We run Kayak evenings and River trips through-out the summer months for Adults (and competent Juniors), we also offer Adult courses to attain BCU Level qualifications. Beginners are always welcome, see the Events page or contact the Club Sec. We have recently acquired a number of Canadian Open Canoes, which we are introducing during 2011, keep an eye on the Events page for info.

We run frequent programmes for Juniors, from complete beginners to BCU Level 2 and higher. We also provide Paddlesport Certificated activities for 9 to 14 yrs, with use of Club kayaks, life-jackets, helmets and paddles.

 

This is what 2 of our Juniors have to say about things:

 

 

KAYAKING - by Martha Taylor, age 11 yrs

 

Kayaking is one of the most challenging sports, but one of the most fun, no matter if you’re a beginner, or a pro!  River trips and adventures on the water are one of the exciting ways to try out your moves. White water, careering currents and sea surfing are places you could find beneficial. Mitford to Morpeth is a good way to test your skills with- weirs, fast water, currents, it would be one of the most thrilling experiences you will ever have. Another way to learn tricks is kayaking in Morpeth leisure centre pool, this happens every winter.

 

Pool sessions are there to boost people’s confidence as it has done for many people in the past. There are many moves you can learn in the pool; capsizing, rolling, low and high brace, and other complex strokes you can’t learn in the river. Generally, Capsizing is the most feared exercise drill you will have to face during the period of time you kayak.  However, with the help of coaches, friends and family the fear will pass as if it never happened. At first I was a little wary of capsizing but as I got lots of support from people around me, I soon was able to do it and now I’m onto the stage of rolling.

Paddle Power is a under 14’s way of achieving their goals. It goes through a series of stages, from completing your passport, to going onto the discover booklet. For an adult (14+) you go through stars, they become harder as the stars progress. Kayaking has kept me busy every Monday night for three years, and I still enjoy it now!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CANOE POLO - by Chris Bell, age 12 yrs

 

Polo is a fun and fast team sport that takes a lot of energy. The game uses muscles in your upper body which helps you to get stronger and stay fit. A team is made up of 5 players although there might be some substitutes. It can be played on a river or in a pool. The aim of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team. Polo gets you thinking about were the ball is going to be passed or shot to so you need to be a quick thinker. It can also be quite a rough game with boats paddling into each other and your opponents trying to make you capsize if you have the ball! Polo is played at local, regional and national levels.

 

To play polo safely you need a helmet with a faceguard, a buoyancy aid that has padding around the side in case someone paddles their boat into you, a boat, a paddle to move with and a spraydeck if you can roll, the spray deck can also keep the water out.

 

I started polo when I saw some people paddling on the river and I thought to myself I think I might be good at it. I had already got some past experience with paddling in kayaks with the club. In the winter, polo goes to Denton pool in Newcastle for the training. There are league competitions on in the winter which are usually held at Darlington.