Maidenhead Canoe Club has been launched, with membership at just £20 per year. Once new members have joined, they must attend the Discover course, taught by qualified club coaches, to learn basic canoe and river skills.
The next course takes place on Saturday 18th October 0930-1600 including lunch break. It costs £27.
On completing the Discover course successfully you will receive a Paddle UK certificate. You are then able to join Maidenhead Canoe Club paddles and trips at no extra cost.
There are no changing facilities so please arrive dressed ready for the water. Wear old trainers or river shoes and clothing appropriate for outdoor sport, including suitable raincoat such as a hiking cagoule if the forecast is wet. Also bring a packed lunch and drink. Boats, paddles, buoyancy aids are all provided.
We will provide drybags to store your phone and any valuables in your boat, but we are not responsible for them.
Maidenhead Canoe Club is affiliated to Paddle UK. All our activities are insured. The course will be led by a qualified coach who also has qualifications in first aid and river safety and rescue.
The Discover course includes:
- Getting ready for the water
· Canoe clothing – what to wear
· What equipment will I use?
- At the venue
· What water will I paddle, where can I go, are there any restrictions?
· Weather forecast and river conditions
· Accessing the water – getting in and out of my boat
- On the water
· Skill levels, how to control my boat
· Paddling forwards and backwards, turning
· River etiquette and respecting wildlife
· River rescue basics
- After the session
· Consider how it went, how I can improve, what have I learned
· Watching others and learning from fellow paddlers
· What equipment worked well and not so well for me
· Which type of craft do I prefer
- Future development
· Each day on the water is different, how can I improve?
· Do I want to specialise in one type of craft, such as canoe or kayak?
· What are the next steps on my paddle journey?
· What training or learning could help me develop?
Please pay the £20 annual canoe club membership (reduced to £15 if you have paid for a taster session) plus £27 course fee.
Please pay in advance by bank transfer Maidenhead Waterways Restoration Group (our legal name), Account 00015476, Sort Code 40-52-40, at CAF Bank, adding your SURNAME/DISCOVER for reference. We are a charity so please use gift aid if you can.
Places are limited and booking is essential. Please pay at least 48 hours in advance or we will offer your place to someone on the waiting list.
