If you are looking for beginner-friendly canoeing trips, Clitheroe Canoe Club, a volunteer-run paddle sports club based in Lancashire, offers locals a chance to learn and enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. This is one of those adventures…..
On a windy and overcast day in December, club members embarked on an exciting, beginner-friendly canoeing trip to Lake Windermere in the Lake District. With a mix of abilities among the group, the outing was both a challenge and a bonding experience, as participants tackled the elements and explored the beauty of one of England’s most iconic lakes.
Forecast & Gathering at Ferry Nab: The Start of the Day
The weather forecast for the day predicted winds from the south/southwest at force 3-5 (8-24 mph according to the National Weather Service), providing a steady challenge for paddlers and ideal opportunity to learn more about canoeing in windy conditions. Thankfully, the chances of rain were low, which allowed the group to focus on their paddling skills without worrying about heavy downpours.
The adventure began at 10:00 AM, with the group gathering at Ferry Nab in Windermere. Spirits were high as participants enjoyed early morning refreshments from Dan’s Shack, a handy spot near the lake. After a quick safety briefing, the group was split into two to accommodate the varying speeds of different craft.
Three river kayaks and two sea kayaks formed one team, while six canoeists, including a tandem canoe carrying two paddlers and an enthusiastic cockapoo, made up the second group. With everyone ready and excited, both groups launched from the public slipway and set off on their respective routes, prepared to face the day’s challenges.
Setting Off: Navigating Windermere’s Waters
The canoeists worked their way north past Belle Isle, continuing on to the islands of Hen Holme and Lady Holme. They used the islands to their advantage, sheltering on the leeward side to rest before tackling the more challenging stretches exposed to the wind.
As the wind picked up to a Force 4—or even higher at times—paddling became noticeably more strenuous. On the return journey, the group paused behind Hen Holme to readjust and prepare for the stronger winds before making for the relative shelter of Belle Isle. When paddling directly into high winds, they trimmed their canoes by moving loads forward to add weight to the bow, ensuring better control. This practical adjustment was made under the expert guidance of Tim & Don, giving the paddlers some resilience to overcome the challenging conditions. The experience left everyone feeling much more confident about canoeing in windy conditions despite the challenges.
Beginner-Friendly Canoeing Trips: Highlights of the Paddle
The paddle along Lake Windermere on this beginner-friendly canoeing trip provided many memorable moments. The contrast between the choppy, wave-filled stretches and more tranquil waters showcased the lake’s ever-changing nature. Teamwork and determination were on full display as participants encouraged one another through tougher patches of wind and waves. Some canoeists likened the conditions to being on the ocean, with wind gusts causing significant splashes and requiring focused paddling. As a group, much was learned about canoeing in windy conditions.
Gracie the cockapoo remained attentive throughout much of the journey. She curiously looked over the edge of the canoe, frequently changing her spot for a better view. At one point, she stood on the gunwales with her front paws, ears flapping in the wind, creating an amusing sight for everyone nearby. Eventually, after growing tired of the adventure, she curled up for a nap, unbothered by the waves that her human companions were tackling.
In quieter moments, the group was able to soak in the beauty of the lake’s surroundings, from the lush greenery of the islands to the distant, rolling hills that make the Lake District so iconic. Wildlife sightings, including ducks and swans, added to the serene backdrop of the adventure.
Taking a Break: A Much-Needed Refuel
Partway along the westerly shore of Belle Isle, the canoe group decided to stop for lunch and a rest. Hot drinks and packed lunches provided much needed sustenance for the final part of the journey. While enjoying their break, the group noticed the aftermath of Storm Darragh, with several damaged sailing boats washed up along the shore and scattered debris—most of the wreckage beyond repair.
This moment of calm reinvigorated the group for the final leg of their journey, with everyone feeling refreshed and ready to complete the paddle back to Ferry Nab, finishing off this beginner-friendly canoeing trip.
