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Lessons & Courses

Complete paddling newbie or want to become a paddlesports leader? Our courses range from the British Canoeing Start, Discover, Explore awards to tailored one-to-one coaching for canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. We are a Paddle UK (British Canoeing) Gold Delivery Partner and some of our instructors are course tutors for training future instructors, SUP Instructors, PSRC (Paddle Sports Safety and Rescue), Touring Leader and Guide Modules. Amongst the team we have reknown racers, professional adventurers and paddlers across all disciplines.

 

We can help prepare for charity challenges, adventure races or teach paddling on moving water. Customers regularly progress to joining us on an expedition trip. Our paddlesport courses are with a friendly instructor team and take place in fantastic training locations.

British Canoeing EXPLORE Award

  • £185 per person
This course is training and assessment for the EXPLORE award. It recognises your ability to independently paddle your chosen craft in a sheltered water environment. 

Practical First Aid Training and Courses For Young People, Teachers and Practitioners

  • TBC
  • Book for the next available dates or contact us for a private group or club booking
Practical First Aid Training and Courses For Young People, Teachers and Practitioners At Your Venue or Kempston Outdoor Centre Canoe Trail in Bedfordshire  based at Kempston Outdoor Centre has a huge range of experience in delivering first aid qualifications for local community groups, c…

British Canoeing Paddle UK Guide Modules

  • £95
  • Book for the next available dates or contact us for a private group or club booking
The 5 distinct guide modules are: 1) Camp Craft and Expedition Skills 2) Environmental and Sustainability 3) Leadership 4) Customer Experience 5) Trip Planning and Organisation

British Canoeing Paddle UK Paddle Sports Instructor Course

  • £199
  • 2 Days - start 08:45 am and finish at 16.45
The British Canoeing (Paddle UK) Paddle Sports Instructor (PSI) course is an entry-level qualification. Suitable for ages 14+. Next available dates: 27th-28th September 2025

Mind & Body Stand Up Paddleboard (One Off Sessions)

  • £35
  • 90 mins
Transition Coaching & Canoe Trail are excited to partner up to create Relaxing SUP sessions, called Paddlefit Mind & Body,(not your standard SUP course!) 9th July,11th Aug & 18th Sept 25

Lessons

  • From £79
  • 2 Hours with 90 min coaching and 30 minutes to practice
  • Thursday, Saturdays and Sundays
A guided lesson to practice the paddling skill of your choice. Choose to take out a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard with our professional coaches.  Contact us via our contact page if you want to book a lesson with one of our instructor team midweek as we usually have availabil…

British Canoeing DISCOVER Award

  • £95
  • Dates are live or contact us for a private club or group booking
The Discover Award allows you to develop your decision-making and practical skills enabling fun and safety on the water, as you become a more skilled and independent paddler. Dates 28th June, 27th July and 7th Sept 2025.

Mind & Body Stand Up Paddleboard 4 Wk Course

Transition Coaching and Canoe Trail are very excited to partner up to create a 4 Week Relaxing SUP course, called Paddlefit Mind & Body, this is not your standard SUP course!

Kayak River Rolling Clinic

  • £35
  • 60 mins
This course is geared for the paddler who has got some paddling experience and has never rolled before or those who want to develop their kayak roll further. Next date: 6th Sept 2025

British Canoeing START Award

  • £29
  • Start 9:00 am (2-hour course)
  • Every Saturday or as part of any coaching sessions
Progress your paddling with Paddle UK (British Canoeing) Qualifications and the Introductory START Personal Performance Award. Cost includes your START certificate.

Develop Your White Water Skills Day Course

  • £90
  • 5 hours
  • Contact us for longer sessions or a private club booking
  Our one day development course for aspirant white water canoeing and kayaking participants allows participants to have fun, improve technique & develop their skills for faster-flowing rivers and future qualifications. Next date Book onto the Intro course on 18th Oct 2025 as an option

Intro to Kayaking Course - 3 Week

  • £79
  • 1.5 hours per week
  • Book for the next available dates or contact us for a private group booking
This three week kayaking course gives participants the opportunity to learn the finer points of kayaking from our professional instructor team. 

British Canoeing SUP Safer Paddlesport Course

The British Canoeing SUP Safer course is intended for all SUP Paddlers wanting to cover a broad introductory safety course with current rescue skills, background info and techniques for stand up paddle boarding (SUP's) Requirements Suitable for ages 14+  Anyone under the age of 18 nee…

Paddle Sport Safety & Rescue Course (PSRC)

  • £99
The British Canoeing Paddle Sport Safety and Rescue Course (PSRC) course is intended for all paddlers, coaches, and volunteers to stay safe.

Intro to Paddlesports Course

 This course gives participants the opportunity to learn kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding. Spend 4 weeks developing and hone skills with your craft of choice. Dates Join us on Wednesdays: 10th August, 17th August, 24th August and 31st August 2022 Requirements Suitab…

Stand Up Paddleboard SUP Fun Taster Session

  • £32
  • (all sessions 90 mins)
Come and try the fastest-growing watersport in the UK. Our open water events give you the opportunity to learn to stand up paddleboard in a safe and fun environment.

Stand Up Paddleboard Course (SUP) 3 WK

  • £89
  • 2 x 90 minutes plus a hire session
  This 3 week SUP (stand up paddle board) Course gives participants the opportunity to learn about the fastest growing watersport in the UK and the world.

Introduction to Whitewater Course

  • £55
  • 2.5 hours
  • Contact us for longer sessions or a private club or group booking
  This intro to canoeing and kayaking on moving water (whitewater) is the pinnacle of paddlesport, allowing participants to have fun, improve technique & prepare for faster-flowing rivers. Next date 18th October 2025 10am to 12.30pm

Kayak Rolling Clinic

  • £35
  • 60 mins
  • Check out our river rolling clinic as an altnernative
This course is geared for the paddler who has got some paddling experience and has never rolled before through to those looking to master their rolling skills for white water.

We Value Relationships

Sophie (Fun 4 Young People)
5 stars

We have used Canoe Trail for many years. Run by fantastic people with some great activities on offer. Highly recommend.

Michael (Goldington Academy)
5 stars

Regularly use Canoe Trail for DofE and our School outdoor adventure trips. Professional to deal with and an amazing team of instructors.

Gemma
5 stars

Highly recommend Canoe Trail whether you’re looking to improve your paddling or just a fun family day out on one of the river trails.

Matthew
5 stars

Just returned from a week in Scotland with Canoe Trail. It was one of the best organised trips I have done. The team were awesome, great instruction with loads of patience for those new to paddling.

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