We know what we want - people to really love life, to delight in new experiences and to gain reward from being challenged. Why do our guests return to Calvert Trust Kielder year after year...exhilarating, exciting, challenging, life changing, inspiring, fabulous, wonderful...their words
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
All of our activites for those under the age of 18 without parental accompaniment will be run by highly qualified instructors. nm all young people must have appropriate parental consent for the activities.
We have alot of experience organising and running activites for youth groups around the local area in conjunction with other local activity providers.
The Camas programme is jointly designed with you to meet your needs. Whatever the nature of the group, we aim to be flexible in enabling the best possible experience to occur from your stay at Camas.
We have been giving tuition in windsurfing and kitesurfing in our watersports school in Poole harbour for over 20 Years. It operates in the shallow waters of Poole Harbour - one of the most popular places to learn windsurfing and kitesurfing in the UK. All our windsurfing instructors have been trained to RYA standards and IKO standards.
Pleasley Vale is affectionately known as ‘little Matlock’ to local outdoor enthusiasts. Set in the impressive grounds of Pleasley Vale Mill Complex the centre provides the perfect opportunity for groups and individuals to experience the spirit of adventure without having to travel or pay the high costs associated with more traditional locations such as the Peak District.
A family run organisation based in Shropshire, our aims are:
To provide adventurous outdoor activities that challenge the individual
To promote good practice and responsibility in the outdoors
To inspire a love of the outdoors in others
We are experienced in dealing with big school and scout groups and offer great discounts.
“At SWAC we’re passionate about water sports…from sailing and rowing, to powerboating and stand up paddle boarding, we’ve got it all covered.
It offers a variety of facilities to provide opportunities for indoor and outdoor activities ranging from a Rainbow Day to Senior Section camping. Although close to local amenities, Pettypool is secluded enough to be a safe attractive environment for all who use it.
Pennine Outdoor Pursuits is an award winning training organisation established in 1987 offering tuition in a variety of outdoor activities for all ages and abilities all over the country.
Teesoutdoors was created because we are passionate about quality services for young people , and the value of experience and informal learning as educational processes. Our projects are more than activities, they are about moving from dependence to independence, gaining and using skills, and personal development through reflection.
Stithians Lake in Cornwall is considered one of the windiest inland waters in England. It's not surprising therefore that it's a favourite with windsurfers and sailors alike. Watch the video by clicking on the play button in the images.
We are an Outdoor Centre that has been running for over 30 years set up to provide great activities in a friendly environment, staffed by Christians but available to all.
We have accommodation for up to 50 young people and only host one group at a time.
We specialise in programmes for schools and youth groups. Since Powys started its outdoor centres, our focus has always been on giving young peple the opportunity to step out of the classroom and find new ways of learning.
Inspire adventure provide themed outdoor adventure activity days for families, hen and stag parties, adult social groups. Outdoor professional development courses are available for those wishing to expand their knowledge and skills in open canoeing, kayak, mountain biking, climbing and abseiling.
Give your kids a zest for the outdoors, and a hobby for life. Sailing, kayaking and powerboating are a fun way to get out in the fresh air, and we offer watersports coaching and courses for children aged eight upwards. We supply all the equipment from wetsuits and buoyancy aids to boats.
The Centre, which is RYA recognised, delivers practical courses in sailing, powerboating, personal watercraft (jetski) and kayaking. In addition, it offers RYA theory courses in Navigation, First Aid, VHF Radio and Diesel Maintenance.
Nestled within the mountains of the Brecon Beacons National Park you will find a whole host of fun filled adventure. Whether you are looking for an exciting new experience, or developing personal skills, Sbri Cymru can tailor make an activity day to suit you.
Pink Adventures provide a professional and friendly outdoor activity service throughout North West England. We provide a wide range of adventure activity holidays, days out and weekend breaks tailored to your specific needs with fully qualified and experienced staff.
A family friendly place offering river Rafting and Tubing for kids aged 14 and above, plus , kayaking (including tandem), for kids aged 6 and older, along the river Derwent. Tours led by qualified staff.
Hire a Canadian Canoe or a Kayak and discover the tranquil beauty and natural wildlife of the River Wye. Contact in advance if booking with children.
West View Project has existed since 1980 when a group was formed by a group of residents who wanted to create somewhere children in the local area could play safely.
A Trewern Course advances academic, personal and social education. Working in teams, students are presented with challenges relevant to all levels of education, the application of which is not easily demonstrated in the classroom.
Youth Programme 2014 is one of the best yet, with loads of fantastic outdoor opportunities for young people aged 3-17, throughout the Easter and Summer holidays. All our courses allow children and young people to learn and develop, discover new places, build confidence, have fun, make new friends and be active outdoors!
Whether you are seeking something interesting to do with your friends and family, organising a group event, or aiming to develop your personal performance and qualification level in the adventure world, we are the people to talk to.
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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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