formerly known as Gwent Adventures, from the new Water Sports Centre. Terry Sculley owner and founder of Gwent Adventures is retiring and Welsh Water has bought Gwent Adventures’ equipment and name.
Specialist skills and experience enable us to provide safe and rewarding activities to children of all abilities, including those with learning and physical disabilities, who may be members of any mainstream group. We are particularly proud of our long serving and experienced staff.
We can provide activities such as canoeing/kayaking, mountain biking, sailing, winkling, fishing, rock climbing, weasling (crawling through large boulders), tennis, archery, dancing etc. We also do residentials with young people who our IYSS teams work with.
At Lodore we are blessed with both a great location and some great facilities.
With the majority of lake users staying towards the Keswick end we constantly find ourselves on a quiet and peaceful expanse of lake, the only way to experience the "Queen of Lakes". We also have plenty of perfect little bays and brooks to hide away from any weather that might come our way!
Pendarren House Outdoor Education Centre is a large country house set in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It lies in the Grwyne valley between Table Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain, and has stunning views across the Usk valley.
Glasbury House is an early Georgian Manor House standing in seven acres of grounds on the banks of the River Wye and has been owned by the London Borough of Redbridge and operated as an Outdoor Education Centre since 1963.
Rope Race is set within Goyt Mill, a 100 year old cotton mill adjoining the Peak Forest Canal in Marple on the outskirts of Stockport and within easy reach of Manchester city centre.
At the lake you can enjoy a range of water-based activities including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and multi-activity days. Try our new high ropes course, the indoor climbing wall or archery. There is also a campsite adjacent to the water’s edge and a licensed cafe on the opposite side of the Lake. A refreshment trailer is open most weekends from Easter to September
Why not go GHYLL SCRAMBLING and splash, slide and jump into the cool mountain stream or spend a few hours in the cool shady woods on the HIGH ROPES or paddling on Derwentwater or if it all gets too much, come indoors and climb.
Here at Welton Waters Adventure Centre (WWAC) we offer a wide range of land and water based activites to suit all ages and abilities, so, whether you're looking to learn a new skill or complete part of your BTEC/Dofe/Scout qualifications look no further OR perhaps you're looking for a company team building exercise, a family outing or a fun day out for your school or club we have something for
Beaumanor Hall is a Victorian country house located in Woodhouse, Leicestershire. Set in 34 acres of idyllic countryside, Beaumanor has been run by Leicestershire County Council since the 1970s and offers a whole range of facilities.
Doe Park provides a variety of outdoor education and leisure courses. Activities on the water include sailing, canoeing, kayaking and raft-building. Outdoor Education programmes may also include pond dipping, nature trails, team building and initiative challenges.
Adventure Outreach is a Christian Organisation providing outdoor adventure activities of high quality, primarily in and around the Peak District, though not exclusively. Our aim is to achieve your objectives in training, team building, personal development or simply fun within a safe and enjoyable environment.
Pages
Featured Provider
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.
Login/Sign Up
Latest News
Schoolboy Falls From 60ft Cliff on School Trip
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.