Paddlesports Activities
Paddlesports Activities for Beginners at Clitheroe Canoe Club
Discover the joy of paddlesports activities for beginners at Clitheroe Canoe Club. Whether you’re interested in canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), we provide the perfect environment for beginners to learn and enjoy these exciting activities. With top-notch facilities, expert guidance, and a supportive community, we make it easy to start your paddlesports journey.
Explore Paddlesports with Canoeing, Kayaking, and SUP
At Clitheroe Canoe Club, we proudly offer three main paddlesports activities for beginners to explore:
- Canoeing: Perfect for those who enjoy a relaxing paddle or wish to refine their technique while gliding through calm waters.
- Kayaking: Experience the thrill of navigating rivers and lakes in a versatile craft designed for both fun and adventure.
- Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): A fantastic way to improve balance, build strength, and enjoy a new perspective on the water.
Each discipline offers unique experiences, and our beginner-friendly environment ensures you’ll feel confident trying any or all of them. If you are looking for paddlesports activities for beginners, you can’t do better than joining Clitheroe Canoe Club.
Why Choose Clitheroe Canoe Club?
At Clitheroe Canoe Club, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for paddlesports enthusiasts of all levels. Beginners are especially encouraged to join and take advantage of our supportive community and excellent facilities.
Safe Learning Environment
Our private, sheltered lake spans 2,500 square metres, providing an ideal and safe space for paddlesports activities for beginners. Build confidence on the water, whether practising basic techniques or trying a new discipline, our calm waters ensure a stress-free experience.
Comfortable Facilities for Every Visitor
Our clubhouse is equipped with changing rooms, hot showers, toilets, and a meeting room to ensure your comfort. Whether you’re warming up after a cold weather session or simply taking a break, our facilities are designed with your convenience in mind.
Wide Range of Equipment
There is a variety of equipment available to try, including sit-on-top and closed kayaks, canoes, SUP boards, sea kayaks, white water racers, and fun boats. Whether you’re just starting out or keen to experiment, our extensive range ensures there’s the perfect paddlesports activities for beginners at the club.
Safety Equipment Included
We provide all the necessary equipment to keep you safe and comfortable during your session. This includes your boat of choice, a paddle, cagoule, buoyancy aid, and helmet. With everything you need provided, you can focus on enjoying the activity.
Sea Kayaking Lake & River Trips
Members of Clitheroe Canoe Club enjoy regular sea kayaking, lake and river trips throughout the year. Popular destinations for sea kayaking include the stunning coastlines of Anglesey and Cumbria. Sea Kayaking Wales are proud supporters of Clitheroe Canoe Club, providing equipment and facilities for the use of members during trips.
For those starting out on rivers, we frequently organise trips to the River Irwell (Burrs), River Calder, and River Ribble, offering excellent opportunities to develop paddling skills. Touring trips to the lake district is another firm favourite among our members, made possible by our fleet of longer boats, which are perfect for scenic adventures.
7Cs Cardboard Canoe Competition
Community Events to Bring Everyone Together
One of the highlights of our club calendar is the 7 Cs Cardboard Canoe Competition. This unique event, held every June, invites members to build their own cardboard canoes and take part in seven fun-filled challenges.
This annual tradition is more than just a competition – it’s a celebration of creativity, teamwork, and the spirit of paddlesports. Whether you’re taking part or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a day full of laughter and camaraderie that you won’t want to miss.
Winter Pool Practice Sessions
At Clitheroe Canoe Club, our paddlesports activities for beginners don’t stop during the colder months. From January to March, we run kayaking-focused pool practice sessions at Ribblesdale Pool in Clitheroe. These sessions allow paddlers a chance to gain confidence in the use of a kayak. Apart from gaining general confidence in the water, the pool sessions are an opportunity to practice new skills and eventually, learn and practice rolling the kayak.
These paddlesports activities for beginners are an invaluable opportunity for beginners to build essential skills in a warm, controlled environment, with a focus on developing confidence in and around the kayak. Here’s what to expect:
- Getting Comfortable Upside Down: The first step is practising how to safely escape when you capsize, helping you become familiar with the sensation of being upside down in the kayak.
- Spray Deck Training: Once you’re confident with capsizing, you’ll progress to escaping while wearing a spray deck. This stage is critical for building trust in your skills and is known as the spray deck test. After passing, you’ll be ready to use a spray deck during future sessions.
- Learning Techniques for Control: With a spray deck in place, you’ll begin working on other vital kayaking techniques, such as edging the kayak to improve balance and control.
- Mastering the Roll: Eventually, you’ll work towards learning the full kayak roll – a method to right yourself after capsizing without needing to exit the boat.
These winter pool practice sessions are designed to help you progress at your own pace under the guidance of experienced instructors. For beginners, it’s the perfect way to build confidence and develop foundational kayaking skills that can be applied in open-water conditions later on.
