Club weekly pool session every Wednesday evening.
Also open to the general public.
Newcomers are welcome to come along and try kayaking, and be shown basic safety procedures. Club members and experienced guests are encouraged to practice and improve their paddling technique.
Those over 16 must be able to swim 50 metres fully clothed. Children between 12 - 16 years old are welcome as long as they are able to swim 25 metres, and accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the session.
All equipment is provided. You just need to bring your fee, a swimming costume, synthetic T-shirt. A towel and a 20p piece for the locker.
Please register with John or Guy who organise the sessions
Beginners The primary role of our pool sessions is to complete safety capsize drills in preparation for safe paddling with the Club on the Thames. We also introduce newcomers to basic paddle strokes If you haven't kayaked before, or have only done the occasional paddle, this the perfect place to give it a try in a relaxed session. You can try out the boats and experience paddling in a warm controlled environment. If you are new to paddling, we need to take you through safety drills, rescue procedures and basic skills before going out on the Thames. We cannot allow you paddle on the Thames with us until you have successfully completed them. Normally after 3 pool sessions, newcomers have made sufficient progress to paddle with us on the Thames. See attached below is our skills summary you will be taken through. We check that you can safely get out of your kayak in case of a capsize. This is very easy, but it's essential that you have the confidence to do this in the event of a capsize on a river or in the sea. You may find this video helpful.
3 stages of training
Once the above is completed we can offer advice and assistance on advanced rescue skills and rolling. Experienced PaddlersWe use our pool session to check newcomers with prior experience are competent to paddle with us on the Thames. Come along to the pool to improve your paddling skills and rolling. The pool is very useful to practice safety and rescue moves and advanced strokes. If you have any particular skills that you wish acquire please ask us at the beginning of the session. | At the sessionOnce changed, go into the pool area, and turn right to the end of the pool. The boats are stored in a secure area outside the back door. We will help you choose a suitable kayak, spray deck and paddle. If you are new, someone will help you adjust the kayak before getting onto the water. |
