Family Paddling

Family Paddling session for friends and family groups in easy to paddle where you are able to paddle on 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 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 is rural with a footpath/ tow path alongside, ideal for non participating friends to walk.

We will ask you to be 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 thier 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 Sawbridgeworth lock where we are able to paddle back upstream easily to get used to the skills of paddling in kayaks or canoes. Qualified coaches oversee the initial paddling to check that you are getting on okay should you require any coaching we can help you develop technique.

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 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.