Sessions & Activities
This page has information for beginners (about courses and open nights), details about our sociable paddling, and a list of the competitive activities we're involved in.
Table Of Contents
For beginners
If you're a complete beginner, you'll probably want to get started by joining in on an "open night", or by registering for a class.
Helpful details
Most of the equipment you need to take part as a beginner is provided by the club. However you should bring the following to both classes and open nights:
Towel
Clothes to wear while paddling (which will definitely get wet, and which you think will keep you warm enough even when wet).
Warm change of clothes
Light/flat shoes that will stay on your feet if you fall in the water
For these activities you don't need special clothes like a wetsuit, although if you have one you might find it keeps you warmer.
The clubhouse has basic/small "male" and "female" changing rooms, and a portaloo-style toilet. If you have any questions about changing facilities please get in touch - we'll do everything we can to make you welcome.
Open Night
We usually hold one "open night" each month between April and October. You can come down and try kayaking, canoeing or paddle-boarding. No membership is required. We have qualified instructors on hand to help you get settled and guide you on your first steps into the world of paddlesports.
Children and young people under 16 must be supervised by an adult, attending with them (although the adult doesn't necessarily need to paddle). Children under 8 can take part if in an "open canoe" along with a supervising adult.
There is a single simple fee (£10) for each time you attend an open night, which can be paid at the club house by card.
Club Night
We usually hold "club night" every Thursday between April and October. After joining as a member you can come down and go kayaking, canoeing or paddle-boarding. These aren't led/coached sessions, so they work best for people who have attended an introductory course (see below), and who are working on their own on improving their skills.
Boat/equipment hire ( £10) can be paid for by card at the club. Or once attending regularly you might prefer to pay for a full year's boat and equipment hire (£70).
(Club night doesn't count as one of the "sessions" incurring an additional fee, and isn't covered by the subscriptions described on the membership and fees page.)
Paddle Courses
Courses are for members or non members, and are a great way to learn to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. You'll be taught all the basics, and some more technical skills as you become confident.
"Introduction To Paddlesports"
This is a course over three weeks for those completely new to paddlesports. Over three weeks you will try: kayaks, canoes and SUPs so you can decide which paddlesport is for you.
"Paddle Discover"
This is a development course, for people already paddling.
Your Discover Award allows you to develop your decision making and practical skills for a fun and safe time on the water, taking you on the next steps towards becoming a proficient and independent paddler. Learn how to choose and effectively use equipment, whilst developing an understanding of the factors which affect your paddling; giving you the confidence to progress to making your own choices with the Explore Award.
"Paddle Explore"
This is a development course, for people already paddling.
Your Explore Award gives you ownership; allowing you to choose where you move next in the world of paddlesport. Working with a coach you will be able to develop a programme that suits what you need. Learning to make confident choices with this individualised approach. Recognising your ability to independently paddle your chosen craft in a sheltered water environment.
Kids & Teens Paddling
We run holiday courses and term time after school sessions.
Summer Sessions and after school sessions bookable below!
Sociable paddling
Members of the club sometimes paddle together, in various environments. Some activities are for those seeking adrenaline, while others are much more relaxed.
Surf Kayaking
The thrill of the waves without the bother of having to stand up. You can head out and enjoy the fresh sea air while getting a little adrenaline going when you start soaring with the swell.
Forth Canoe Club has produced surf kayakers such as Neil Baxter.
White Water Trips
Want to feel the bump and waves of a river? Take a canoe or kayak down the river. From exploring the beautiful landscapes in a boat to having the rush of the water and the adrenaline to match.
Trips run infrequently but are usually organised by request. Get in touch with secretary@forthcanoeclub.com
Flat Water Trips
Want to explore the nature around a loch or along a slow moving river? By canoe, kayak or paddleboard? Many of our members enjoy paddling in these environments.
Trips run infrequently but are usually organised by request. Get in touch with secretary@forthcanoeclub.com
C2 Wild Water Racing, Forth Falls, Grandtully, River Tay
White Water Racing
So you like to go fast but the flat water is not quite getting your heart racing enough. WWR or Wild Water Racing is about, you guessed it, raceing down a river as fast as possible.
Forth Canoe Club has produced previous Scottish womens and junior champions such as Michael Denver
Trips run infrequently but are usually organised by request. Get in touch with secretary@forthcanoeclub.com
Competitive paddlesport sessions
Once you've become a member and completed some introductory classes, or if you're already an expert paddler, you might want to think about taking part in our regular competitive paddlesport sessions. If you're not already a skilled paddler these are a really good way to expand your skills quickly.
We charge a fee for attending these sessions (along with the fee for boat and equipment hire). This can be paid for before each session at the club house, but as these sessions are intended for people committing to a more regular involvement we encourage payment by subscription, and set the cost of subscriptions (much lower) with that in mind.
Matthew Telfer's lap, C1 Slalom, Pinkston Watersports, earning a promotion to Division 1
Slalom
Slalom involves racing through a course of gates. Our boathouse in Edinburgh has a set of slalom gates for training on the canal. Navigate without touching a single one, a technical challenge that will make your paddling incredibly precise.
Slalom sessions runs all year - Tuesdays 19:00
Forth Canoe Club has produced Olympian slalomists including David Florence who won silver in Beijing in 2008, London in 2012 and in 2016 in Rio.
Polo
Polo is played between two teams who compete to get the ball in the opponent's net.
We have a committed and friendly group involved in polo at Forth Canoe Club who play in the Scottish divisions, and sometimes elsewhere. Some people have played for many years, some have played for GB, but we also love getting new people involved and will be keen to make you welcome.
Training all year - Wednesdays at 19:00 - Beginner Friendly
Training for adults who are happy with a more focused and/or faster paced session - Mondays at 18:00.
Polo at the clubhouse in summer
Sprinting along the canal in the evening
Sprint & Marathon
Flat water racing for the speed demons. Those who like a bit of perfection. Or if you just want to get out and practise great technique
A variety of competitions are entered every year, from marathons to sprint.
Coached Sprint sessions run on Thursdays at 18:30