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. {loadposition paddle…

What's Included

We also have some back support for those with back problems

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

Suitable for ages 8+ Anyone under the age of 18 needs to be accompanied by an adult 21 years and over.

Timings

It starts at 18:15 and each session is 1.5 hours

Included

Craft of choice, SUP, kayak or canoe or try different craft (please notify in advance)
Buoyancy Aid
Dry Bag (if needed)
Instructor

What you will need to bring

Bring comfortable clothing such as gym wear, shorts, a t-shirt or wetsuit, along with a pair of water shoes, or old trainers. Bring a towel and a change of clothes. No special equipment or clothing is required.

Session Details

Work with our qualified and experienced coaches in a fun environment to learn to paddleboard, meet new people, and relax after a long day.!

This course runs monthly over four evenings on a peaceful stretch of the River Great Ouse. It will include a river journey to explore other parts of Bedfordshire’s rural countryside. If you need a bespoke session such as a large group then please contact us.

What's Covered in the Course?

Theory – General elements of paddling
Safety – Staying safe and understanding the conditions
Access – where you can paddle
Equipment – Knowing how to use and look after your equipment
Skills - From basic paddling to high performance turns, up and downwind paddling

What's Next?

Once you've learnt the basics, try one of the next steps!

Open sessions: book on to one of our open sessions to independently experiment, with instructors available for tips and tricks.
British Canoeing Start Award
British Canoing Discover Award
British Canoing Explore Award
FSRT: Foundation Safety and Rescue
Paddle Sports Instructor

Hire FAQ's

What's the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

If you're not sure of what each craft is, then read our guide here.

Are the trips guided?

There are no guides or instructors needed for hire. This is simply a hire where you paddle out and back to our launch point. We recommend our preferred route, however, you are free-range and able to explore the river.

What if it rains?

Unless you hear from us then your booking will run on the day agreed. Canoe Trail runs watersports, paddling, and adventurous activities throughout the year with people enjoying the river and our woodland campsite during the different seasons. On rare occasions (it only happens a couple of times a year) we may move or change your booking. This will be in freak weather conditions such as extremely high river flows in spate or during heavy storms with lightning. You can read our full FAQ here.

How does the booking process work?

We use a live booking system that will assign you the relevant craft and resources. Once you have confirmed your booking date, it is not then transferable and non-refundable in the same way you book an airline seat. Bookings are to be paid in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable. There will be no refunds for early returns, poor weather, or non-usage as per our general terms & conditions.