Canoeists Lunch Break
Kayaks Lunch Break
Mileage Achieved: Tracking the Journey
As the group paddled back to Ferry Nab, participants reflected on the day’s efforts during this beginner-friendly canoeing trip. Several members recorded their journey on Strava, showcasing impressive distances despite the windy conditions. The canoeists covered approximately 3.5 miles, while the kayakers achieved a longer route of 5.5 miles. The varying distances highlighted the difference in speed and manoeuvrability between the crafts.
After lunch, the wind dropped, and the canoe group continued the circumnavigation of Belle Isle before crossing back to the shore near Cockshott Point. Once there, everyone gathered and took the opportunity to try out each other’s boats, exchanging tips and enjoying lively discussions in good company.
It was decided to finish the paddle at that point, and the group returned to Dan’s Shack for a well-earned coffee and catch-up. One canoeist, however, added a unique twist to the journey by using a sail to assist his crossing from one side of Windermere to the other after meeting up with the kayak group.
The camaraderie was evident as everyone helped load boats back onto vehicles, rounding off the day with teamwork and shared laughter. It had been both a challenging and rewarding adventure, leaving everyone eager for the next outing.
Equipment Insights
Ross offered his thoughts an comparison on two sea / touring kayaks: “I was eager to take out the P&H Capella from the club on this beginner-friendly canoeing trip, but it turned out to be quite an eye-opener! After reading various reviews, I was under the impression that the Capella was a stable and forgiving boat. Perhaps it was just me (in fact, I’m pretty sure it was). Compared to the Virgos we have, the Capella felt like I was sitting higher up, which made me feel less stable.
Craig explained that the Capella is an expedition boat and likely handles differently when loaded—something that makes sense in hindsight. However, I’ve paddled the P&H Scorpio and felt much more at ease, both when it was laden and unladen.
Comparing Boats: Capella, Virgo, and Scorpio
In my opinion, the Virgos are more nimble, and their seating position is similar to that of a white-water kayak. This makes them feel more familiar and beginner-friendly for those new to sea kayaking. The Scorpio, on the other hand, offers a different level of comfort and stability, which I personally appreciated more than the Capella.”
Among the canoes on the trip was a NorthStar B16, a Prospector-style design. At 16 feet long, this canoe boasts excellent primary and secondary stability, making it highly manoeuvrable and suitable for both flat and moving water. The NorthStar B16 performed impeccably during the challenging conditions, effortlessly navigating through the waves and reaching a maximum speed of 6.4 mph according to Strava.
The day’s conditions highlighted the boat’s versatility and reliability, making it an ideal option for beginner friendly canoeing trips. “We certainly had a lot of fun in the B16 today”, said Andrew & Zuzette. “Our cockapoo likes to move around a bit from one side to the other, not to mention to and fro between us, but this was never a cause for concern as the boat remained stable, causing us as total newbies, no concerns about toppling into the cold water.”
Our group leader, Tim comments on his equipment: “I used a 15 foot Ace Prospector open boat for the journey. 16 foot boats are great for tandem and loading for journeys, but can be a bit more difficult to manage solo.
The Ace is my go-to all round canoe for both white water and open water tripping, as it seems to deal with all the dynamic environments really well. It is set up for solo use.”
Lake Windermere: A Paddle Through History and Beauty
Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England, is a gem of the Lake District. Stretching over 10.5 miles in length and surrounded by rolling hills and quaint villages, it offers paddlers an unparalleled mix of natural beauty and historic charm. The lake’s islands, including Belle Isle, the largest, provide scenic stopping points and are steeped in history. Paddling through Windermere allows visitors to connect with the landscape in a way that few other activities can, making it a must-visit destination for canoeists and kayakers alike. Learn more about Windermere (opens in a new tab).
