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:

Course 3 – Alex  SOLD OUT

  • 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 Only 4 places left!

  • 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 6 places left

  • 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 8 places left

  • 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 5 places left

  • 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 8 places left

  • 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.

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.

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!

Membership

Adult Novices

Are you interested in learning to kayak (double-bladed paddle) or canoe (single-bladed paddle)? Curious about competitive paddle sports? Or perhaps you’re looking to join a vibrant and active sports club? Richmond Canoe Club is the perfect place to start!
Paddling at Richmond Canoe Club is a unique experience—it’s enjoyable, relaxing, fulfilling, and challenging all at once. We welcome individuals of all ages who are eager to take up kayaking or canoeing. Whether you’re aiming to compete or simply want to enjoy paddling as part of a supportive community, we’d love to hear from you.

Explore our 2025 novice courses below.  Hear from our members – Why We Paddle: Member Experiences

What You’ll Need

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

Wearing the right clothing is essential. Your gear should not absorb water if you fall in. If you don’t have water sports-specific clothing yet, we recommend the following based on the weather:

  • Footwear: Old trainers or plimsolls (you’ll likely stand in the river—your feet will get wet).
  • Bottoms: Tracksuit bottoms, leggings, or shorts (Avoid jeans or similar materials.)
  • Tops: T-shirt, sweatshirt, or thermal top.
  • Outerwear: Cagoule or a lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket.
  • Extras: A towel and a change of clothes for after your session.

Please inform your coach of any medical conditions before paddling.

Membership

Once you’ve successfully completed the novice courses, you can apply for full club membership. New members must be signed off by their coach, and all applications are subject to formal approval by the Committee. If you have questions, speak with your coach or our membership secretary.

About Richmond Canoe Club

Please note: We do not rent out canoes or kayaks.

About Richmond Canoe Club

Richmond Canoe Club is a volunteer-run, non-commercial club dedicated to promoting placid water canoe sport in a supportive and friendly environment. We do not rent out canoes or kayaks, but we do offer a warm welcome to new members—especially those eager to learn and race.

Beginner-Friendly and Inclusive

Whether you’ve never paddled before or have experience in other paddle sports, we offer coach-led sessions to help you get started. You’ll begin in our Beginner’s or Reception group to ensure you’re in the right boat for your skill level.

We provide a limited number of club boats, paddles, and buoyancy aids so you can try paddling before committing to your own gear. If you decide to stick with the sport, we encourage you to invest in your own equipment, and many members are happy to advise or sell second-hand items.

Our racing kayaks and canoes are known for being “tippy,” so beginners start with more stable craft that still provide a challenge and prepare you for progression.

A Racing Club at Heart

Richmond Canoe Club is a year-round racing club, training 52 weeks a year in all weather. While racing is our core focus, participation is encouraged but not required.

  • We specialise in flatwater racing over distances from 200 metres up to 125 miles.

  • We support paddlers across all levels—from complete beginners to international-level competitors.

  • We host and take part in races every month, including local, national, and international events.

Training and Fitness

Structured training sessions are run throughout the year, primarily on:

  • Saturday afternoons

  • Tuesday evenings

  • Wednesday evenings (10k time trials from April to September)

Racers are also encouraged to enhance their fitness through land-based training such as running, core strength, and kayak ergo sessions. You don’t need to be fit to join, but enthusiasm and regular attendance will help you progress quickly.