About Us
Wey Kayak Club (WKC) was founded in 1972 on the banks of the River Wey in Guildford, Surrey.
We have gone from strength to strength since our beginnings and are now one of, if not, the largest flat water kayaking club in the UK with over 400 members, including over 150 in the Junior section. The club operates year-round, with training both on and off the water, responsive to the weather and water conditions.
The standard of kayaking varies widely across the club, from our elite members being racing focussed at an internationally competitive level to more socially orientated paddling groups.
Irrespective of level, we are conscious that our members paddle for fun and therefore we aim to provide an inclusive and safe environment with a great paddling experience for all.
Great: Paddling; People; Community; Values & Partnerships
Juniors
We have a special focus on and proven track record of youth development. Our junior section now boasts a membership of more than 150 young people and goes from strength to strength each year. Our aim is to ensure that every athlete enjoys their sport, has fun and can reach their full potential, regardless of standard. Our, British Canoeing qualified coaches help paddlers develop the necessary skills to encourage lifelong success and participation in kayaking, at a pace that is right for the individual. For more information About the Junior Section click here.
Adults
The adults section encompasses the full breath of kayaking expertise, from beginners enjoying a social paddle on a Saturday morning to former world championship level athletes still enjoying the water every day. Accordingly, there are a range of training groups, for both coach and peer-group led sessions, which adults can join to support their development and help them achieve their aspirations.
Clubhouse & Facilities
The club enjoys prime riverside frontage and premier facilities, as a founder member of the Guildford Waterside Centre, Guildford. It is easily accessible by car, bicycle and foot with plenty of parking and bike racks.
Our multi-million pound, multi-functional and wheelchair accessible complex has benefited from continual improvements and expansions over the years, and now boasts generous boat sheds, ample changing facilities, large communal areas and bar, indoor training areas and modern gym. The gym is available to the members, following an induction, and contains a comprehensive range of free weights and fixed weight machines.
Boats & Equipment
There is no need to make largest investments in equipment until you feel the time is right. With racking for over 300 boats, including 200 members racks, the club benefits from a large fleet of boats, paddles and buoyancy aids suitable for a wide range of paddling ability and age. In addition, we benefit from a large fleet of specialist paddling machines, which support winter land-based training.
Social
On Saturdays and Thursday nights the clubhouse is a hive of activity, when our members can enjoy a delicious hot meal/snack and drink after a training session. Other highlights of our social life include a series of BBQs during the year, the annual Christmas Dinner and the traditional Boxing Day paddle to St Catherines. We also participate in a wide variety of community based events, including River Cleans and action days.
Get Involved
As a fully volunteer operated club, adult and parent members are encouraged to get involved both on and off the water, whether gaining coaching qualifications or helping to host events or maintaining the fleet.
There are also opportunities for juniors to build skills through coaching and volunteering at the club. Many do so to fulfil Duke of Edinburgh Award or IB volunteering requirements, many do it for satisfaction and enjoyment whilst gaining recognised qualifications such as Paddlesport Assistant, or Paddlesport Instructor. If you would like to find out more about volunteering at the club click below.
