club story

Text Box: Formed in 1981, currently we have in excess of 80 active members, covering all ages and abilities. We are affiliated to the British Canoe Union (BCU), the club has its own fleet of Kayaks, Canoes and safety equipment enabling new members to enjoy the sport without initial major outlay. During the summer of 2004 with the help of some grant money we bought some new equipment including some short playboats for all to use. Throughout the summer the club holds regular Tuesday evening river sessions where members can train for BCU star tests. Other club activities include regular camping and canoeing weekend, trips etc. The club is truly community based and without the support of local organisations would struggle to survive. 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 . emmo54@tiscali.co.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 near Ripon in North Yorkshire, a youth site near Symonds Yat in Herefordshire and a farm site in Derbyshire. The site in Yorkshire is at Slenningford Mill and has unlimited access to over 400 metres of grade 2 to 4 white water (depending on recent rainfall). 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.