Whether you’re learning how to escape safely or perfecting your roll, the winter pool practice sessions are an excellent way to stay active, refine your skills, and prepare for future paddling adventures.
Get Started Today
Are you ready to begin your paddlesports journey? At Clitheroe Canoe Club, we make it easy for beginners to dive in and experience the many joys of canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
With our private sheltered lake, modern facilities, expert guidance, and supportive community, there’s no better place to start exploring paddlesports activities for beginners.
Contact us today to find out more or to book your first session. Join us, and discover why so many people fall in love with paddlesports at Clitheroe Canoe Club!
Welcome to our club
Join our friendly club for expert coaching in kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
Touring
Join us for single or multi-day trips to scenic lakes and rivers with the option to camp and explore.
Safety Courses
We regularly host paddlesport safety and rescue courses.
Paddlesport Leader
Members can be supported to gain instructor and coaching awards.
Team Building
Groups are welcome at the club and if you are looking for a unique team building opportunity, give us a call!
How to Get Started
Attend a taster session to experience our welcoming community and expert coaching firsthand.
Clitheroe Canoe Club is just off Sawley Road. As you leave Chatburn, the club is on the left. The entrance is almost exactly opposite the bus stop. If you reach the A59 you have gone too far.
If approaching on the A59 from Clitheroe, you go under the big road bridge and turn sharp left toward Chatburn.
Please Note: If the gate is closed, no access is allowed.
Post Code: BB7 4LD
What3Words: ///secrets.surpassed.steered
Get in Touch with Us
Feel free to chat with our friendly administrators via Facebook or our website. They’ll be happy to confirm if we’re open and answer any questions you may have.
Important Information for Participants
- Age and Water Confidence
While there’s no strict minimum age, all paddlers must be comfortable in the water and able to swim while wearing a buoyancy aid. Please note that paddling involves getting wet, and it’s likely you’ll fall in the water at some point, no matter which craft you are using! Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. - Equipment Provided
We’ll supply all the paddling and safety gear you need, including a boat, paddle, buoyancy aid, helmet, and splash-proof jacket. However, you’ll need to wear secure footwear that stays on in the water—old trainers or wet shoes are perfect, as the bank can be uneven. - Staying Warm and Comfortable
Getting wet is part of the fun, but staying warm ensures you enjoy your session to the fullest! For beginners, we recommend wearing a wetsuit, as it retains heat even when wet. Alternatively, consider wearing multiple layers and choose clothing that fit tightly to your body and won’t be excessively heavy when wet. - Medical Considerations
If you have any medical conditions relevant to paddling, please inform the designated club contact before your session. This helps us ensure your safety and respond quickly if needed. - Accessibility and Special Arrangements
We’re committed to making paddlesports accessible to everyone. If you require specific arrangements to enhance your experience, let us know in advance—we’re happy to help. Our venue is wheelchair accessible, and we have a range of boats available to suit different needs.
Parking and Arrival by Public Transport
If you’re arriving by public transport, there’s a bus stop conveniently located directly outside the club. We have parking available for approximately 15 cars. To ensure everyone’s safety and convenience, we kindly ask that you reverse park where possible and avoid blocking the gated entrance.
Your First Visit
When you visit for the first time, we’ll provide a general introduction to the club. This includes a tour of our main building, where you’ll find changing rooms, showers, toilets, and our meeting room.
We’ll also take time to discuss your paddlesport interests and share the options and opportunities we can offer to match your goals.
Our Volunteers
Each event will have a designated responsible person, who can be identified by their high-visibility jacket. This individual ensures that club guidelines are followed and acts as a spokesperson for the club.
Our coaches and instructors are on hand to ensure everyone’s safety, and to facilitate your learning, so please listen to and follow all coaching instructions. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask—we’re here to help.
Getting Ready
We’ll work with you to select the best craft for your needs. This usually involves finding a boat with sufficient legroom or one that suits your paddling style. We’ll also provide guidance on paddle selection and make sure your helmet and buoyancy aid fit properly.
Most sessions start with a group briefing for all paddlers, after which you’ll join a skills group to focus on tailored learning. The first hour of a session consists of structured coaching and the second hour of each session are is reserved for personal practice or fun games, giving you the chance to apply what you’ve learned or simply enjoy the water.
Kayaking
As your skills and confidence grow, you’ll have the opportunity to join us on moving water and white-water trips, where you can experience the excitement and challenge of navigating dynamic waterways.
Our kayaking lessons are designed to teach you the fundamentals of paddling, starting with how the boat, paddle, and posture influence the way your kayak moves. You’ll also learn how to lift, carry, and safely enter your kayak, as well as how to use the double-bladed paddle effectively.
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, we’ll focus on key skills like paddling in a straight line, making turns and curves, and even moving the kayak sideways. Over the following weeks, you’ll work on techniques to improve your balance, prevent capsizing, and develop efficient paddle strokes.
