Our Schools programme can be tailored to meet your needs! Stay for 1 day or up to 7, we can provide as many activities as you want! If you are local we also offer non-residential activity days. Our programme is suitable from year 3 to colleges!
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
Wirral Sailing Centre is based at the 52 acre West Kirby Marine Lake and offers water sports activities and courses to anyone aged 8 and over. It is a registered RYA Training Centre.
Rutland Watersports Centre is on the north shore of Rutland Water Park at Whitwell. This is a day sailing, canoeing and windsurfing centre owned and operated by Anglian Water providing a great place to hold or enrol in events, courses, activity days, corporate days or a bit of retail therapy.
Messing about on the Mersey was established in 2009 and started running trips down the River Mersey to local people of South Manchester. Over the coming years it developed into working with schools and youth organizations, running children's birthday parties and catering for adult groups from hen parties to sponsored charity paddles.
ShoreSports watersports school uses the safe and shallow waters of Christchurch Harbour, operating from Mudeford Quay. Learn to windsurf, kayak or stand-up-paddleboard (SUP) with our qualified instructors, join one of our popular tours up river, have lessons or simply hire equipment
A small but busy family run centre offering outdoor activities and experiences, with self catering accommodation in rooms and wooden wigwams. Whitewave is based in the crofting township of Linicro and has been operating in North Skye since 1990.
At SeaSports our focus is on offering you the very best available; our instructors equipment and facilities are of the highest standard, and we pride ourselves on attention to detail and excellent service. Our instructor ratios are kept very low ensuring that you get maximum attention at all times.
We have sea kayaking courses to suit all levels of kayaker from complete beginner to the seasoned salty sea dog! Our sea kayaking courses are generally instructional based and are aimed at developing your skills in a fun and safe environment.
Pura Vida Weymouth Watersports are the newest Watersports centre in the Weymouth and Portland area. We are ideally situated in probably the best spot for most Watersports activities.
An Outdoor Activity Centre, based in Beeley, in the heart of the Peak District National Park and the beautiful Derbyshire countryside, providing group accommodation and outdoor adventure activities for young people of all abilities.
ACE specializes in harnessing the power and energy of adventure sports to broaden the visions and aspirations of the people we work with. Our reputation and quality of service delivery has seen our work expand from Girvan to the whole of South Ayrshire.
The Coquet Shorebase Trust is a community based watersports centre located in Amble, Northumberland. We provide watersports courses and training for all.
Ardentinny Centre is situated in the village of Ardentinny on the shores of Loch Long in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park. This fantastic purpose-built residential activity centre can accommodate groups of up to 80 people aged eight and above.
We can supply all equipment, transport, food and tailor courses, sports and outdoor activities to all abilities and budgets. Our fully trained instructors will deliver an exciting range of outdoor activities from one hour to a whole week.
Adventure Training Ltd is your gateway to a truly unique outdoor experience. We offer this experience to all, from youth groups to schools, even tailored individual programs.
Cairngorm Outdoors Ltd is licensed under the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority and registered with the Care Commission. We work with socially excluded and vulnerable young people, providing a wide range of adventure activities.
Whinfell Forest is nestled in stunning landscape on the edge of the Lake District. Lodges for families and groups of all sizes are set in the 400-acre woodland, with lakes and streams aplenty that are befitting of the picturesque Lake District scenery.
We are proud to have inspired hundreds of young people into life long careers in the outdoors. Our alumni include Matt Heliker, an internationally respected climber. Others now work for schools, military, emergency services, Environment Agency and charities and continue to be ambassadors for the Mendip ethos!
Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor; a vast expanse of inland sheltered water, perfect for all watersports, all season training, land and water-based events, schools and youth groups and all round family fun.
Established in 2008, Exmoor Adventures are the areas outdoor specialists for a range of adventurous activities and courses within the Exmoor National Park, the Quantocks and the South West.
Started in 1996, Aardvark Endeavours are an outdoor pursuits and training provider based near Cheddar, Somerset. As well as our regular staff with specialist skills we use a lot of freelance instructors who are experts in their fields. This means we can bring to you the right person for the job with both the experience and knowledge so you get the best possible day.
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.
We work with young people across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire as well as Bath and North East Somerset.
Albany Park Canoe and Sailing Centre has a lively atmosphere with a vast array of activities taking place both at the centre and at other off site locations. The centre is based on the River Thames between Kingston Bridge and Teddington Lock and is well served by road, rail and public transport.
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