In rural, open countryside just north of Wolverhampton lies Laches Wood. One of our biggest centres with a variety of new dormitories, family rooms and single rooms with en-suite facilities for visiting staff.
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
Walsall outdoor pursuits is an Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority (AALA) registered centre together with Royal Yachting Association (RYA) - Registered Training Centre (RTC) with RYA sailability foundation status.
Make a splash in a canoe at Tittesworth Water, scale the heights at The Roaches, or get your pulse racing on a mountain bike.
West Reservoir Water Sports Centre is a water sports and environmental education centre which is located in a picturesque corner of Stoke Newington. The centre provides the opportunity to take part in sailing and kayaking for adults and children under the watchful eye of expert instructors. The centre is operated by a charity social enterprise, Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL).
Whether you’re a newcomer looking to try watersports or a seasoned pro looking for a new club, you’ll hopefully find all the information you need here.
Watersports: Whatever you are looking for and whatever your level of skill, you'll find it at Willen Lake
The Caldecotte Xperience offers a variety of exciting adventure activities and learning experiences for young people and adults, from 8 to 80. Activities include: sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, rowing, climbing, high ropes, caving, archery, fencing, bushcraft and many exciting team building activities.
Situated in the Keynes Country Park (Cotswold Country Park) which is part Of the Cotswold Water Park in Spratsgate Lane near Cirencester, on the Gloucestershire Wiltshire Border, Waterlandprovide general watersports and other outdoor activities for Business, the General Public, Schools and Youth Groups.
Why not try a Camping Adventure, paddle to a secret location and live in your very own tipi, learning firelighting and foraging skills or try out one of our Introduction to Sea Kayaking Courses, where you can learn a new skill as a group, and have fun fun fun, it is suitable for young and old so everyone can get involved!
Venture Trust believes in people. We believe that everyone, whatever their circumstances, can be supported to make and sustain positive changes in their lives.
The Trust is well positioned in Scotland. We deliver weekend, one and three week residential experiences from our centre based in Loch Eil, near Fort William.
Paddlepower and Adventure provides kayak and canoe trips, training courses, and a great deal more besides in the beautiful surroundings of Scotland's West Coast, just north of Glasgow. There's something for everyone. A friendly approach is guaranteed, but at the same time be assured that your best interest, and most importantly, safety, are paramount.
WCA is a family run outdoor activity company. We pride ourselves in making outdoor activities accessible to people of diverse ages, aims and interests.
They say small is beautiful – in which case, Scotland packs a mighty punch. Our back yard is renowned world-wide for its beauty, and we have to agree.
With majestic hills and fantastic bike trails, Scotland offers adventure by the bucket load and here, at Simply Epic Adventures, we can help you find the adventure that is right for you.
Welcome to Tayler Made Adventures!
We are proud to be working with Pinkston Watersports, check out the Pinkston page for more information.
The Urban Fox Programme is a voluntary managed project, providing young people within the East End of Glasgow with a wide range of educational and diversionary activities.
These include supervised sports and leisure programmes, health and social education guidance programmes, IT training, as well as many other structured learning programmes.
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 Glasgow, we became part of The Prince's Trust in 2011.
We provide a full range of outdoor activities to suit all ages and interests. Based on idyllic Loch Ard, within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park activities include gorgewalking, our unique waterpark, canoeing, climbing/abseiling, cliff jumping, archery, mountain biking, orienteering and many more.
Set in the heart of the Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Dounans is SOEC’s busiest and largest Centre. Original home to the popular ROEE programme, the Centre has a wealth of natural resources on its doorstep and is perfect for environmental sessions both on and off-site. Off-site activities such as kayaking or abseiling are a short hop away.
Sport and physical activity are important for all of us, whatever our age, whether it's a toddler learning to swim, or a senior citizen doing yoga - the benefits in terms of health and well being are worth a little effort!
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 Edinburgh, we became part of The Prince's Trust in 2011.
We work with young people across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Legend Sailing has been operating on Loch Tay since 2001. In 2003 the company relocated to the holiday resort of Loch Tay Highland Lodges. At this time activities were extended to include archery, kayaking and mountain biking. Since then the range of activities has continued to expand.
Splash White Water Rafting are one of the UK’s largest expertoutdoor adventure activity providers, based in the scenic town of Aberfeldy
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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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