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.
Stretching from the rocky headland of Baggy Point at Croyde to the rugged heights of the Tors of Ilfracombe, explore the best of North Devons beautiful beaches and coastline.
Climb or coasteer on Baggy Points dramatic cliffs. Swim and surf in the shadow of dramatic hills at the popular three mile stretch of Woolacombe Beach.
Young people at the Southampton Centre can take part in the Fairbridge programme, an individually tailored personal development programme combining one-to-one support and group activities, as well as a range of Get into and Get Started courses.
The National White Water Centre is based on the River Tryweryn in the heart of Snowdonia. As a centre of excellence for paddlesport, we are known as the home of white water rafting and kayaking.
Situated in a stunning location in the beautiful Peak District National Park, White Hall Outdoor Education Centre has given thousands of young people wonderful, memorable experiences since it opened in 1951 as Britain's first local education authority outdoor centre.
Our activities take place in the fresh air in spectacular locations. It's all about giving young people fantastic real-world experiences - no fake climbing walls in sight!
Our outdoor activities and extreme sports include canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, gorge walking, abseiling, raft building and more
We are the top provider of both adventure experiences and skills courses in the area.
Planetree Adventure is a planet conscious adventure company. We believe that exploring the planet helps you explore yourself. This can be done locally & globally, individually or in a group, in many different ways for an hour, a day a week a month or more...
Our qualified and experienced staff offer opportunities to take part in both water and land based activities. This is your chance to try kayaking, canoeing, sailing, raft building, gorge walking, bell boating, climbing, abseiling, walking, archery, mountain biking, grass sledging, canal trips, orienteering, residentials and camping
We have a whole range of adventurous things to do including Canoeing, Gorge Walking, Bushcraft, Mountain Walking, Kayaking and much more. Have no fear! Our instructors appreciate that not everyone craves adrenaline and have the experience to work with the Newbie novice to the dedicated thrill seeker!
Abseiling; Gorge Scrambling; Hill Walking & Mountaineering; Ice Climbing; Kayaking - (Inland waters & rivers to grade 2 and sheltered tidal waters.); Mine Exploration; Open Canoeing - (Sheltered inland waters.); Orienteering; Paddle Surfing; Rock Climbing; Sea Level Traversing.
We started off in 2005 with an overgrown field with lots of brambles, black thorn and docks… Back then we had a vision that we could support some of the most disadvantaged people through transforming the site into a vibrant and innovative demonstration of sustainable land use.
Established in 1990, Black Rock Outdoors Ltd specialises in outdoor activities in Somerset. These include a High Ropes Course, Archery, Kayaking and Caving. Our sessions are a great way to experience something new or to progress and develop skills.
Popular with divers and coasteerers, Abereiddi's Blue Lagoon is a spectacular coastal feature. The lagoon is actually a flooded former slate quarry and you can still see atmospheric ruined quarry buildings on the clifftops.
At Studland Sea School we offer a wide range of kayaking tours, tuition, BCU courses and hire, kayak fishing, coasteering and BSAC snorkelling catering for all levels of ability.
Our eco award-winning centre is perfectly located to enjoy the Stackpole Estate. The recently upgraded residential centre with theatre, meeting and classroom facilities can accommodate up to 140 guests and is ideal for educational groups, corporate clients, private group hire and family holidays.
We create life changing adventures with a light touch on nature, focus young people’s sight & skills for the future and help organisations with innovation & sustainability. We play for the planet.
Interweaved with creeks and valleys, this remote peninsula on the south coast of Cornwall is a hidden treasure. Walking, kayaking and sailing are all fantastic ways to explore the Roseland landscape.
The centre is in easy reach of the River Wye, the Brecon Beacons and limestone areas to the south containing some of the most extensive cave systems in Britain and both natural and quarried climbing areas.
This local environment provides an area of outstanding natural beauty, and means we are able to offer courses of an adventurous and challenging nature.
Arrow Valley Visitor Centre, recently refurbished to a very high standard, offers a conference facility and a large comfortable mezzanine area suitable for parties, meals, receptions and other informal functions.
Longtown has a superb, scenic rural setting right at the foot of the Black Mountains, and the Centre is set in sixteen acres of traditional farmland which slope down to the river Monnow.
Experience Adventure (Northern) Ltd, for instruction in outdoor activities including Canoes, Kayaks, Archery and Rock Climbing. Set in an inspiring North Yorkshire location, ideal river setting with private landing steps leading to the river Ure make for perfect facilities.
Eden Outdoor Adventures is a small, friendly, family company run by Ian and Melanie. We specialise in providing activities for individuals, schools and groups that are tailored to your needs. We pride ourselves on providing affordable, fun, adventurous days out ,with high quality instruction and guiding with a personal touch.
We can cater for groups up to 100 onsite and we are fully operation throughout the year.
Usually most schools work with us to select either a half or a full day with activities from our multi-activity, then we can ensure a jam packed day for the kids that will leave them with a big smile on their faces! We can also run a host of other great activities on and off site!
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.
A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.