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

Sea Kayak and SUP Salcombe - Formally South Sands Sailing - is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty in South Devon, boasting a breath taking environment to explore with the family.

School Camp offers on site team building sessions and a wide range of innovative off site adventurous outdoor activity events.

Our products include, Outdoor Activity days, Adventurous Activity Camps, Curriculum Enhancement Camps,Teambuilding days, BTEC / PE Outdoor Adventurous Activity Modules and Geography Field Trips. 

Pinkery offers a residential experience that enhances understanding and enjoyment of Exmoor’s special qualities. Pinkery is Exmoor National Park Authority’s centre for Outdoor Education. It has been in operation since 1969 and offers a warm welcome and introduction to Exmoor National Park for all our visiting groups.

Our most environmentally sustainable centre, complete with one of Europe’s largest solar panels!

Dearne Valley opened its doors as the new Kingswood centre in 2012. Following a multi-million pound investment programme, Dearne Valley is our most environmentally sustainable centre, complete with one of Europe’s largest solar panels and an on-site waste recycling plant.

Features

A company for canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. Crafts for hire, plus tuition and guided tours available.

There are a number of guided tours on kayak and canoes or you can hire the craft and go out paddling by yourself.

A perfect environment for schools wanting to explore the great outdoors!

Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Wales, Colomendy is the perfect environment for 7-11 year olds to explore the great outdoors

Breath-taking adventure park nestled in woodlands with a giant zipwire, climbing tower and an abundance of ropes courses

On-site watersports including canoeing, kayaking and raft-building

We run outdoor pursuits and multi-activity Christian camps for young people from School Years 4 through to 13+.

From mountain biking to skiing, karting to windsurfing, sailing to abseiling, crafts to gorge walking, leadership training to mission. 

Bowles is located near Tunbridge Wells on the site of a natural south facing sandstone outcrop which offers a range of outdoor adventure including superb rock climbing, a dry ski slope, orienteering, archery and the giant Leap of Faith!

Located within walking distance of one of the best beaches for water sports in the area and close to Tossa de Mar, this Spanish water sports trip in Cala Llevado offers schools and youth groups an action-packed activity programme, with plenty of time on the beach!

Let The Adventure Begin!

The Frank Chapman Centre is part of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Councils Residential Education Service delivering a wide range of high quality outdoor programmes and activities for the community of Sandwell and others.

Ardwhallan host a range of courses throughout the year including climbing, paddlesport and sailing.

Alternative Adventure specialise in organising activities using venues that are within easy reach of your location; hotel & conference centre grounds delivering teambuilding activities, school & youth centres delivering outdoor teambuilding activities, local parks delivering teambuilding & outdoor adventurous activities canoeing, earth ball, mountain biking, raft building, orienteer

Nestled deep in the heart of Snowdonia our location is unrivalled as a destination for adventure activities of all kinds. For almost 60 years Plas y Brenin has been running courses and holidays in outdoor activities, introducing newcomers to the outdoors, helping outdoor enthusiasts improve their outdoor skills and training outdoor instructors.

Somerset Adventures are pleased to offer a range of outdoor activities suitable for schools and youth groups, led by a fully qualified and insured instructor. You may be looking to enrich the curriculum with a series of activity days, or you may be looking for a longer term addition to your PE timetable or an after school club.

We are here to help you to learn to sail, learn to windsurf, become a sailing instructor and so much more as one of the largest multi-sailsports centres in the UK. Queen Mary Sailsports is a large, professionally run, Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Centre within Queen Mary Sailing Club, offering a wide range of courses and tuition throughout the year. Whatever your goals, please enjo

Challenging Disability Through Outdoor Adventure

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the edge of Exmoor National Park and a short distance from the North Devon Coast, our award winning centre welcomes guests of all ages and levels of ability, together with their families & friends.

Tamar Lakes are conveniently located just inland from the coastal resort of Bude. The fun, relaxed atmosphere makes it a great location to learn a new sport or hire a range of equipment from pedaloes and rowing boats to windsurfers and dinghies.

Welcome to Tackt-Isle Adventures, an exciting outdoor activity centre based at St. Helens Duver on the Isle of Wight.

We provide equipment rental, tuition and everything you need for an adventurous activity on dry land or on the water. 

Open all year round from 0900 till dusk

Ardmay House Outdoor Education Centre is an independent family business offering multi activity residential trips for Primary and Secondary Schools throughout the school year. 

Llandysul Paddlers Canoe Club is based in West Wales and was founded in 1984 by Chris Berry and Trevor Grace. The club has had many great years with membership continuing to increase at a steady pace. The club has seen lots of changes over the years and the most dynamic of these was "Project 94". This was a document that was put together to help plan the future of the club.

Absolute Adventure is a licensed provider of outdoor activities. This means we are regularly inspected by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority, so you can be sure of the very highest standards of safety and instruction.

We offer a wide range of activities, all led by experienced and qualified instructors. The holidays are well supervised, with one member of staff to every four children or better and with a strong emphasis on safety and care. The leaders and helpers are Christians, they are volunteers with a genuine interest in young people and contribute financially to the holidays. 

Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre, with its extensive range of equipment and an inspiring setting against a backdrop of the Lakeland fells is a great location for getting out on the water. We offer a wide variety of watersports instruction and boat hire suitable for all ages and abilities.

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