Junior Courses

Who is it for?

This course is for anyone age 9 to 17 who would like a safe and enjoyable introduction to the sport of kayaking. You may have a little experience, or none at all in racing kayaks.

As with any active sport, a reasonable level of general fitness will enable more rapid and enjoyable progress. We paddle in racing kayaks and canoes, streamlined to maximise speed but less stable than many plastic or inflatable kayaks, so it is likely that you will enter the water whilst mastering the basics.

Consequently, you must be able to swim at least 25m.

Please also advise your coach of any medical conditions or educational needs.

When do the courses run?

We offer courses in the Easter, Spring and Summer school holidays. The course consists of 3 sessions and costs £50.

Course Dates – 2024 Time
Spring April 10th – 12th 1.30 – 3.30 p.m.
Spring
 May 28th – 30th 1.00 – 3.00 p.m.
Spring
May 28th – 30th
3.30 – 5.30 p.m.
Summer July 24th – 26th 1.30 – 3.30 p.m.
Summer July 31st – August 2nd 1.30 – 3.30 p.m.
Summer August 7th – 9th 1.30 – 3.30 p.m.
Summer August 14th – 16th 1.30 – 3.30 p.m.
Summer August 21st – 23rd 1.30 – 3.30 p.m.

What will you cover?

During the beginners kayaking course, we cover a range of kayaking skills aimed at getting you moving and keeping you safe. All of our coaching is tailored to your individual needs but a general outline of your course would be:

  • Equipment, clothing and safety
  • Manual handling / lifting and moving your kayak
  • Entering and exiting your kayak
  • Basic kayak paddle strokes, moving forwards, backwards, sideways and turning

What will I need?

The best advice is to dress for the prevailing conditions. You WILL get wet, so close fitting, quick drying clothes are preferrable, built up in layers depending on weather. Such as

  • Leggings or thin tracksuit trousers
  • T shirt, thermal top
  • Thin water/windproof top
  • Water shoes/neoprene shoes if you have them
  • Towel
  • Full change of clothes for after the session.

Wey Kayak Club is keen to offer paddling for everyone. We are delighted to be able to offer bursaries to encourage more people to pick up a paddle and join our kayaking family. Please email treasurer@weykayak.co.uk if you would like to find out more.

What happens after the course?

Should you enjoy your experience and wish to continue paddling, you can apply to join the club as a full member. Our sessions run throughout the year, we are usually out on the water, but all or part of some sessions in the winter months may be land based, if weather or river conditions are unsuitable.

Saturday mornings (10 – 12.30):
This is when the majority of our junior beginners paddle.
The sessions aim to combine having fun with learning and improving skills. Children may be split into groups according to ability and friendships.
All groups are lead by qualified coaches and assistants and paddlers can progress as their skills develop.
Saturday afternoons (2 – 4):
There is a group exclusively for younger juniors, more experienced junior paddlers can choose to join an adult group.
This session also allows parents and children to paddle together if they wish.

How to join the club

Once you have completed the course you can apply to join the club. A link to Fees and membership FAQ below.