Family Paddle in Canoes

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

We start the paddle at Kecksys Marina to Sawbridgeworth lock where we are able to paddle back upstream easily to get used to the skills of paddling in canoes. Qualified coaches oversee the initial paddling to check that you are getting on okay should you require additional coaching we can help you develop technique.

Our boats have been designed with beginners in mind. 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, Non paddlers can also enjoy a riverside walk on the tow path whilst keener paddlers head on a longer paddle.

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

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.

Basic facilities nearby

Bring snacks and hand wipes water or a drink for smaller paddlers and wipes for hands of paddlers if eating on route, we often recommend a little snack for young paddlers also. Insect repent and sunscreen or a sun hat or warm hat for Autumn paddles

Qualified coaches and volunteers from the club oversee the initial paddling to check that you are getting on okay should you require any coaching we can help you develop boat paddling technique.

We then head out upstream on a longer paddle , this is normally an unsupervised paddling section , where you head off independently.

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 walk 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.please ask if you require further coaching or need additional help.