The course runs over four weeks, comprising evening sessions on the Regents Canal, sessions in the swimming pool and a weekend away to paddle moving and white water. We can usually take up to fifteen students on each course.

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. See course dates below.

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.

It is highly recommended that you attend all of the sessions. If you miss one session it is usually possible to catch up but repeated non-attendance may mean you fall behind. If you miss too many sessions the coaches may decide it is unsafe to continue your training as we move onto moving and white water. In such circumstances no refund will be given.

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.

Students on the course are welcome to use the club’s facilities on Monday and Thursday evenings without any additional charge, for the duration of the course, providing they attend the first evening of the course.

£250 for members and £325.00 for non-members, with the non-member fee including club membership for one year.

Included in the price:

• Tuition
• Kit hire
• Weekend away: breakfast, lunch and fuel costs

• The instructors are all volunteers and do not get paid.
• Payment is non-refundable unless the course is cancelled or you are required to self-isolate due to COVID-19.
• We require as much advance notice as possible for any cancellations or session absences.
• Final decisions on refunds will rest with the RCC committee.
• We only accept payments via bank transfer.

• Please arrive at the club 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, must be worn and, if it is cold, a woolly hat and a lightweight nylon jacket or cagoule would also be useful.
• You are unlikely to fall in the canal, but you will get wet from splashes and drips.
• Changing rooms and showers are available at the club.
• You will need to bring a towel, a change of dry clothing and dry shoes for after paddling and a plastic bag (for your wet gear).
• At pool sessions please bring a swimming costume and towel as you will get very wet. We would also suggest you wear a pair of shorts or leggings, as the sides of the boats can rub on bare legs! You won’t be in the pool all the time, so a thermal top is also a good idea, to keep you warm. Tops made of artificial fibres such as polyester or nylon are much better at retaining heat than cotton.

To book your place please follow this form.

In case the course appears full, please add yourself to the waiting list and we’ll let you know as soon as spots open.