Learn to Kayak!

Beginners kayaking courses

Bookings now open: https://club.spond.com/landing/courses/hertscanoeclub 

2025 Dates: 

April: 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th 

May: 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th

July: 6th, 13th, 20th & 27th  Fully booked

September: 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th

Courses run on a month-by-month basis to ensure each cohort covers the essential skill base. 

Please arrive 9:30am, expect to finish approx 12:30-13:00.

Cost of course:  

£150.00pp (inclusive of kit hire).

What's included: 

Four sessions on consecutive Sundays with our club coaches, learning boat control on moving water, various paddle strokes, capsize drills, and all important skills to keep you safe whilst enjoying the water. The club is incredibly fortunate to be in the vicinity of several weirs, meaning you can develop your skills on a variety of moving water whilst keeping that adrenalin pumping! There are some photos of recent beginners courses in the Gallery.

On successful completion of the beginners course, your skill level will be slightly above the Paddle UK (British Canoeing  BC) Discover award.

Important information:

To join our courses, you should be:

• Over 11 years of age

• Able to swim a minimum of 10 metres and comfortable in water (the course will involve at least one planned capsize drill)

• Reasonably fit and agile, as we access the water via the riverbank. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the physical requirements of the course, or have any specific access requirements (e.g. a disability), one of our coaches will be happy to discuss with you in advance of the course. 

Annual Membership following beginners courses:

Following successful completion of the beginners' course, there is an opportunity to join the club at a reduced rate of £50.00 for the year. There will always be coaches on the water to provide additional support for new members, at no additional charge. We then aim to get new members to "peer paddler" skill level, meaning you can be on the water without coach supervision. Once successful in becoming a peer paddler you will be able to attend club trips that run throughout the year as well as the summer evening paddles. 

Bookings:

Bookings are made online using Spond: https://club.spond.com/landing/courses/hertscanoeclub 

Bookings close seven days before the start of each course. However, the courses fill up very quickly, so we recommend to book as soon as possible.

See below for terms.

If you have any questions, please email infohertscanoe@gmail.com