Junior Beginners

May Half-Term Junior Canoe Taster Day 2024
2024 May Half Term Canoe Taster sessions run from Mon-Fri, 27th to the 31st of May from 14:00 – 16:00.
The sessions are aimed at children aged 10-15 who would like to try out canoeing for the first time.
Contact: Maia Wallace-Loizou (Paddle Camps) paddlecamps@richmondcanoe.club

More information here | To enrol, sign up here.

 

 

Adult novices

  • Would you like to learn to kayak (one shaft with a paddle at each end) or canoe (one shaft with one paddle at the end)?
  • Are you interested in competitive paddle sports?
  • Do you want to be an active member of sports club?

Paddling at Richmond is enjoyable, relaxing, fulfilling and hard work – all at the same time.

As a racing club that paddles throughout the year and in ALL weathers we are looking to encourage people of all ages who are keen to take up kayaking and canoeing – ideally to compete in races at whatever level (and there are competitions for all abilities) – and are looking to become involved in the activities and running of the club.

Below you will find details about equipment required, membership, coaching and other FAQs.

See our 2024 novice courses here. 

 

What you’ll need

Firstly, you must be able to swim at least 100 metres fully clothed.

It is important you wear the correct clothing when you come paddling. What you wear should not saturate with water if you fall in. If you do not have gear designed for water sports we recommend the following, depending on the conditions:

  • Pair of old trainers or plimsolls (You may well be standing in the river – your feet will get wet)
  • Tracksuit bottoms, leggings or shorts – Jeans or similar are not appropriate
  • T-shirt, sweatshirt, thermal top
  • Cagoule or a thin water proof and windproof top
  • Towel
  • You will get wet so you should have a change of clothes to put on after the session

You should also advise your coach of any medical conditions.

 

Membership

Novice paddlers who have successfully completed the relevant courses may then apply for full club membership. New members must be signed off by their coach and all new applications are subject to formal approval at Committee. Please talk to your coach or to the membership secretary if you have any questions.

 

 

About Richmond Canoe Club

We do not rent out canoes or kayaks. We are a club made up of members but are always looking for new ones and so provide coach led groups for people who have never paddled before. We are entirely non-commercial and “staffed” entirely by enthusiastic unpaid volunteers.

We supply the kit, you supply the paddler. The club is able to provide a limited number of boats, paddles and buoyancy aids so come along and try it out before you invest. Only in very special circumstances is club kit allocated to a specific paddler, if you do want to use the same kit week to week or feel you need better kit than what the club is supplying go ahead and buy it. There are plenty of club members who can advise, or may have kit they want to sell.

Richmond Canoe Club is a racing club, while not all of our members actively race – nor do we insist on it – you will be encouraged to race at some level.

While our members cover many disciplines the club’s primary focus is placid water canoe sport – going from A to B as quickly as possible over distances ranging from 200 metres to 125 miles. If you are already a competent paddle in this discipline or any other please come on down and have a look what we are about. If you have not participated in paddle sport before your introduction through us will be to the discipline of placid water racing.

We paddle “tippy boats” Placid water racing kayaks and canoes are famous for their instability, beginners will be introduced to the sport in boats that are far more stable than a racing K1 but still far less stable than any other discipline’s boats, experience in another paddle sport discipline will allow you to progress quicker but we will start you in the Beginner’s or Reception group to assess your ability and find the right starter boat for you.

Coaching Structure

Moving beyond the Beginner’s Group, a coaching structure will progress you through different levels to develop technique, fitness, waterman ship, strategy and other skills.