Our Events - Information and Guidance

We have many activities over the year to fit all interests from beginner and intermediate to advanced session. 

​Attendance is encouraged at appropriate sessions to develop member experience. Though we also acknowledge that some members just enjoy a relaxed paddle down a quiet river.

We only ask that you are of an appropriate standard for the trips you wish to attend. If you are not, do not worry we will set out on the right paddling pathway plan over subsequent months such that you will get future opportunity to go on the more wild adventures with our other members.

As a club we also make a commitment to supporting the local community. This may include public paddles sessions through to “Go Canoeing Week” inter-club river cleans. We encourage our members to give something back to the local community by supporting such events.

For those new to the sport, we supply equipment including kayaks, buoyancy aids, safety helmets and paddles. Over time, as members develop we hope that they will acquire their own equipment to free up equipment for new club members.

Types of trip

Family Events & Introductory Levels

The trips are open to all membership levels and aimed at the family and Start and Discover level paddlers. These tend to be flat water paddles along slow flowing rivers such as River Medway, River Rother, River Stour or calm coastal bays around Broadstairs and Ramsgate. There may be some canoe shoots at the weirs which can be easily walked around. There may also be Grade-1 waters with slightly higher flow and small drops, but generally safe for the less experienced wishing to develop skills further under supervision.

The trips are generally 3-4 hours depending on the group and a maximum distance of 6 miles. To make the best of the trip we often drop the equipment off and ferry the cars to the finish point (Hartlake to Yalding being a great example).

We ask that younger members where appropriate be accompanied by an older family member.

It is a good idea to bring a packed lunch and lots of hydrating drinks (remember sun block and hat as its surprising how burnt you can get). During the winter extra warm clothing and hot drinks make for a comfortable trip. There may also be an opportunity to stop at a riverside pub and grab a drink so it is worth bringing some money.

Bring a sensible change of cloths, also be prepared to change in beach conditions or on the roadside.

Intermediate Events

​These are aimed at the 3 Star paddlers upwards (or equivalent skills base) wishing to have more fun on the water. Members should be able to roll the boat under a variety of conditions. Generally heavier white water (grade 2/3) and larger surf. This will generally include more travelling such as River Dart, Cumbria, Lee Valley, Holme Pier Point, Nene and Tryweryn etc. You may also be at a level to start joining the members in the advanced sessions on some of the more exciting adventures.

Advanced

These are generally aimed at our most experienced members holding 4-Star and coaching qualifications. The trips will include grade 3 rivers and upwards; with river runs at these grades for extended periods. May involve waterfalls, creek drops, large sea swell and surf.

​Generally the trips are organised within a small peer group. These are peer peer paddles and entail more overseas trips, Upper Dart, Upper Tryweryn etc. Paddlers need to be both competent and confident to attend these events.