Blown Away is a mobile outdoor experience company which specializes in beach based activities.
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
The most northerly of SOEC’s Centres, Belmont has a wide range of on-site activities such as the ever-popular flying fox and the night-line which is ideal for team building.
MOVING PEOPLE ON THEIR LEARNING JOURNEY USING THE OUTDOORS
Beyond Adventure is a specialist outdoor company, based in Aberfeldy, Scotland, providing tailor-made experiences of the wilderness environment. Our particular specialities are open canoeing and tailor made multi-activity residentials for groups in Scotland, Europe and North America.
Based on the Isle of Seil which has a bridge to the mainland, 30 minutes from Oban. The orginal dedicated sea kayak company in the Oban area, established for over 15 years. We have an intimate knowledge of the area. A family company for the personal touch, we do it because we love it.
Northern Xposure Adventure Training is a family run business whose goal is provide an opportunity for all to enjoy the great outdoors using quality coaching and guiding to facilitate a safe and enjoyable experience.
A range of watersports are on offer including: sail sports, paddle sports, raft building, fishing, rowing and pedalos on the loch. Off the water we have archery, play parks, and a dry ski slope, great team building apparatus. Not forgetting stunning walks and mountain biking.
Our outdoor adventure activities include kayaking, sea kayaking, sailing, climbing, canoeing, expeditions, gorge walking, navigation, bushcraft skills and team building.
Set amidst a superbly rugged and unspoilt natural coastal environment, Uist Outdoor Centre offers unique locations, facilities and instruction for individuals, corporate, education and leisure groups seeking unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Prince's Trust centres currently offer the Fairbridge programme, which is an individually tailored personal development programme combining one-to-one support and group activities.
Originally Fairbridge in Dundee, we became part of The Prince's Trust in 2011.
We work with young people from across Dundee city.
Northern Ireland's National Outdoor Centre
Tollymore National Outdoor Centre offers a range of one day and weekend courses in rock climbing skills, learning to lead and multi pitch climbing, Canadian canoeing, kayaking and sea kayaking, mountain biking, orienteering and coasteering.
Set in the heart of the beautiful Peak District, our outdoor activity centre provides a wide range of outdoor challenges and experiences such as bushcraft, orienteering, climbing, camping and navigation skills as well as kayaking, canoeing, trekking and mountaineering
Welcome to Tower Wood Outdoor Education Centre which is set in 12 magnificent acres of lawns and woodland, extending from the beautiful Edwardian house down to the eastern shore of Windermere. The site looks across the Lake to the high fells of the Lake District and has an enviable and easily accessible position.
The centre is perfect for outdoor education – offering instructed activities such as kayaking, climbing, archery and rafting.
Barnstondale is a truly inclusive adventure and activity centre. With outdoor pursuits, team building, sports and excitement to be had, you can create your own adventure at Barnstondale.
Situated in a stunning location in the beautiful Peak District National Park, White Hall Outdoor Education Centre has given thousands of young people wonderful, memorable experiences since it opened in 1951 as Britain's first local education authority outdoor centre.
Morfa Bay Adventure pride themselves on a professional, high quality service using only the best in outdoor equipment, within a safe and manageable environment under the guidance of experienced and well trained instructors.
Astbury Mere Country Park is the home of watersports in Congleton. Enjoy instructed sessions in sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing and raft building. Whether you are a child or an adult, a beginner or looking to improve your skills we have a course for you. For all instructed sessions advanced booking is essential
There is something for everyone. Pull on your wellies and explore the Manley Mere Adventure Trailor take a stroll around the lake. For all watersports enthusiasts, why not try your hand at a new sport by having a taster lesson or splashing about in a rowing boat or kayak.
We are a friendly watersports centre based in the new facilities at Porth Eirias.
Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Activity Centre is located in 65 acres of land in the heart of the New Forest, offering outdoor education through an extensive range of adventure and field study activities.
Waterside Lodge is a modern, purpose built two-story Activity Centre on the Marine Lake, in Southport, Merseyside. The building has all modern services installed and is accessible to disabled users. It is easily reached on Southport Marine Drive, adjacent to the pier and beach.
There are two kitchens, each equipped to commercial standards, for 100 people.
Pooles Wharf, Hotwells Road, Bristol. Opened July 2000 to provide water sports and activities for young people, provides accessible facilities to include disabled young people. Sailing, Canoeing, Caving, Abseiling, and Mountain biking.
Plas Pencelli is large outdoor centre located on the edge of the Brecon Beacons in South Wales.
Devon Adventure Holidays for individuals, families and groups. Comfortable accommodation on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, with choice of over 20 different adventure activities suitable for all ages. Located in SW England, one of Britain's top destinations, you can easily reach both North and South Coasts of Devon.
Rock UK Whithaugh Park Adventure Centre is nestled away in the beautiful landscape of the Scottish Borders. We share our 110 acre slice of Scottish countryside with red squirrels, deer and a wide variety of other wildlife.
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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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