Absolute Outdoors Ltd was formed in 2013, by a group of directors with a love for the great outdoors, and a passion for high quality education and adventure. Absolute Outdoors Ltd specialise in providing outdoor experiences, outdoor education, training and qualifications to all ages and all levels of ability, nationwide.
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 all outdoor enthusiasts and committed to the highest standards of safety and service.
Lake District activities including Gorge Walking, Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Sailing. We specialise in fun for families, group adventures and team away days.
Longridge provides a range of exciting water sports and land-based activities aimed at young people of all abilities.
We provide all year round Adventure activities, outdoor pursuits & paintball, near to Bowness and Team building events near to Ambleside & Lake Windermere, kayaking on Coniston Water, gorge walking & canyoning in Eskdale and rock climbing in Langdale.
Easy access to scenic mountains, tranquil lakes, awe-inspiring coastlines and breath-taking rivers. They pride themselves on their outstanding ability to deliver a wide range of high quality outdoor education programmes with a variety of activities to suit all ages and abilities.
Anglesey Adventures is an adventure activity company that provides adventure days and breaks on Anglesey and throughout North Wales. If you are looking for an outdoor experience with a difference then our adventure breaks will not disappoint you.
We cater both for the total beginner trying a new activity for the first time, together with the more experienced wishing to develop their personal skills and expand their horizons.
If you are interested in gaining coaching qualifications we offer training and assessment for many National Governing Body Coaching Awards.
New in 2010, this activity centre is like nothing you’ve seen before!
Formerly a four-star hotel, Liddington offers a unique adventure centre experience. There are over 150 acres of grounds to accommodate the latest and greatest range of activities!
The site is so large and has so many activities you’ll find it hard to come across the same activity twice!
Riverside is ideally located for activities based on the water, our programme also includes opportunities for climbing, hiking, team building, orienteering, camping and bushcraft.
The Oxford Canoe and Kayak Club meet at the centre.
We love outdoor adventure activities, and we want to show you why we love them. Our Isle of Wight Adventure Activities are based across the whole of the Isle of Wight with its surf beaches, wooded hill sides, exposed downs, cliffs and more!
Excellent water facilities, accommodation, a campsite, Family Fun Park, Life Fitness Gym and marvellous nature trails for cycling and walking.
This delightful French château was built in 1714. It is situated in 40 acres of beautiful parkland, with its own private lake.
Colwick Park Adventure Centre was built in 2005 to provide adventurous activities and environmental education for young people in Nottingham.
360 Beach and Watersports is a unique multisport facility situated at the heart of Swansea Bay, a stunning natural resource that lends itself to both land and water based activity. 360 opened in September 2012 and offers opportunities for individuals and groups of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to get involved with a range of sports and activities.
At our PGL centre, as well as recently constructed accommodation, dining room and indoor activity zone, there are more than 20 activities all situated on site. Marchants is also the only centre to have the awesome new Powerfan freefall activity!
Situated in nine acres of parkland on the doorstep of the beautiful Peak District, this centre includes superb watersports facilities
With the beautiful Peak District on its doorstep, this friendly and inclusive centre provides the ideal destination for younger students to experience the great outdoors within a secure environment
Watersports centre on the Scout Dike reservoir, adjacent to the centre, offering exciting activities including canoeing and raft building
Offering everything from fun activities such as Canoeing, Mountain Biking and Bouldering, for individuals and groups at Cool Centres across Ireland.
Located in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park with the mountains, rivers and lakes on our doorstep. It is the perfect location for going off and having adventures in the great outdoors.
We are specialist providers of an exciting range of outdoor activities, courses and expeditions in the UK and overseas.
We offer a complete bespoke service to schools from a 1 day team building event at your venue, a five day multi-activity residential on Exmoor or Wales or a 28 – day Overseas Expedition to East Africa. There is also plenty in between
The only place in the UK that boasts four different types of water: a placid water lake, and next to it the flowing River Itchen, which feeds into the tidal estuary, which in turn creates white water at low tide.
They have been providing Outdoor Education for almost 60 years to schools from Staffordshire and beyond, although it was another 20 years before it began to take the shape that you may recognise today.
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