Family Paddling

Family Paddling session for friends and family groups in easy to paddle canoes and kayaks, where you are able to paddle on bespoke trip the River Stort, with support from our coaches and volunteers from the club.

Should you require a little confidence to get you started on your paddle we will have coaches available to assist with your paddling session so you can develop your paddling skills.

We have buoyancy aids, paddles and boats suitable for adults and children over 8, (younger paddlers would be best starting paddling in canoes). Please add ages and your requirements for the size of buoyancy aids to your booking . The paddling session is in a rural setting with a footpath/ tow path alongside, ideal for non participating friends to participate in a walk.

We will ask you to be water confident and that young paddlers are water confident when paddling. Parents or a designated guardian will be required to be responsible at all times for their children throughout this activity.

We recommend that if an adult is a novice paddler that you book a one to one lesson with us prior to taking out very young paddlers for the first time, so you feel both feel confident in controlling your boat.

Parents or Guardians are responsible at all times for children under the age of 16 participating in this activity children can paddle with a nominated older person who is able to be responsible for their welfare. We recommend that all participants are confident in water

Please bring a change of clothing as well as suitable footwear for paddling in. There are no changing or toilet facilities available at the start point.

Bring hand wipes for children, insect repellent and hats suitable for the weather , waterproof layers are also advisable in cool weather.

We start the paddle at Kecksys Marina to going towards Sawbridgeworth lock where we are able to then paddle back upstream to get used to the skills of paddling in kayaks or canoes. Qualified coaches can oversee the initial paddling and check that you are getting on okay.

Should you require any coaching we can help you develop technique at the base.

Our boats have been designed with beginners in mind so have a special built in skeg to help you paddle.

The route we take is a figure of 8 so its easy for younger paddlers or those who want just a short paddle to just undertake the first section of the paddle and then rest, enjoy a riverside or head off whilst keener paddlers head on a longer paddle.

On this longer paddling section paddlers should aim to be confident to undertake the paddle independently.

There is an opportunity for paddlers willing to portage and carry boats round Tednamebury lock to paddle up to Spellbrook lock where there is a Horsebox cafe ( lock and Latte)

It is important if portaging that Boats must be capable of being carried must not be dragged by your family if intending to paddle above the lock to prevent serious boat damage.