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. 

 

See the list below for venues and providers who deliver this activity:

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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Beautiful lakeside park offering, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, water skiing, wakeboarding, cycle hire, fishing, miniature railway, mini golf and playground! Wow!

There are beginner and improver tuition sessions available for every kind of activity, plus taster days and other options so you can try your hand at several new skills before deciding which to pursue with full gusto!

A Land Apart...
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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A precious landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty is so outstanding that it is protected for future generations...

Designated in 1956 for its classic limestone coast and the variety of its natural habitats, it was the first AONB designated in the UK. Now we are part of a family of 46 AONBs and 13 National Parks in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Planning legislation gives Gower the same protection as a National Park.

A remote island in the Norfolk Broads
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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You may not have heard of Heigham Holmes, but this 500 acre nature reserve is an oasis of calm and a haven for wildlife – and heaven for wildlife lovers.

It’s a unique and internationally important site, with reed-fringed flood banks, open water, grazing marsh, scrub and wet woodland. They're linked by a maze of dykes and pools characteristic of the Norfolk broadland landscape.

Look out for marsh harriers, barn owls, bittern and crane, which all call the reserve home, along with wading birds such as lapwing and redshank.

Lakeshore park with stunning mountain views
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Situated at the very southern tip of Lake Windermere, Fell Foot is a great, family friendly location to play, explore and relax. Sweeping lawns offer plenty of space for games, picnics and gentle walks, while easy lake access makes the park perfect for paddling, swimming and boating.

Rowing boats are available to hire (from April to October 2014) and our adventure playground offers fun for all ages.

The boathouse café is a fantastic place to be. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a warming cup of delicious hot chocolate, coffee or tea.

A dazzling jewel of a place with sparkling seas, sandy beaches and vast skies
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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We proudly care for some of the Llŷn Peninsula's best beaches and most stunning headland - from the sweeping beach and colourful beach huts of Llanbedrog to the whistling sands at Porthor.

Our beaches and coastal properties offer an excellent base to investigate the coastal path. Why not visit the fishing village of Porthdinllaen huddled into the cliff in a sandy cove or stroll up to the coastguard hut at Mynydd Mawr?

Dewch i ddarganfod hanes, treftadaeth a natur arbennig Pen Llyn. Syniadau ar gyfer gweithgareddau, teithiau cerdded, atyniadau a phethau i'w gwneud...

Dramatic gorges and ancient woodland rising above the Somerset Levels
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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The Mendip Hills run east-west across Somerset from Frome to Brean Down. Inside they are hiding fascinating secrets such as underground caves and rivers, making the hills a popular centre for caving.

From the outside they reveal centuries of history from the pre-historic at Cheddar to the Iron-Age at Brent Knoll and a Victorian fort at Brean Down.

They are fantastic places for walking, cycling and horse riding and the views from the top of these hills are truly breathtaking.

Venue Type: 
Outdoor Activity
Overall Rating: 
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UKSA is a charity who believe in the power of the sea to make a change. We offer the very best professional maritime training courses alongside youth development programmes to help young people transform their lives for the better. As a youth charity we use the money raised from our donors, sponsors and professional training to help us make a positive difference in the lives of the 9,000 young people we welcome through our doors every year.

Venue Type: 
Outdoor Activity
Overall Rating: 
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We are a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Recognised Teaching Establishment and we are also licensed through the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority (AALA). Both of these bodies inspect our set up annually to check that we are operating safely, our staff are qualified and that we are also offering a high standard of quality instruction...

We operate two centres during high season, our main base at Porthmellon St. Mary's and Ravensporth Sailing Base Old Grimsby Tresco. During peak season both centres get very busy making booking for tuition advisable.

The Isle of Wight's coolest watersports centre
Venue Type: 
Outdoor Activity
Overall Rating: 
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With over 25 years of practical industry experience and knowledge, Wight Waters can offer you the most professional watersports packages and friendly service on the Isle of Wight.

We offer a broad range of water-based activities and tuition to suit all needs from the total beginner to the most advanced level. Our dedicated staff teams will ensure that you have the experience of a lifetime.

Venue Type: 
Outdoor Activity
Overall Rating: 
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Choose from 4 unique packages, which can be tailored to suit your school or educational institute to make the most of your day.

Enrich your curriculum with a wide range of courses from sailing to climbing.

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