When you first arrive at the club for the taster session we'll get you signed in as people arrive. This also gives the opportunity to meet the other paddlers on the taster session as well as our coaches and off water organisers.

The Introduction To Kayaking taster session will start off with a quick tour of our site and facilities, will let you know of any health and safety requirements, things you need to be aware of along with the relevant safeguarding details. Once the admin is out of the way we'll get you kitted out with the appropriate equipment, buoyancy aids, paddles, boats and helmets.

Approx: 15 mins

Once you are all kitted out with the equipment we'll explain the basic techniques of kayaking and give a quick introduction to the skills that you'll touching on once on the water. It may well feel like there is a lot to take in but don't worry, we'll keep it as simple as possible... we want to get on the water just as much as you to have some fun exploring the skills and letting you get a feel for what its all about!

Approx: 10 min

Now the fun really starts! We'll get you on the water and have a paddle around on some gentle flat water, this gives you the opportunity to find your balance, get a feel for the different paddling strokes and begin learning how to manoeuvre the boat. As you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings we'll progress on to some moving water and give you the opportunity to experience some slightly more advanced techniques of breaking in to and out of moving water, as well as crossing the flow. Finally we aim to get some games or races included too which brings together everything you'll have experienced!

Approx: 75 min

For those that want to, we'll finish the session with an opportunity to paddle down our small section of rapids! This will really give you the opportunity to enjoy the excitement of kayaking, we know you may be nervous (everyone is the first time!) but the sense of achievement is all worth it and you'll want to do it again once you've been down!

Approx: 15 min 

We'll finish up by getting you off the water, returning all the equipment to our boat house and letting you get changed into some dry clothes again! We'll have hot drinks and snacks available so you are free to stay around and chat with members as well as those you've been on the water with... and of course sign up to come again and become a member of the club! 

Ideally we are looking to wear relatively tight fitting clothing such as Lycra running leggings and 'base layer' type tops. These are lightweight, allow for a good range of motion and will help to keep us warm when wet. Wearing multiple layers for your top half will help keep you warmer.

We would advise against wearing cotton based materials where possible as these will hold water, become heavy, and they won't help you retain body heat when wet so you'll feel the cold much quicker.

Please avoid hooded tops as these can present safety issues whilst on the water.

Lightweight trainers or river shoes will be ideal as footwear, any laces on trainers some be securely tucked inside the shoe / under the top-facing laces to ensure they don't present a snagging risk.