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

Dining room, games room, TV lounge, classroom, library, staff room, drying room, laundry facilities. The centre is now an ECOCENTRE and has in place a series of environmental policies and rules to help keep the centre "greener" 

Owned and operated by Liverpool Hope University, Plas Caerdeon Outdoor Education Centre in North Wales delivers residential outdoor activity courses to a wide range of external groups, including schools, youth groups of all ages, university students and staff.

Welcome or Croeso as we say in Wales to Bach Ventures Adventure Activity Providers in North Wales. We are a family run business and have been offering courses since 2000 to families and friends, schools and youth groups. We tailor our courses to your requirement having first discussed ‘what you want to do / learn / get out of it.’

Welcome to Up 4 Adventures Snowdonia, we are the number 1 best outdoor adventure providers based around the area of Dolgellau, Gwynedd, North Wales in Snowdonia, we provide the best guided outdoor adventure activity experiences in North Wales, Snowdonia and the United Kingdom, we are an independent professional outdoor adventure company, outdoor activity adventure providers which we offer guide

An Activity Centre that offers water sports such as White Water Rafting, Canoeing, Kayaking and Sailing. Other activities include Laser Tag, Sky Trail, Activity Course, Segways, and more! School holiday activities such as Treasure Hunts and Raft building also available.

Situated just 10 minutes away from Nottingham city centre, yet feels a world away, Holme Pierrepont Country Park is set in 270 acres of beautiful parkland.

If you are looking for things to do in Nottingham, give one of our Adventure sessions a try! Activities are run on site or at suitable venues in and around Nottingham, including our second adventure centre at Colwick Park

New Forest Activities are the experts in delivering outdoor activities in this wonderful National Park. Our vision is to draw the areas best experiences into one place, making it easy for you to make the most of your time in The New Forest.

At Aqua Sports, we are committed to the future of watersports and believe that outdoor education is a vital skill for students. In order to achieve our goals, we offer various options for schools, all designed to safely teach your students watersports.

Bala Watersports offers the adventure and excitement of outdoor pursuits, to individuals, families, schools and groups. Our highly skilled and qualified instructors will ensure you have a fantastic time, whether you're a complete beginner, have some limited experience, or are on a more advanced course. 

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.

Based in the beautiful Peak District, in the north west of England, we specialise in abseiling, archery, bushcraft, canoeing, caving, climbing, kayaking, mountaineering, orienteering, expedition and camp-craft. We have a true passion for what we do and we are here to ensure you have an awesome time with like minded individuals and groups.

We have a lot of years experience providing outdoor activities on and off the water to a wide range of schools. Each programme is different, and we ensure that every detail is met and that pupils and teachers get the most from their activities. Perhaps most importantly though, we want every child to feel safe, inspired and challenged during their time with us.

Activities In Snowdonia provide adventurous activities to groups and individuals in Snowdonia, Anglesey and the surrounding area of North Wales.

We take pride in offering a quality experience to all of our customers and employ highly qualified and motivated instructors to ensure that every customer enjoys their time with us.

Since 1992 Manor Adventure has been offering low cost, action packed family activity holidays and activity breaks during the summer school holidays, as well as residential activity courses for school children during term time in the UK and France.

Visit the Southend Marine Activities Centre. It doesn't matter what experience you've had previously. Our staff are trained to help you get the most out of your time on the waves - whether you're an absolute beginner, looking to take the next step or ready for some adventure.

The Wye Valley Canoe Centre sits on the banks of the River Wye four miles west of  Hay-on-Wye. We are located on the bridge at Glasbury and have a fleet of Canadian canoes, single kayaks and double kayaks. You can paddle for a few hours or a few days.

Summit Centre,formerly known as the Welsh International Climbing Centre, is located south of Merthyr Tydfil in the South Wales Valleys just 10 minutes from the A470 and under an hour from the centre of Cardiff. It is built on the site of the former Trelewis drift mine which closed in 1989.

Here at Merlin we offer outdoor pursuits including rock climbing, hill walking, mountaineering, kayaking, gorge walking and caving. We're based in Cardiff and have ready access to beautiful activity venues in South Wales and further afield.

The Storey Arms is Cardiff's outdoor education centre. We offer activities and courses to people living in Cardiff and to visitors from the UK and abroad.

Most of our programmes are for young people from 9 to 18 years old. We also work with teachers and those working in higher education so that they can gain qualifications and develop skills to deliver outdoor activities.

The Adur Outdoor Activities Centre (AOAC) offers a wide range of outdoor activities, opportunities and experiences to individuals, schools, colleges, youth groups and other organisations. With an indoor climbing and bouldering wall, through to our activities on the water with kayaks and canoes to mountain biking across the South Downs the AOAC has something to offer all ages and abilities.

Hatt Adventures provides a range of courses, experiences, and adventure challenges in a number of outdoor activities including; rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, navigation, mountaineering, survival, and wilderness first aid courses. 
 

Adventure Unlimited works with over 6,000 children and young people and 100 volunteers each year. Our projects are designed to overcome barriers to access for children and young people who have special needs or behavioural issues, are living on a low income, or who are isolated by location or circumstance.

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