Are you new to paddling or just new to the club? In either case, we hold introductions to the club and introductions to just enough paddling to get you started.

Next Introductory Session

You need to let us know, by e-mailing the New to Paddling Coach, that you'll be coming so that we can make sure we have enough coaches on hand for your training.

As it is getting colder and the water levels are starting to increase we are directing all beginners to the formal Beginners Baths Sessions starting in Early October. Please e-mailing the New to Paddling Coach who will give you further details.

The Next River Based Session will be for people who already have experience on outdoor water ONLY and THERE WILL BE NO 'GREEN' BEGINNERS / ONLY 'ORANGE' and 'RED'.

The LAST Session WAS on: Sunday 11th October 2009.

New to Paddling

If you're new to paddling then after a tour of the site and facilities you can attend the regular monthly introductory sessions. At these sessions you will move through green, orange, and red areas of the site until you are ready to start your canoeing star awards. These sessions are not compulsory but are aimed at teaching the basics so that you can practice on your own at the regular club sessions. This will make you a better paddler as fast as possible.

New Junior Paddlers

If you're a new junior paddler (aged between 8 and 12/13) then we have just the group for you! They're called the 'Marlins' and train at the club site every Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:00 (but you can stay for the entire club session, sometimes until 10:00, if you'd like - and we have floodlights for the winter months too). The Marlins are a regular training squad who are committed to attend every week and are dedicated, not only to train hard, but also to paddle for the club competitively. It also involves support form your parents to take you to slalom events around the country. You MUST contact Dave Bradshaw on 07890619001, before attending the Marlins otherwise we cannot make sure there are enough coaches. So why not come to the introductions and then move on to train with the Marlins!

New to the Club

If you're new to the club then come along for a tour of the site and facilities at one of our regular monthly introductory sessions before joining us. If you already have a star award then after an informal assessment you can move on the Red or River Running sessions. These sessions are not compulsory but are aimed at teaching the basics so that you can practice on your own at the regular club sessions. This will make you a better paddler as fast as possible.

What Will I Learn?

1. Green: You will learn and practice, boat and paddle basics / exiting your boat, moving forward, stopping, getting into and out of the main flow of the river, and moving across the river safely. You will then be able to attend any of the open club sessions on Tuesday and Sunday to practice your techniques, in placid water, sticking to the green areas of the river, and with other members present.
2. Orange: You will learn and practice, moving left, right, backwards, and turning around, and low braces for getting into and out of the main flow of the river. You will then be able to attend any of the open club sessions on Tuesday and Sunday to practice your techniques, in slowly moving water, sticking to the green or orange areas of the river, and with other members present.
3. Red: You will learn and practice, eddy hoping, surfing, shooting a rapid, and getting out of your boat when upside down. You will then be able to attend any of the open club sessions on Tuesday and Sunday to practice your techniques, in moving water, sticking to the green, orange, or red areas of the river, and with other members present.
4. River Running: As your final instruction you will run the club site top to bottom using the techniques you've learned and practised, crossing all areas with a RED WARNING TRIANGLE. This will include additional instruction in being part of a group, moving 'on the nod', stone hugging, and reading the river.

On the River

The river is broken down into differently coded (and coloured) areas. Please only paddle if you feel comfortable and competent, with other paddlers and according to the colour code level you are at. Remember, canoeing can be a dangerous sport, and river levels and personal ability must be taken into account before paddling any river. Ultimately the decision to paddle any river must be a personal decision.

1. Green River Areas: Any Area without White Water (excluding the areas marked 'Bottom Site' or 'Top Site').
2. Orange River Areas: Any Area where you can see White Water on the river; including the areas marked 'Bottom Site' or 'Top Site'.
3. Red River Areas: Any Area with a RED WARNING TRIANGLE signifying a Rapid, Drop, or Weir. On the river, this means anything that you could not paddle up when moving against the flow of the river.