Start Your Paddling and Racing Journey at Richmond Canoe Club

Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of racing kayaking? Richmond Canoe Club offers Adult Introduction to Racing Courses from April to October. These courses are perfect for complete beginners or those with some prior paddling experience (e.g., white water kayaking).

Each course includes:

  • Four water-based sessions
  • Two indoor technique sessions on paddle machines

The sessions typically take place on Saturday afternoons, Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings, though exact timings may vary. The cost of the course is £180.

Book Your Place Now!

Upcoming Course Dates: First Course of 2025

Course 1 – Jemima

  • Saturday 26th April: 12–2pm (water-based session)
  • Sunday 27th April: 11am–1.30pm (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 29th April: 7–8.30pm (land-based session)
  • Saturday 3rd May: 2–4.30pm (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 6th May: 7–8.30pm (land-based session)
  • Saturday 10th May: 2–4.30pm (water-based session)

Course 2 – Settimo

  • Saturday 10th May: 11-1pm (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 13th May: 7–8.30pm (land-based session)
  • Saturday 17th May: 12am–2.30pm (water-based session)
  • Sunday 18th May: 12–2.30pm (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 20th May: 7–8.30pm (land-based session)
  • Sunday 25th May: 11–1.30pm (water-based session)

Course 3 – Alex

  • Saturday 31st May: 2-4pm (water-based session)
  • Sunday 1st June: 2-4pm (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 3rd June: 7–8.30pm (land-based session)
  • Saturday 7th June: 2–4.30pm (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 10th June: 7–8.30pm (land-based session)
  • Saturday 14th June: 2–4.30pm (water-based session)

Course 4 – Jason

  • Saturday 14th June: 2-4pm (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 17th June: 7–8.30pm (land-based session)
  • Saturday 21st June: 2–4.30pm (water-based session)
  • Sunday 22nd June: 9-11am (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 24th June: 7–8.30pm (land-based session)
  • Saturday 28th June: 2–4.30pm (water-based session)

Course 5 – Adam

  • Saturday 5th July: 2-4pm (water-based session)
  • Sunday 6th July: 9-11am (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 8th July: 7.30–9pm (land-based session)
  • Saturday 12th July: 2–4.30pm (water-based session)
  • Sunday 13th July: 10-12am (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 15th July: 7.30–9pm (land-based session)

Course 6 – Neil

  • Saturday 19th July: 2-4pm (water-based session)
  • Sunday 20th July: 2-4pm (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 22nd July: 7–8.30pm (land-based session)
  • Saturday 26th July: 2–4.30pm (water-based session)
  • Sunday 27th July: 2–4.30pm (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 29th July: 7–8.30pm (land-based session)

Course 7 – Anna

  • Saturday 2nd August: 2-4pm (water-based session)
  • Sunday 3rd August: 2-4pm (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 5th August: 7.30–9pm (land-based session)
  • Saturday 9th August: 12–2.30pm (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 12th August: 7.30–9pm (land-based session)
  • Saturday 16th August: 2–4.30pm (water-based session)

Course 8 – Issy

  • Saturday 23nd August: 12-2pm (water-based session)
  • Sunday 24th August: 12-2pm (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 26th August: 7.30–9pm (land-based session)
  • Saturday 30th August: 2–4.30pm (water-based session)
  • Tuesday 2nd September: 7.30–9pm (land-based session)
  • Saturday 6th September: 12–2.30pm (water-based session)

Please note: Booking is on a first-come, first-served basis. The first course opened for booking on Saturday, 5th April.

Secure Your Spot Today!

Want to Visit Before Enrolling?

If you’re unsure whether racing kayaking or Richmond Canoe Club is right for you, why not pay us a visit? Come down to the club and chat with our coaches and current novices to get a feel for what we’re all about. The best time to visit is usually on Saturdays around noon.

You’re welcome to drop by at other times, but we can’t guarantee that a coach will be available to talk to you outside these hours.

About Richmond Canoe Club

A Year-Round Racing Club:

  • The club trains 52 weeks a year, in all weather conditions.
  • We participate in races every month, ranging from beginner-level events to international competitions.

The Racing Experience:

  • Paddlers are encouraged to race regularly as it’s essential for improving boat skills and fitness.
  • The club’s marathon races span nine divisions, ensuring there’s a competition level suited for everyone.

A Focus on Training and Fitness:

  • Regular training groups run year-round, primarily on Saturday afternoons and Tuesday evenings.
  • The club also organizes weekly time trials (10k races) every Wednesday evening from April to September.

Keen racers are encouraged to supplement their paddling with land-based training, including running, core-strength exercises, and kayak ergo sessions. While no prior experience or high fitness levels are required when joining, enthusiasm and commitment will help you progress quickly!

Your Commitment, Our Support

If you’re ready to commit regular time to paddling at Richmond Canoe Club, we’ll provide you with everything you need to succeed:

  • A structured training program tailored to your skill level
  • A supportive community of like-minded paddlers
  • The opportunity to participate in thrilling sprint and marathon kayak races

Paddling with Richmond Canoe Club isn’t just about racing—it’s about becoming part of a vibrant community and experiencing some of the most rewarding events of your life!

Join Us Today!