Beginners Course
If you're thinking of joining Pirates Canoe Club or have just started to learn how to paddle, you're in the right place! Our beginner's course has been designed to give you the basic skills in controlling your boat. Once you've completed the course, you'll have the confidence and abilities to join us on our trips, tours and regular paddle sessions.
The course is included in the price of Membership if you selected the 'with Beginners Course' option when joining or costs £20 otherwise. The price includes the whole course (all 5 sessions). You will be taught by one of our qualified and friendly coaches, who will be following the syllabus for the nationally-recognised British Canoeing Discover Award.
To book this course you must have joined with the 'Junior Membership with Beginners Course' option or as part of a 'Family Membership with Beginners Course'.
What is included:
All the equipment needed for each session:
- Kayak, Canoe, SUP
- Paddles
- Helmet
- Buoyancy Aid
- Access to Conningbrook lake
- On completion of the course, free membership for one year from the date you sign up.
This course must be pre-booked as so we know how many coaches we need for each session; we cannot accept on the day arrivals.
Dates for the course:
- Tuesday 4th May 18:00 – 20:00
- Monday 10th May 18:00 – 20:00
- Monday 17th May 18:00 – 20:00
- Monday 24nd May 18:00 – 20:00
- Tuesday 1st June 18:00 – 20:00
If you can't attend one of the sessions, please let the coach know and we'll try to fit you in another time. Please arrive promptly as we will aim to be on the water as close to the start time as possible
COVID-19 UPDATE: The safety of our course participants, coaches and Club members is paramount during the current lockdown. In line with guidance from both the Department of Health and our governing body, British Canoeing, we have introduced a number of measures aimed at keeping everyone safe both on and off the water. This includes disinfecting boats, paddles and other equipment, altering our processes and procedures to enforce social distancing, and other measures. This means there are some limitations in what we are allowed to offer but mainly
Alfresco changing rooms. Unfortunately, we do not have access to the changing rooms at the Julie Rose Stadium. Please arrive dressed to paddle and bring a large towel, plastic bag etc. to cover your car seat just in case you are damp on the way home. (You may alternatively choose to change in the car park). This also means there are no toilets available.
Dress for the weather. We'll be outside, obviously, so if it's a chilly day in October you'll dress differently to a sunny day in July. Everything you wear will at least get dripped on and might get very wet indeed! Man-made materials are generally better than natural ones as they dry faster and remain warm when wet. Some suggestions include:
Top Half
- Gym top, t shirt, rash vest
- Wet-suit (not required, but OK if you have one)
- Thin fleece (depending on weather)
- Thin waterproof, e.g. pac-a-mac. These are great to keep the wind off. (depending on weather)
- Hat (depending on weather). Sometimes to keep the heat off; sometimes to keep the heat in!
Bottom Half
- Tracksuit bottoms, shorts, leggings, walking trousers
- If you have them, wet-suit / neoprene bottoms
Footwear
- Beach shoes / sandals
- Old trainers
- Wet-suit booties
- Flip-flops / Crocs (although these are not ideal as they float away if you fall in!)
Location of Conningbrook Lake
The road, access, point to Conningbrook can be found using what3word here (https://w3w.co/mirror.logic.class)
As parking is limited by the lake, we ask where possible, that you drop off boats/kit, and park in the newly laid access road. There are limited spaces, if we park sensibly, we will be able to accommodate everyone.
(Container location is here https://w3w.co/closes.fence.panel)*