Tips for Paddling in Windy Weather
Windy conditions can be a significant challenge for paddlers, but preparation and technique can make all the difference. Here are some tips for canoeing in windy conditions, shared by one of our experienced coaches, Tim Hogan:
- Trim, trim, and more trim: The trim of your boat—how its waterline contacts the water—is essential. For headwinds, shift the weight of your boat towards the front to prevent the bow from catching the wind. For tailwinds, move the weight towards the rear.
- Understand your boat’s design: Canoes that are more set up for white water and therefore has more rocker, are more prone to catching the wind, while longer boats with less rocker tend to behave better in such conditions. Recognising your boat’s characteristics helps you adapt your paddling strategy.
While paddling in the wind may feel daunting at first, especially on beginner-friendly canoeing trips, time and experience in a boat will make these conditions much more manageable. Adapting your skills to the weather is part of the learning curve and adds to the enjoyment of paddling adventures.
Other handy tips include:
- Seek shelter: Use natural features like islands or shoreline vegetation to take breaks and regain energy.
- Adjust your paddle stroke: Shorter, quicker strokes can provide better stability and power in choppy conditions.
- Stay close to the group: Teamwork and encouragement can help maintain morale and safety during tough stretches.
- Learn to read the wind: Observing ripples and waves on the water’s surface can help you anticipate gusts and adjust your approach. Using natural shelters like the lee side of islands or moored boats is a key skill.
- Practice drafting: Much like in cycling, paddling close behind another boat reduces wind resistance, making it easier to keep pace and conserve energy.
Participant Reflections: Voices from the Day
Andrew and Zuzette shared their thoughts on the day: “It was our first time paddling in such windy conditions on a large lake, and it was a real learning experience. As a tandem pair, we quickly realised that we had a significant advantage over the solo boats when tackling the wind and waves. At the same time, we had to concentrate on staying close to the group to ensure everyone’s safety and camaraderie. It was a challenging but rewarding day that we won’t soon forget. We are so grateful to be part of a friendly club where we can take part in beginner-friendly canoeing trips like this.”
Gareth shared his thoughts: ” I was in my own P & H Virgo…the perfect kayak for this type of outing. It’s really a touring kayak, but I’ve used it on the sea numerous times and it has always performed very well. The club own a few so I was able to try them out before I bought my own about 18 months ago. I love it! It coped well on Sunday dealing with the distance covered, and the occasional strong gusts of wind with ease. “
Clare shared her thoughts on the day: “I used one of the small club canoes as I am only 5’4″. It seemed to be just right for the day. It proved the perfect chance to learn about wind. Both Tim and Don schooled us on how to read the wind on the water, how to use the lee of islands and moored boats to our advantage. They showed us how to weight our canoes to keep the bows from catching the wind and how to draft another boat, similar to cycling. Altogether, a very enjoyable and informative day with good repartee. The only downside was Tim’s singing. 🤣 I look forward to the next outing.”
Ross had the following thoughts to offer: “All in all, it was a fantastic day out with great company. The beautiful scenery and the bacon butties thrown into the mix made it even better. What’s not to like? Experiences like this remind me why I love being part of the club!”
Upcoming Adventures: A Boxing Day River Paddle
Clitheroe Canoe Club’s next adventure is scheduled for the period between Christmas and New Year around the 27th or 28th December. Weather and water levels permitting, the club plans to take to the rivers for another exciting paddle. Details of the trip will be shared soon, and members are already looking forward to rounding off the year with an exciting outing.
The Groups
Kayak group: Peter B, Paul, Gareth, Ross and Craig
Canoe group: Tim, Clare, Chris, Don , Andrew and Zuzette with Gracie the dog.
Join Clitheroe Canoe Club Today!
If you’re inspired by our beginner-friendly canoeing trips to Windermere, why not join Clitheroe Canoe Club? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, the club offers a welcoming community, regular outings, and the chance to build your skills on the water. Visit our website or get in touch to find out more and be part of our next paddle! We also offer dedicated canoe coaching events and SUP coaching events.
