Pool Sessions

Our pool session are 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 contactless card to pay 30p for the locker.

You must register in advance with Guy who organises the sessions.

Contact Guy by email at: pool@putneybridgecc.co.uk

Newcomers

The aim of our pool sessions is to complete safety capsize drills in preparation for 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 is the perfect place to give it a try in a relaxed session. You can try out kayaks and experience paddling in a warm controlled environment.

We need to take you through safety drills, rescue procedures and basic skills before you go out on the Thames. We don’t allow paddlers on the Thames until they have successfully completed them. Normally after 3 pool sessions, newcomers have made sufficient progress to paddle with us on the Thames.

Skills summary

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

  • Basic safety and rescue in preparation for paddling on the river; wet exits, spray deck tests, ‘eskimo rescues’ and deep water rescues.
  • Basic paddling; forward paddling, emergency stops and reverse paddling, low brace support to avoid capsize, sweep strokes.
  • More advanced strokes, low brace turn and bow rudders, support strokes.

Once the above is completed we can offer advice and assistance on advanced rescue skills and rolling.

Experienced Paddlers

We 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 and advanced strokes. If you have any particular skills that you wish acquire please contact us before the session.

At the session

Please arrive at least 30 minutes beforehand to get changed.

Once 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.

Session Costs

Non members: £12
PBCC member: £10
Under 18, half price.

Start Time

20:00 – 21:00 every Wednesday throughout the year.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes beforehand at 19:30.
When finished do help us to store the kayaks and equipment.

Location

Janet Adegoke Centre
Bloemfontein Road
Shepherds Bush.
W12 7DB

Transport & Parking

There is good off-street parking inside the sports centre grounds at £2 for two hours.

Bus 283 runs past the Centre. Tube lines White City and Wood Lane are both are 12 minutes away by foot.