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

A wonderful place for watery fun

Llangorse Lake in the Brecon Beacons is one of the most mentioned sites in Welsh folklore. It is a site of international conservation importance.

Total Adventure Ltd, based on the shores of Windermere offers a wide range of instructional led outdoor activities as well as bespoke outdoor events tailored to your own specific requirements. With over 40 years of outdoor experience all our staff are fully qualified, friendly and experienced.

Our North Pennines Activity Centre, Barhaugh Hall, stands in 9 acres of grounds and is set amongst the rolling hills of the North Pennines. The centre is just north of Alston, in an area designated of 'outstanding natural beauty', and around 20 miles from junction 40 of the M6.

We provide a range of canoeing and bushcraft activities to suit all ages, abilities and requirements - families, couples, individuals and groups are all welcome.

Keswick Adventure Centre has been established in order to provide excellent, affordable outdoor adventure activities for all visitors to our stunning Lake District National Park. We operate in and around the beautiful Borrowdale and Newlands valleys and utilise the fantastic Via Ferrata Xtreme at Honister Slate Mine.

Our aim is to release the potential in people to achieve breakthrough performance through training, adventure and shared experiences.

We have adventures for everyone and specialise equally in looking after those new to the outdoors and those with experience. We hope you can find what you are looking for or are inspired by some things you hadn't thought of.

Situated on the eastern shore of Windermere, our Outdoor Adventure Centre is the perfect place to discover the Lake District and take part in action packed, exciting activities!

Patterdale Hall Estate is a 300-acre private estate located in the breathtakingly beautiful Ullswater valley. The Estate offers eleven comfortable and affordable self-catering holiday properties of various types, all with magnificent views and wondrous settings. We also have a 5-pitch Caravan Club Certified Location which you can read about further down this page. 

Sam Sykes™ Ltd was set up to reverse this trend by delivering professionally led Duke of Edinburgh award expeditions across the UK and overseas. With over thirty years' experience in organising and leading DofE Award expeditions at BRONZE, SILVER and GOLD level.

We offer a full range of outdoor related courses and adventure experiences in mountain and water sports. Our aim is to give each of our clients a personal, high quality, safe and enjoyable adventure experience.

 

Since 1989 Hollingworth Lake Water Activity Centre has offered quality tuition in outdoor activities. This provision has been available to schools, youth groups and the general public, continuing the proud tradition of water-based activities on Hollingworth Lake including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, powerboating and windsurfing.

The Anderton Centre is situated on the shores of the beautiful Rivington Reservoir in the West Pennine Moors in Lancashire, close to Chorley, Bolton, Manchester and Preston. The centre boasts superb water facilities and an idyllic rural setting which is conveniently located close to the M6 and M61 corridors.

Waddow is a 17th-century manor house set in 178 acres of beautiful Lancashire countryside overlooking the River Ribble.

With picturesque hills and inland waterways of East Lancashire on its doorstep, Whitehough can offer a comprehensive range of courses and activities.

Pursuit of Potential Canoeing is a brilliant way to have a go at canoeing! Canoeing is a wonderful way to enjoy and explore the water. With normally 2 people in the canoe, move through the water propelled by your own strength!

The Activities Group (North) Ltd (TAG) understands the importance of delivering you, your family, school, group, club, youth project or business a wide range of all year round safe, value for money, outdoor adventure activities, events, and bespoke development training programs giving participants a real life memorable learning or fun experience.

Peat Rigg Outdoor Training Centre is a converted nineteenth century farmhouse set in 90 acres of beautiful rural scenery. It is located within Cropton Forest on the southern edge of the North York Moors National Park

Our instructors have wide and varied experience of outdoor education and youth work stretching over several decades. We employ experienced, fully qualified and certified instructors, and hold a comprehensive insurance policy in order to make our activities safe and enjoyable.

Teeside adventure is an exciting group of qualified outdoor enthusiasts who really believe in getting the young, the old and the uninterested to love the outdoors and to develop their own skills and confidence.

The centre is at the foot of the magnificent Cadair Idris, surrounded by striking mountain scenery in the heart of North Wales. Snowdonia, the largest National Park in Wales is on our doorstep boasting the highest mountain in Wales and a variety of picturesque villages, lakes and coastlines.

Rhos y Gwaliau Outdoor Education Centre is situated in stunning open countryside on the eastern side of the Snowdonia National Park.  We have easy access to scenic mountains, tranquil lakes, awe-inspiring coastlines and breath-taking rivers.  We pride ourselves on our outstanding ability to deliver a wide range of high quality outdoor education programmes with a variety of activities to suit al

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