Learn to Kayak!

Beginners Kayaking Courses

🗓️ 2026 Bookings now open!

Learn to Kayak with Herts Canoe Club. Our Beginners Kayaking Courses take place over four sessions on consecutive Sundays within a month. This structure ensures that participants can build a foundation of essential skills and progress together.

Arrival: 09:30

Finish: 12:30 – 13:00 (approx.)

📍Herts Canoe Club, Hartham Lane, Hertford SG14 1QR

Dates

• April  5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

• May 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st

• July 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

• September 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

Cost and Booking

£150.00 pp (inclusive of kit hire).

Bookings close seven days before the start of each course. However, places are limited and fill up very quickly; we therefore recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

All bookings are made and paid for online using Spond:
www.club.spond.com/landing/courses/hertscanoeclub

Please note: Read the information below carefully before booking your place, including the Terms of Service. If you have any questions, please email infohertscanoe@gmail.com

What's Included?

With guidance from our club coaches, you will learn 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 both beautiful stretches of river and several weirs. This means you will be able to learn to paddle on flat water, and develop your skills on a variety of moving water and weirs - perfect if you want to get that adrenaline pumping! 

  
Although session content is dependent on water levels and participant progress, you can expect to cover most of the following:

• Equipment and safety checks

• Paddling on flat and gently moving water

• Basic manoeuvres (forwards, steering, stopping)

• Different paddle strokes (forwards, backwards, sweep, draw, sculling, rudder)

• Skill games and confidence‑building activities

• Capsize and self‑rescue practice

• Introduction to river features (eddies and flow lines)

• Introduction to white water (grade 1-2) and weirs for those seeking a bit more adrenaline action!

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

Check out the Gallery to see photos of our recent beginners' courses in action!

Who Can Take Part?

Courses are open to everyone aged over 11.
A parent or guardian must complete the booking form for a child under the age of 18.

Kayaking is a moderately active sport which requires strength from your arms, shoulders, core and legs - it can be a great workout! As with all water sports, you will get wet and are likely to experience the occasional swim in the river. Please be aware that the river water is cold all year round, and you may be in the water fully clothed for up to fifteen minutes following a capsize, before getting back into a boat or onto the river bank.

To help us plan safe and enjoyable sessions, please read the typical physical demands listed below:

• Swim 10 metres 

• Confidence in cold water for up to 15 minutes

• Sit upright in a kayak for up to 2–3 hours in total

• Use arms and upper body to paddle the kayak

• Climb in and out of a low kayak seat at the water’s edge
  including on uneven or slippery riverbanks - with support as needed

• Walk short distances on uneven ground (e.g. riverbanks, paths) 

If you believe that you would find any of these physical demands difficult, then please contact us ahead of your course start date so that we can discuss suitable adjustments: infohertscanoe@gmail.com

A medical condition or illness won’t necessarily preclude you from taking part, but we need to be aware of anything that may affect your safety or the safety of others. If you are unsure of your suitability for kayaking then you must seek advice from a medical healthcare professional.

Equipment

The below equipment is available to borrow, at no extra cost while attending your course sessions.

• Buoyancy aid, helmet (compulsory safety equipment) 

• Kayak, paddle and spray deck

• Lightweight cag (water-resistant jackets for kayaking) 

What to Bring

Below is an essential list of items to bring with you to your sessions.
Please come prepared to get wet and be outdoors for the duration of your paddle.

• If you have one, a neoprene wetsuit (full, shortie, long johns or separates are all suitable)

• If you don’t have a wetsuit, bring quick‑drying top and bottom layers to keep you warm.
  These should not be cotton, as this doesn’t stay warm when wet. Sports wear (e.g. polyester) is ideal. For extra warmth, you could also consider wearing a lightweight fleece or other jumper made of polyester / nylon.

• Closed‑toe shoes that can get wet and stay on securely, such as old trainers, water shoes or neoprene boots. 

• Towel and full change of warm clothes for after the session - we have changing facilities with hot showers.

• A bottle of water and sunscreen is advisable especially during the summer months

• No flip‑flops / Crocs / wellies / denim / cotton / sunglasses

• Do not wear jeans!

Terms of Service

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. Peer paddlers are adults who can paddle as part of a group without a coach.