Paddle Start

The Paddle Start Award accredited by British Canoeing recognises your first time on the water 'having a go'!

Taking part in a fun, exciting and enjoyable practical session, this half day session will introduce you to paddlesport. 

This course can be undertaken on a canoe, kayak, or stand up paddle board. 

Coaching is provided by our expert team and we provide all the equipment needed for the session; canoes/kayaks/stand up paddle boards, paddles, buoyancy aids, wetsuits, cags and helmets.

Course information

This course covers everything you need to know to enjoy having a go at paddlesports for the first time. This is your first step into the world of paddling, ensuring you feel safe, confident and ready to progress to the Discover Award.

Our qualified and friendly instructors will help you to experience your first session on the water; learning useful skills for an enjoyable paddling experience. We aim to provide you with the basic knowledge ensuring you are safe, confident and wanting to come back for more. 

This course will cover:

  • Clothing and equipment
  • Getting in and out of your boat
  • Making your boat move - forwards and backwards
  • Changing direction and stopping
  • Awareness of hazards

Half day

  • This course is to run as a half day session either 09:00 to 12:00, or 13:00 to 16:00

This course is suitable for anyone interested in having a go!

This course can take place on any flat, sheltered water environment including canals, lakes, rivers, or reservoirs, subject to appropriate permission.

Through our affiliation with British Canoeing and our partnership with the Canal and River Trust we have access to over 3000km of canals throughout England and Wales including the famous Leeds to Liverpool canal stretching 204km across the North of England. This access not only gives us the opportunity to journey along some of these magnificent waterways but also provides opportunities for courses in beautiful sheltered areas.

Most of the large bodies of open water in England are concentrated in the Lake District National Park. These magnificent bodies of water, including the longest and deepest lakes in England, Lake Windermere at 17km long and Wastwater at 74m deep, can be accessed by the public at many locations, however, through our partnership with the Youth Hostel Association we have preferential access to some of the best locations in the lakes. You could even combine any of our courses with a stay at one of 150 YHA hostels spread across England and Wales.

This course covers everything you need to know to enjoy having a go at paddlesports for the first time. This is your first step into the world of paddling, ensuring you feel safe, confident and ready to progress to the Discover Award.

Our qualified and friendly instructors will help you to experience your first session on the water; learning useful skills for an enjoyable paddling experience. We aim to provide you with the basic knowledge ensuring you are safe, confident and wanting to come back for more. 

This course will cover:

  • Clothing and equipment
  • Getting in and out of your boat
  • Making your boat move - forwards and backwards
  • Changing direction and stopping
  • Awareness of hazards

Half day

  • This course is to run as a half day session either 09:00 to 12:00, or 13:00 to 16:00

This course is suitable for anyone interested in having a go!

This course can take place on any flat, sheltered water environment including canals, lakes, rivers, or reservoirs, subject to appropriate permission.

Through our affiliation with British Canoeing and our partnership with the Canal and River Trust we have access to over 3000km of canals throughout England and Wales including the famous Leeds to Liverpool canal stretching 204km across the North of England. This access not only gives us the opportunity to journey along some of these magnificent waterways but also provides opportunities for courses in beautiful sheltered areas.

Most of the large bodies of open water in England are concentrated in the Lake District National Park. These magnificent bodies of water, including the longest and deepest lakes in England, Lake Windermere at 17km long and Wastwater at 74m deep, can be accessed by the public at many locations, however, through our partnership with the Youth Hostel Association we have preferential access to some of the best locations in the lakes. You could even combine any of our courses with a stay at one of 150 YHA hostels spread across England and Wales.