Paddle Sports Adult 16 +
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Paddle Sports Adult 16+
Paddlesports offer something for everyone, young or old, for fun or for fitness. Whether you want to try touring, enjoy the stunning riverside scenery, the thrills of negotiating rapids or exploring coastline caves, we have the courses for you.
With canoes, kayaks and paddle boards available to try, you will learn all the basic paddlesport skills in the sheltered waters of Christchurch Harbour, then move onto some of our more challenging adventures.
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Adult Kayaking Taster Session
Experience Required: None
This session is a fun and exciting way for you to explore this fantastic sport in a short space of time. With a range of boats to choose from, your friendly instructor will help you every step of the way to feel comfortable on the water.
BCU1* Start
Experience Required: None
This is an ideal course for those with little or no experience of kayaking and canoeing. During your one day introduction you will get the opportunity to try different boats and take a short journey up the river.
The practical nature of the course gives a thorough introduction to paddlesports while working towards the BCU1* qualification, which is normally achievable within the period of the course.
BCU2* Improve
Experience Required: BCU1*
If you have already paddled an open canoe, a sit-on-top or even a sea kayak, this two day course will introduce you to a wide range of craft and allow you to practise techniques in both canoe and kayak.
It will enable you to become a more confident paddler, able to use a variety of techniques to skillfully manoeuvre different types of boats in all flat water situations.
The course works towards the BCU2* which will allow you to take part in more exciting adventures in your canoe or kayak as part of a group.
BCU3* Sea Training
Experience Required: BCU2*
This course offers an opportunity to learn the necessary skills to make journeys out to sea, including basic navigation and trip planning.
It takes place on the south coast and covers some wonderful scenery. Using our specialist sea kayaks this course is a great way for any 2* paddler to advance their kayaking.
We also offer the 3* Sea Assessment.
BCU3* Open Canoe Touring Training
Experience Required: BCU2*
This course explores river journeys in an open canoe. You will have the chance to discover the beautiful waterways around Christchurch whilst learning new skills and techniques, route planning and group management, enabling you to become an effective canoe paddler.
We also offer the 3* Canoe Touring Assessment.
Introduction to Sea Kayaking Trip
Experience Required: BCU2*
Starting in the harbour working on basic sea kayak techniques, this day builds up to a climax with the exciting opportunity to explore Christchurch’s iconic headland from a different perspective.
This trip is ideal for your first sea journey; always in sight of a landing spot you will gain experience, skills and confidence along the way.
This trip can count towards the BCU3* sea qualification.
Progressive Sea Kayaking Trip
Experience Required: BCU2*
For this trip we will take you to an exciting and challenging venue that will progress and test your skills. The venue will alter depending upon weather conditions, but it will be one of the following:
Trip 1:
Explore a breathtaking part of the famed ‘Jurassic Coast’ by sea. The trip starts from Lulworth Cove, one of the world’s most stunning coves, before venturing out to explore the caves and rock gardens towards the unique Durdle Door.
Trip 2:
Start your journey in Poole Harbour, the world's second largest natural harbour. Spend the morning playing in the tidal flow and exploring some of the five islands in the harbour then, if the weather allows, we'll progress further out towards the sea.
Transport to both locations from the Centre is included.
Both trips can count towards the BCU3*.
Foundation Safety and Rescue Training
We run a number of Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (FSRT) courses, and Level 1 and Level 2 UKCC coaching courses. Please contact the Centre for dates and details.