Do I need to have paddled before?
Of course not! Our introductory 'Paddle Start' sessions and the Discover Award are suitable for absolute beginners and you don't need any paddling experience - just come along and have a go!
Starting Out
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Our introductory 'Paddle Start' sessions, British Canoeing paddle awards and weekly Youth sessions are an excellent way to get in to canoeing. They are open to everyone from eight years old to eighty years young and you don’t need any previous canoeing experience, specialist kit or skills! |
Introductory 'Paddle Start' Sessions
You can see whether Ribble Canoe Club is for you by attending one of our introductory 'Paddle Start' sessions.
These are ran by experienced coaches who will teach you the basic principles and techniques of canoeing. We will provide a boat and all safety equipment - you just need a towel and change of clothing (see our FAQ section below for more information).
Introductory 'Paddle Start' sessions must be booked in advance to ensure suitable coaching coverage is available.
Paddle Start Fees:
- £10 per individual
- £15 per family
The dates for our upcoming PaddleStart sessions are:
- 2 April 2024
- 7 May 2024 Book Here
- 4 June 2024
- 2 July 2024
- 6 August 2024
For more information before and/or after booking, please e-mail enquiries@ribblecanoeclub.org.uk
British Canoeing's Discover Award Courses
British Canoeing's Discover Award is a fantastic stepping stone to becoming a confident recreational paddler. Designed as a basic award, the Paddle Discover will take you through the basics of controlling your craft, planning your adventures and enjoying your time on the water safely. By the end of the 5-6 week award you should be full of confidence and competence on the water.
Upcoming Courses
- 10 April 2024 Book Here.
- 29 May 2024
- 10 July 2024
- 28 August 2024
Course Fees:
- Adults £65. Plus, membership fee.
- Juniors (8+) £30 Plus, membership fee.
To express an interest in doing a Paddle Discover course, please e-mail enquiries@ribblecanoeclub.org.uk
Youth Sessions (Ages 8 -14yrs)
Ribble Canoe Club's youth sessions look to provide kids with a friendly and fun environment, where they will learn necessary paddling skills through numerous paddling games and activities.
Each session will be held on a Wednesday evening at the Hand & Dagger, with the aim to be on the water for approximately 6.45pm. Once on the water, the sessions will last approximately 1 hour 30minutes. Please arrive 15 minutes beforehand so we can make a prompt start.
Any junior can come and try a session for free! After their first session, they will have to become a Ribble Canoe Club member and sign up to complete a British Canoeing Discover Award to participate further. All aspects of the British Canoeing Discover Award will be covered throughout the youth sessions to enable the youth to stay together in a more fun and playful environment.
The coach will keep track of their individual progress until they are ready for assessment using a checklist. Typically, it will take between 4 and 5 sessions to be ready for an assessment.
Course fees: British Canoeing Discover £TBC plus junior membership fee.
All sessions are free for all Ribble Canoe youth members who hold a British Canoeing Disover Award award, 1 Star or above.
To express an interest in bringing your child along, please e-mail enquiries@ribblecanoeclub.org.uk
British Canoeing's Explore Award
If you have navigated the stepping stones and want to master the fundamentals of canoeing and/or kayaking then the British Canoeing Discover Award is for you. Designed as an improvement award, Explore will help you develop and become a more independent and rounded paddler. By the end of the award you will have learnt life-long techniques and skills.
Upcoming Courses
TBC
Course Fees:
- Adults £75. Plus, membership fee.
- Juniors (12+) £35 Plus, membership fee.
To express an interest in completing the Explore Award, please e-mail enquiries@ribblecanoeclub.org.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have paddled before?
How long do sessions last?
What should I wear?
Will there be other people on the canal at the same time?
What can I expect in the session?
Can I turn up on the day without booking?
Will there be equipment for me to use?
Do I have to be a Ribble Canoe Club Member to take part?
Will there be changing facilities and toilets?
What is the minimum age?
Do we go elsewhere other than the canal whilst completing the course?
Can I go straight to completing the British Canoeing Explore Award?
How long do sessions last?
You'll spend a bit of time on the land whilst we find you the right boat, paddle and safety equipment. For our introductory 'Paddle Start' sessions, expect to be out on the water for approximately 60-90 minutes depending on how you get on. The Discover and Explore awards will last for around 2 hours per session.
What should I wear?
Bring comfortable warm clothing, such as...
- Tracksuit bottoms, leggings or shorts. No jeans allowed!
- Layered tops and a light waterproof jacket
- A pair of old shoes, such as trainers or pumps which you don't mind getting wet. No bulky hiking shoes.
Check the weather before leaving the house to ensure you take clothing to suit the conditions. If it is sunny, do not forget to wear sun cream and bring a cap as the reflection off of the water can be strong.
Will there be other people on the canal at the same time?
Yes. We are a busy club and once the nights get lighter many of our members enjoy paddling along the canal most Wednesday evenings. Yet, there is no need to worry as your coach will provide the appropriate supervision and guidance and you will not be left on the water alone.
What can I expect in the session?
The aim of our introductory Paddle Start' sessions and the Discover Award is to teach you the basic principles and techniques of paddlesport whilst providing you with a fun paddling experience in a safe environment. You may also have the opportunity to try different boats and discover what paddling has to offer.
Can I turn up on the day without booking?
Unfortunately not. We need to ensure we have enough coaches available, so please get in touch in advance if you want to join one of our introductory 'Paddle Start' sessions or British Canoeing Discover courses. You can do this by e-mailing enquiries@ribblecanoeclub.org.uk.
Introductory 'Paddle Start' sessions can now be booked online in advance.
Will there be equipment for me to use?
Yes, all safety equipment paddles and canoe/kayak will be provided. You will however, need to take appropriate clothing, see 'what should I wear?' for more information.
Do I have to be a Ribble Canoe Club Member to take part?
Quite possibly, yes. Non-members are able to atttend an introductory 'Paddle Start' and a Meet & Greet session, whilst deciding whether they would like to join or not. Those wishing to book onto our British Canoeing Discover or Explore Awards will require a Ribble Canoe Club membership in addition to the course fees.
Will there be changing facilities and toilets?
Yes, We have pop up changing tents and an agreement with the small campsite next to the Hand & Dagger pub to use their toilets/changing facilities.
What is the minimum age?
Our introductory 'Paddle Start' sessions are suitable for those aged 8 and over. Youth aged 8 to 13 can complete the British Canoeing Discover Award by attending the weekly Youth sessions. Anyone aged 13+ willl have to complete the award via one of our Discover courses.
Your couch will advise you whether you are suitable to complete the British Canoeing Explore award.
Do we go elsewhere other than the canal whilst completing the course?
Yes! During both our British Canoeing Discover and Explore awards, we will be holding at least one lake based trip within the Lake District.
Can I go straight to completing the British Canoeing Explore Award?
Quite possibly, yes. If you have completed a British Canoeing Discover (or the old 1 star award) with a different club or have previous experiencing paddling then we may suggest going straight to completing the British Canoeing Explore Award. This is a conversation you can have with one of our coaches after completing one of our introductory 'Paddle Start' sessions.