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This page has information for beginners (courses and open nights), details about our sociable paddling, and a list of the competitive activities we're involved in.
This page has information for beginners (courses and open nights), details about our sociable paddling, and a list of the competitive activities we're involved in.
Table Of Contents
Table Of Contents
For beginners
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.
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
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, so they need to 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 cubicle changing rooms, and a portaloo 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
Open Night
We usually hold an open night each week on a Thursday between April and October. You can come down and try kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding. No membership is required but you do need to book. 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 (although the adult doesn't necessarily need to paddle). Children under 8 can take part in an open canoe along with a supervising adult.
Club Night
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), or a series of open night sessions, and are working on their own to improve their skills.
There is no need to book, just check the club emails to see who is on key duty to make sure the club night is running.
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).
Paddle Courses
Paddle Courses
Courses are for members or non members, and are a great way to learn to kayak, canoe, or paddle board. You'll be taught all the basics, and some more technical skills as you become more confident.
Courses are for members or non members, and are a great way to learn to kayak, canoe, or paddle board. You'll be taught all the basics, and some more technical skills as you become more confident.
"Introduction to Paddlesports"
"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 that you can decide which paddlesport is for you.
"Paddle Discover"
"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 impact your paddling.
"Paddle Explore"
"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. You will learn to make confident choices with this individualised approach.
Kids & Teens Paddling
Kids & Teens Paddling
We run holiday courses and term time after-school sessions. These are always published on Eventbrite and if there is not a course available, please get in touch as we can always find some time to put on a new course.
Sociable and Competitive Paddling
Sociable and Competitive Paddling
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.
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, which will lower the overall cost.
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, which will lower the overall cost.
Surf Kayaking
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 world class surf kayakers such as Neil Baxter.
White Water Trips
White Water Trips
Do you want to feel the bump and waves of a river? Take a canoe or kayak down a 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.co.uk
Flat Water Trips
Flat Water Trips
Want to explore the nature around a loch or along a slow moving river by canoe, kayak or paddle board? 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
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, racing 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
Matthew Telfer's lap, C1 Slalom, Pinkston Watersports, earning a promotion to Division 1
Slalom
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 on Tuesdays at 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 at the clubhouse in summer
Polo
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 - Intermediate friendly
Training all year - Mondays at 18:00 - Beginner friendly
Training for adults who are happy with a more focused and/or faster-paced session - Mondays at 17:30
A brief and full summary of the rules can be downloaded here.
Sprinting along the canal in the evening
Sprint & Marathon
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.
Photo Reel
Photo Reel
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