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.
The Wimbledon Park Watersports Centre offers a range of activities for the whole community. All activities are run by qualified professional staff.
Our sailing boats include - Drascombe Lugger, Wayfarer, Laser 2000, RS Feva, 370 Rondar, Laser, Pico's, Topper, Taz, Optimist, Fun boats, access sailing dinghies.
Whether you are looking for a high energy, calorie burning work out, a relaxing session to soothe the mind as well as body or a fun and social group routine, there is something to suit you.
Shadwell Basin Outdoor Activity Centre provides watersports and adventurous activities. We are open to everyone and there are lots of ways to get involved.
We organise training courses, events and sessions for groups, schools and individuals throughout the year.
The Titus Trust runs four holiday groups – Iwerne & Forres Holidays, for those at the larger boarding schools and associated prep schools in the South of England; Lymington Rushmore Holidays, for those at a mixture of day and boarding schools in the South; Gloddaeth Holidays, for those at independent day and boarding schools in the North: and LDN Holid
The Prince’s Trust Hackney Centre offers the Fairbridge programme to young people aged 13 – 25 who are struggling with education or are unemployed. The Fairbridge programme is an individually tailored personal development programme combining one-to-one support and group activities.
Loe Beach is situated on the south Cornish coast, between Truro and Falmouth. The beach looks out across the Carrick Roads towards Mylor, St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula.
"Between the Land and the Sea" is a fair description of the Roseland, one of the most beautiful parts of Cornwall. The best way to experience the beauty of this peninsula is by water and it provides some of the best sailing and canoeing areas in the country.
Located on the shores of the Fal Estuary, opposite the historic sea port of Falmouth and close to St Mawes, the centre is sited in the small village of St Just Lane, enjoying the famous 'Riviera micro-climate of the Roseland Peninsula. Offering residential accommodation for up to 34 people in three main dormitories and two smaller leaders rooms. This Centre specialises in maritime work and use
We are a medium sized club affiliated to the British Canoe Union / Canoe England and run by volunteer coaches and helpers, offering a warm welcome to new members and operate an equal opportunities policy offering paddlesport for all.
What's Included in the Price?
ALMOST EVERYTHING is included in the price. The Course Fee covers almost everything, from your arrival at Luing/Cuan Ferry at the start of your Course, back to Luing/Cuan Ferry at the end of your Course.
Finesse Leisure is passionate about watersports and has combined a variety of thrilling watersport activities with excellent amenities for your entertainment. Come and join us to enjoy a day on the water and choose the activity of your choice.
With grounds so large it will take you at least a week to explore them! There is a massive choice of holidays and accommodation, as well as an indoor pool and fantastic sports hall. If you want non-stop action and to make loads of new friends, then this is the place to come.
Danson Park Watersports Centre is located by Danson Lake in one of London's most beautiful parks. It is the ideal venue to take part in a variety of different sports in a safe and friendly environment.
Pugneys Country Park is a 250 acre site which was previously an open cast mine as well as a sand and gravel quarry and was turned into a country park in 1985.
There are endless possibilities aboard our barges to undertake walking,
Plas Gwynant Residential Outdoor Education Centre is located at the foot of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) in North Wales, perfectly situated for a wide range of adventurous outdoor activities on both land and water. We are able to cater for a wide variety of groups up to a maximum size of 44 plus staff.
Every spring, summer, autumn and winter we introduce hundreds of people to the challenge and excitement of outdoor adventures.
Dragon Activity Guides is an award winning, multi adventure activity provider based in Pembrokeshire, West Wales. Running sessions all over the Pembrokeshire coast. We are a mobile company with many venues available for each activity. We can tailor the sessions to your needs and run the activities close to your accommodation
Paddle a canoe gently along a meandering river; explore underground caverns; climb crags and cliffs; abseil down a waterfall; shoot the rapids in a kayak; watch wildlife or study Wales' rich heritage on foot, by bike, kayak or canoe.
We provide a wide range of Outdoor Activities to suit everyone and we're always ready to offer you a warm welcome! Situated in Llangollen, North Wales, we offer activities to suit everyone, so whether you are an individual or part of a group we can easily tailor activities to suit your needs.
We hire Canadian canoes and kayaks on the river wye in Monmouthshire south wales, explore the stunning Wye Valley from the river, one of the best ways to enjoy, relax and take in this breathtaking area of outstanding natural beauty.
Plas Menai is the National Outdoor Centre for Wales, offering outdoor activities, sailing courses, powerboating, windsurfing, kayaking and much more... We also run a busy programme of outdoor activities for schools, groups, adults, children and the local community.
World Horizons exists on behalf of places and people not yet prayed for, churches not yet planted and cross-cultural workers not yet sent.
The Watersports and Activity Centre is situated at the heart of Rother Valley Country Park. It is recognised as a teaching establishment by both the Royal Yachting Association and the British Canoe Union, from this centre you can hire accessibilty scooters and cycles. Archery can also be booked through the Watersports and Activity Centre.
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.