Getting Started

From a beginning almost as old as mankind, when the kayak or canoe was part of the process of survival, to the present day, when boundaries of exploration are being rolled back, canoeing is a sport rich in potential for young and old – the adventurous and the less adventurous.

How can I get started?

Canoeing offers a wide range of activities, some based on competition and others, less formalised, based on journeying and adventuring.

Visit an affiliated club or approved centre

Visiting a club or approved centre is fun, safe and will help you to master the basic skills more quickly. Clubs and centres welcome new faces and many run special sessions for newcomers. Activity holidays often include canoeing and this can be a pleasant introduction, or perhaps you’d prefer to attend one of the many BCU regional events and chat to some of the paddlers themselves.

Talk to us!

The Regional Development Team, RCO and LCO’s are available to offer advice and contacts for getting started. Whether you are a beginner new to the sport or an existing paddler we can offer you advice on all things paddlesports!

View the Regional Contact Details