Learn to paddle

The Learn to Paddle program is for adults or families who are new to paddling or have not paddled flatwater kayaks before. People who have only paddled sea kayaks or plastic sit-on-tops should consider doing the course as flatwater kayaking needs extra skills and balance. Courses run in the warmer months each year.

The aim is for participants to develop basic skills and confidence in touring kayaks (usually a TK1) to ensure safe, independent paddling.

To learn to paddle flatwater boats with us from the landing in Fairfield Park, participants need to:

• be able to swim 25 metres and be comfortable in deep water when you capsize
• have a reasonable level of cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance, and agility as you need to carry a boat (12+ kg) up/down stairs from the clubhouse to the river, and in particular
• in order to get in and out of a boat, you need be flexible enough and have sufficient leg strength to comfortably squat down and stand up from the ground using your hands only to steady yourself.

Learn to Paddle – Group course 

The group-based program (usually with 8 people) is conducted under the supervision of two qualified coaches, with all equipment provided and consists of three two-hour sessions held over consecutive weeks. Please note that the fee is non-transferable and non-refundable.

Courses are generally run on weekends, although we can offer weekday courses if there is sufficient demand. Please check the dates to ensure you are available for all 3 sessions as catch-up sessions are not available.

During summer, courses start every few weeks providing we have enough people. If there are not enough people to start a course, we will contact you and make other arrangements.

Although a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) will be worn at all times during the course, participants should be able to swim 25 metres and be comfortable in deep water. If you cannot swim, please do not register for a course, but contact the club for more information.

Children (over 10 years) can learn to paddle by participating in our Junior Program.

Learn to Paddle – private options 

If you cannot attend one of the available group courses, we may be able to provide a private course for individuals or two people learning together with a coach. It consists of three (3) lessons, from 1.5 to 2 hours long, at a time agreed between you and your coach.

If you have questions about the course, send a message using the learn-to-paddle enquiry form.