Paddlesport Courses

Introduction to Paddlesport – Try Kayaking or Canoeing

Have you have ever fancied an Introduction to Paddlesport, try kayaking or canoeing or just want to improve your paddling? Come & Have a Go! Based at Ellerton Lake or on the River Ure in North Yorkshire, we have a range of taster sessions to suit your needs all in a fun, relaxed way with qualified instructors to let you try the different types of craft available for paddlesport.

Lasting for approximately 1.5 hours, Taster is ideal for finding out if you enjoy paddling. Your choice of Kayak or Canoe, we provide the equipment you need. Our experienced coaches will accompany you as you enjoy discovering paddlesport for the first time.

Session times:

10am – 11.30am, 11.30am – 1pm, 1.30pm – 3pm, 3pm – 4.30pm.

Lasting for approximately 3 hours, Introduction will give you the skill and confidence to paddle on the lake. Your choice of Kayak or Canoe, we provide the equipment you need. Our coaches will cover the basic paddle strokes and rescue techniques; all in a relaxed fun environment. At the end you will receive the British Canoeing Start Award, see the adjacent panel for information.

Session times: Introduction sessions will be a morning or afternoon, combining two of the taster sessions.

Once you have mastered the basics, Development will move you through the more advanced strokes and rescues. This 6 hour session, in your choice of Kayak or Canoe, will give you the skills and an action plan for day trips on flat water. All the equipment provided. During this day we will look at the British Canoeing Discover Award; please see the Discover Kayaking or Canoeing pages.

Session times: A full development session will be all day, combining all of the taster sessions times.

Start Paddlesport – Personal Performance Award

The Start Paddle Award is for those getting into a boat for the first time, enabling you to feel confident in your chosen craft in a sheltered water environment. Choose from kayak or canoe for your first time on the water ‘having a go’! A fun and enjoyable practical session, introducing you to paddlesport.

Experience your first session on the water; learn useful skills for an enjoyable paddling experience. The award aims to provide you with the basic knowledge to enable you to safely get in and out of your boat, make it move and return to your start point. This is your first step into the world of paddling, ensuring you feel safe, confident and ready to progress to the Discover Award.

The Start Award is exactly what it says on the tin, it’s a place to start your paddling journey. If you’re brand new to the sport and really want to learn the basics to get started, then this is the award for you. You’ll cover everything from getting in and out of the boat, what you need to wear and paddling forward. It is designed for all who take part in any form of paddlesport.

The award is delivered during a 3 hour session, either a morning or afternoon. Session times are: 10am – 1pm and 1.30pm – 4.30pm.

It is not essential, but it is desirable that all participants should be able to swim.

This award can be taken in any type of paddlesport craft, including:

Solo and crew boats of all descriptions
All competition craft
Sit-on-tops
Stand up paddle board (We do not provide SUP’s and will direct you to a SUP provider, please contact us for details)