club story

Text Box: We are based on the River Wensum in Fakenham. We are fortunate to have our very own storage hut and ample free parking. We cater for all abilities and welcome complete beginners to expert paddlers. Canoeing can take you from a gentle toodle down the river with a picnic on the river bank all the way to the excitement of top class competition. We are mainly a flat water touring club with the occasional trip on some grade 2 and 3 moving water. We enjoy paddling the river Wensum and also make good use of the beautiful creeks and beaches along the Norfolk coat. Our club was formed in 1981 and we currently we have in excess of 60 active members of all ages and abilities. We have qualified volunteer instructors who can take you from your first introductory session all the way to paddling grade 4 whitewater down a fast flowing river. We are affiliated to the British Canoe Union (BCU), we have ClubMark accreditation. We have our own fleet of Kayaks, Canoes and safety equipment enabling new members to enjoy the sport without initial major outlay. Throughout the summer the club holds regular Tuesday & Friday evening river sessions where members can train for BCU star tests and safety awards, during the winter we train in the comfort of a local indoor swimming pool. Other club activities include regular camping and canoeing trips all over the UK. If you feel that you would like to have a go at the sport of canoeing or could give the club your help or support, or if you would like more information please contact the club secretary; Nigel Emmerson by e-mail at . wensumospreys@gmail.com or Visit our website at wocc.org.uk FUN EVENTS Our club is very much based on fun and enjoyment for all ages. We encourage children to be themselves and let their hair down (specially when they are away from Mum and Dad). We run adventure weekends at a local old school house about once a year usually during September or October. The activities of past years include night hikes, raft building, tent building and canoeing. CAMPING As a club we like to arrange some camping trips during the year. Some camps are held locally and some further afield. Recently our camps have been at a beautiful site in St Neots. We also go camping for the August Bank holiday weekend near Cambridge this weekend includes a wonderful paddle through the Backs of the colleges in the fine City of Cambridge. Our camps are very informal, everyone provides their own transport, tents and food. We don't have a fixed programme of events just suggested activities so people are free do as they wish, we mostly get together in the evenings for a drink or two round a table or a camp fire if the site allows

Kids

Canoeing has always been popular with children. Once you've dragged them away from the TV or their computer games, they'll become addicted to splashing about and having fun with their friends and discovering new talents. And you'll have the piece of mind of knowing they are keeping fit and getting plenty of fresh air in a safe and fun environment. And once you've got the kids hooked, canoeing becomes a fantastic activity for the whole family to enjoy together.

Equipment designs for young people have come a long way in recent years and now you can find almost any product in smaller sizes. There are specialist boats for kids, as well as buoyancy aids, paddles and clothing.

The story of our club