Taster evenings

Regents Canoe Club's Taster evenings are two hour sessions which are aimed at those who have no previous experience of canoeing or kayaking, but who want to have a go at paddling under the guidance of experienced volunteers, in a safe, fun and friendly environment. Instruction is given (e.g. how to hold the paddle, forward and backward strokes, turning). There are 12 places available on each session. Cost £10 per session. Should you wish to come again, you will need to join the club.

Please note that no refunds can be given unless the Taster evening is cancelled by Regents Canoe Club. The evenings start at 6.30pm at the club.

What you need to wear
Please arrive wearing clothes that you do not mind getting wet, such as an old tracksuit or woolly jumper. Jeans and other heavy cotton clothes are not suitable. Footwear, such as old trainers or plimsolls, is a must and, if it is cold, a woolly hat and a lightweight nylon jacket or cagoule would also be useful. Changing rooms (and showers) are available if you need to change your clothes.

You will need to bring a towel, a change of dry clothing for after paddling and a plastic bag (for your wet gear).

Dates for 2010 are as follows (may be subject to change)

• Monday 17 May - no longer available
• Monday 14 June - no longer available
• Monday 19 July - no longer available
• Monday 16 August - no longer available
• Monday 20 September - full
• Monday 18 October - full

How to sign up for a Taster Evening

Step 1) Click here to read participation statement

Step 2) Click here to open and complete the application form. This can be submitted electronically.

Step 3) Use the PayPal buttons below to pay £10.00 for the evening you have selected. If your chosen evening is booked up, please select another date. You will receive an automatic confirmation of your payment which also confirms your place on this course. As all courses are run by volunteers we cannot guarantee to send any further confirmation.

If you have any problems with the forms or payment for the Taster Evenings, please contact web@regentscanoeclub.co.uk

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Introduction to White Water courses - no places left in 2010

Regents Canoe Club is running two Introduction to White Water Kayaking courses in 2010. Each course caters for up to 15 students.

If you wish to be placed on a mailing list for information on next year's courses, please drop us a line at web@regentscanoeclub.co.uk

The Introduction to White Water Kayaking course is designed for adults (18+) who have little or no previous experience of paddling kayaks, but who want to get out onto moving water by the end of the course. You begin by learning how to control your boat on the Regents canal and at pool sessions, before progressing to moving water and ultimately your first taste of white water!

You do not need to be a member of Regents Canoe Club to enrol on these courses.

Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking timetable

About the Introduction to White Water Kayaking course
Each course runs over six weeks, comprising four evening sessions on the Regents Canal, two evening sessions in the swimming pool, a day trip to the Thames, usually near Shepperton on the outskirts of west London, and a weekend away to paddle moving and white water.

For the weekend away we will travel to the Welsh borders to paddle the River Wye, leaving London on Friday evening and returning on Sunday evening.

Please note that we cannot guarantee a white water experience on the weekend away. For example, on rare occasions rivers may be in flood and too dangerous to kayak on. We will however do our utmost to find a suitable and safe venue for the weekend.

This course is intended to introduce you to kayaking on moving water in a safe and enjoyable manner. Please note that this course is not accredited by the British Canoe Union (BCU) and does not lead to any qualification or certificate. Many club members do go on to earn BCU qualifications, often through instruction organised by the club.

Ability
The course is suitable for all ages (18+) and abilities. It can however, be quite strenuous, so you may find it useful to do some other form of exercise before the course starts. Whatever your age or ability, you must be able to swim 50 meters in light clothing. .

Instructors
All of our instructors are experienced white water canoeists and kayakers. Many of them joined the club as a result of learning to paddle on a Regents Introduction to White Water Kayaking course, so they will be sympathetic to any fears or concerns you may have.

They are all volunteers and no one gets paid for their time.

Cost
The total cost of the course is £190.00 per person. This includes all tuition, hire of equipment as well as breakfast, lunch and accommodation on the weekend away. The instructors are all volunteers and do not get paid.

We also charge a compulsory £50 refundable deposit for the club kit which you will use. This is payable by cheque and will be refunded when you return the kit at the end of the course. The only additional expense will be a packed lunch on the day trip, a Saturday evening meal on the weekend away and beer money!

Please note that the £190 payment is non-refundable unless the course is cancelled. In very exceptional circumstances the club may consider issuing a full or partial refund. Any such decision will be made by the RCC committee and will be non-negotiable.

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Booking a place on the Introduction to White Water Kayaking course

Step 1) Click here to read participation statement

Step 2) Use the PayPal buttons below to pay for the course you have selected.

Step 3) Click here to open and complete the application form. This can be submitted electronically or by printing and posting.

If you have any problems with the forms or payment, or any questions, contact us at web@regentscanoeclub.co.uk

What you need to wear
Bring along some old clothes that you do not mind getting wet, such as an old tracksuit or woolly jumper. Jeans and other heavy cotton clothes are not suitable. Footwear, such as trainers or plimsolls, must be worn and, if it is cold, a woolly hat and a lightweight nylon jacket or cagoule would also be useful.

You will need to bring a towel, a change of clothing and a plastic bag (for your wet gear). There are changing rooms and showers at the club. For the pool sessions you will need a swimming costume, and you may also wish to wear shorts and/or t-shirts to maintain warmth when not in the water.

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Other organisations offering professional instruction
Westminster Boating Base - charitable trust teaching young people and adults to sail, canoe and kayak on the River Thames.
Plas Y Brenin - National Mountain Centre - www.pyb.co.uk
Plas Menai - National Watersports Centre - www.plasmenai.co.uk
Glenmore Lodge - Scotlands National Outdoor Adventure Centre - www.glenmorelodge.org.uk
Kayakojacko - www.kayakojacko.co.uk