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Introduction to Kayaking Course

Crewe and Crewe and Nantwich Canoe Club’s Introduction to Kayaking Course is a great all-round introduction to kayaking with no previous experience needed.


The course is intended for 8 people taking place over six individual sessions and is designed to set you up with all the skills that you need to take up this fantastic sport.


The first two sessions will take place in a swimming pool at Market Drayton Swimming & Fitness Centre. Sessions three and four take place at the home of CNCC, Doddington Lake, Bridgemere. Session five will be at the river Dee at Chester and the final session will be a journey kayak trip along a slow-moving river.

All the sessions will provide the opportunity to practice and build a solid repertoire of paddling skills including efficient forward paddling, turning, and maneuvering and basic safety & rescue.


All Kayaking equipment is provided such as Helmets, Buoyancy aids (BA’s), Spray Decks, Kayaks, and Paddles


*Please note that all CNCC Kayaks used are white water sit-inside kayaks


Course Outline


The course syllabus or basic course outline is as follows.

  • Selecting an appropriate boat, paddle, helmet, deck, BA, and other kit
  • Setting up your boat to fit you.
  • Lifting, carrying, and emptying your boat
  • Getting in and out of your boat
  • Effective forward paddling for you guessed it – going forwards.
  • The reverse Paddle stroke for slowing down and backing up,
  • The Sweep stroke for turning.
  • The Draw Stoke for moving your Kayak sideways.
  • Basic safety including Wet exits – Done in the pool.
  • And lots more……….


Course Time, Dates and Locations

What to bring


Here’s a list of things that you should bring along to the sessions. 

Remember that the club will provide Helmets, Buoyancy aids (BA’s), Spray Decks, Boats, and Paddles


For the Pool:

  • Swimming Costume / Trunks or shorts
  • Shorts and Technical T Shirt for wearing over one’s swimming costume.
  • Goggles & Nose Clip (Optional)
  • Neoprene socks or poolside shoes (Optional)
  • Towel and Change of Clothes and Shoes.

NOTE: Shorts and T-shirts must be worn over swimming costume for all in the pool


For the Lake/River

  • Swimming Costume / Trunks or Shorts
  • Technical T Shirt (preferably synthetic)
  • Thermal Top & Leggings and synthetic tops / thermals / rash vests, or wet suit
  • windproof / splash-proof cagoule / jacket (and trousers)
  • Wet Shoes / Old Trainers
  • Towel and Change of Clothes and Shoes.


Course Costs and what does it include.

The course will cost £120 per person for up to 8 people and will include the following:

  • Club membership until 31st December 2024 (usually £25 for the year)
  • PaddleUK (Formally British Canoeing) Club Associate Membership until 31st December 2024
  • Free Club Kit Hire for the next 12months on Club trips and events (usually £5 per session/trip)
  • 2 x Coached pool Sessions (Usually £10/Session)
  • 2 x Coached Lake Sessions (Usually £5/Session)
  • 2 x River sessions/trips

How to sign up?

Simply E-mail: enquries@creweandnantwichcc.co.uk or Phone: Dave M on 07860 271262 for more information


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