We really are big enough to cope and small enough to care. Our aim is quite simply to offer the very best experience to all our customers.
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.
Venues with this Activity
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.
The Isle of Wight's coolest watersports centre
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 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...
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.
We are please to announce that we have recently become and RYA Onboard Centre. This means that it has been specially selected by the RYA as a centre that is exceptional at delivering safe, fun and professional children’s sailing and windsurfing sessions.
Situated in the glorious Sussex countryside, Blackland Farm is a multi-purpose activity centre. It is located on a 120-acre site, comprising woodland and grassed areas.
Thurston is a large Victorian country house offering excellent, quality group accommodation. Set in its own large grounds in the heart of the Lake District National Park and overlooking Coniston Water. It has stunning views of the surrounding fells with immediate access to mountains, forests, lakes and rivers. Making it an ideal lakeland base.
The Prince's Trust Kennington Centres currently offers the Fairbridge programme. This is an individually tailored personal development programme for young people aged 13-25, combining one-to-one support and group activities.
Torridon Activities is located at foot of Liathach and the shores of Torridon with some of the best walking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and kayaking anywhere in the UK.
We pride ourselves on making the outdoors accessible to anyone and cater for the novice to the expert, offering fun and tuition to develop their skills.
We are a residential outdoor education centre on the shore of Coniston Water in the Lake District.
Prince's Trust centres currently offer the Fairbridge programme, which is an individually tailored personal development programme combining one-to-one support and group activities.
Originally Fairbridge De Cymru, we became part of The Prince's Trust in 2011.
Outdoor Pursuits, Extreme Sports and Multi-Sport Events is what we're all about. Since 1979 we've been providing high quality outdoor pursuits from our base in Bude located at the heart of the amazing North Cornish Coast. Since then our range of activities and experiences have grown to make us one of the most established and highly qualified outdoor providers in Cornwall.
Prince's Trust centres currently offer the Fairbridge programme, which is an individually tailored personal development programme combining one-to-one support and group activities.
Originally Fairbridge in Merseyside, we've been supporting young people since 1982. In 2011 we became part of The Prince's Trust.
Based in the Eskdale Valley at the heart of the Western Lake District with easy access to Wastwater and Scafell Pike, we really could not be better place to provide a wide range of outdoor activities.
Established over 40 years ago, the 25 acre site includes a 10 acre lake, alongside the River Thames, between Richmond and Kingston. Thames Young Mariners (TYM) is surrounded by 200 acres of public open space, which has been designated as a local nature reserve.
On the beautiful and historic parkland estate of Shugborough our centre here is ideally placed to take advantage of canoeing and kayaking opportunities on the River Trent. Cannock Chase is right on the centre’s doorstep – a great place to walk and explore and which is home to some of the countries finest bike trails.
Reach Outdoors brings a fresh approach to outdoor learning. A company established by long term friends and colleagues Ashley Hone, Rachel Mayhew and Richard Hanbury, we have over 25 years combined experience of outdoor practice. We also have a real passion for the outdoors, and constantly see development opportunities in all that we do.
Located 14 miles south of Edinburgh, Broomlee Centre still retains a truly rural atmosphere.
We’re a youth charity offering transformational opportunities
At UKSA, we’re focused on youth development, schools and groups, and professional training. In other words, we give people transformational opportunities for a better life, whether on or off the water.
The Seven Sisters Canoe Centre offers sessions in canoeing, kayaking and rafting for school groups, groups with special needs, families and businesses in the beautiful surroundings of the Seven Sisters Country Park. All groups are accompanied by a fully qualified British Canoe Union instructor.
We regret we are unable to hire out boats and equipment to individuals.
School life can set the tone for the future of young people, both good and bad. ReachOut Creative Futures have had great success working with groups of young adults and children for whom it is not working as well as it could be. Awards, Workshops and Activity Programmes that develop self esteem, confidence and a positive approach are a crucial investment in future generations
Westminster Boating Base is an independent, young persons charity teaching dinghy sailing, powerboating, kayaking and canoeing in central London to young people and adults.
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The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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