Canoeing
Canoeing typically involves open boats and single-bladed paddles. Our training sessions will teach you how to manoeuvre a canoe effectively, whether you’re paddling solo or in tandem with a partner.
Canoeing is versatile, perfect for leisurely tours of lakes where you can bring camping gear or for tackling moving and white-water on more adventurous journeys.
The paddling techniques you learn in canoeing can easily transfer to other craft, helping you develop a deeper understanding of efficient paddling.
Family canoeing is a fantastic way to explore the outdoors together. With plenty of room for “crew” members, you can turn your canoe into a floating picnic spot and enjoy sandwiches in truly unique locations.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a growing part of our club activities, offering quick and easy access to paddlesports. SUPs are inflatable boards, typically over 10 feet long, where paddlers stand and use an extended single-bladed paddle for propulsion.
SUPs are perfect for individual paddling adventures or fun family experiences. During our sessions, we’ll teach you how to use a SUP safely, practise self-rescues, and master efficient paddle strokes. We’re even considering starting SUP yoga classes!
The club provides two types of SUPs: general-purpose boards and touring-style boards. You’ll learn the distinct techniques for each and discover the benefits of both styles. If you already have your own SUP, feel free to bring it along to one of our sessions.
Sea Kayaking
Sea and coastal kayaking take the paddling skills you’ve learned and apply them to the exciting open sea. At Clitheroe Canoe Club, we have a growing fleet of sea kayaks available for members to use on organised trips.
Before heading to the coast, members typically practise on lakes and canals to build confidence and refine their techniques. Once ready, they can enjoy incredible adventures on the water.
Past sea kayaking trips include exploring the beautiful coastline around Anglesey and a five-day island-hopping and camping expedition in the far Northwest of Scotland. We also use our meeting room for coastal navigation training and trip planning, ensuring members are prepared for these exciting journeys.
Kayak Touring
Touring kayaks bridge the gap between general-purpose white-water kayaks and sea kayaks, offering a stable platform ideal for longer paddles on canals, lakes, and estuaries.
Clitheroe Canoe Club has a variety of touring kayaks available, including both single and double models. These boats are perfect for paddlers looking to enjoy relaxed, longer-distance journeys while experiencing the beauty of open water.
Once you’ve mastered the basics in our general-purpose kayaks, touring kayaks provide an excellent introduction to paddling across more expansive waterways. They combine comfort and stability, making them a popular choice for members interested in exploring scenic routes and enjoying the journey at their own pace.
Join Us Today!
Explore the world of kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding.
Benefits of Learning Paddlesports
Paddlesports offer a range of benefits that go far beyond the water. At Clitheroe Canoe Club, we make it easy for beginners to experience these advantages firsthand:
- Physical Fitness: Canoeing, kayaking, and SUP improve strength, endurance, and balance, providing a full-body workout.
- Mental Wellbeing: Being on the water helps to reduce stress, boost your mood, and reconnect with nature.
- Skill Development: Paddlesports build coordination, confidence, and resilience as you learn new techniques and overcome challenges.
- Social Connections: Joining our club means meeting like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm for paddling.
Whether you’re looking for a new hobby, a way to stay active, or a chance to unwind, paddlesports offer something for everyone.
Sea Kayaking and River Trips
For those ready to explore beyond our sheltered lake, Clitheroe Canoe Club offers a variety of sea kayaking and river trips throughout the year:
- Sea Kayaking Adventures: Our members regularly visit stunning coastal destinations, including Anglesey and the Cumbria coastline. These trips are perfect for soaking in breathtaking views while honing your sea paddling skills.
- River Paddling Trips: Beginners can enjoy outings to the River Irwell (Burrs), River Calder, and River Ribble. These locations provide excellent opportunities to develop skills on flowing water.
- Touring Adventures in the Lakes: For those who enjoy a more leisurely pace, we organise scenic touring trips to the Lake District, using our fleet of longer boats designed for comfort and stability.
No matter your level of experience, these outings are a fantastic way to explore new environments, challenge yourself, and connect with fellow paddlers.
More Than Paddlesports Activities for Beginners
Clitheroe Canoe Club isn’t just a place to enjoy paddlesports activities for beginners; it’s a community where paddlers of all levels can grow and thrive. While our winter pool practice sessions focus on kayaking skills like rolling and escaping, these are just the foundation for a lifelong journey in paddlesports.
As beginners gain confidence and advance their skills, they can take part in a wide range of more adventurous activities, from navigating flowing rivers to joining sea kayaking expeditions along stunning coastlines. For those looking to compete, we also offer opportunities to explore disciplines like white water racing. At every stage, Clitheroe Canoe Club supports paddlers with expert advice, high-quality equipment, and a welcoming atmosphere that inspires progress and fosters a love for paddlesports.