Introduction Session
Our Introduction session (Likely on a Monday Evening) will be your first session as a club member and it will typically run alongside our regular session but with a dedicated coach.
To be able to book onto an introduction session, you must first join the club which will provide you with an annual membership, once you are joined then you will be able to see our events and book onto an Introduction session.
This introduction event takes place year-round. Between April and September it would be on specific Monday evenings at High Rid Reservoir on the same night as our regular session, although the introduction session may start a little earlier to accommodate more time for briefings, craft selections and fulfilling the criteria in order for you to attain a Paddle UK Start award. Over the winter months (October – March), the intro sessions would be on a weekend day, most likely a Sunday.
It will introduce you to some of the the clubs committee and coaches, talk about what the club does and then get you on the water in kayaks, canoes and/or Stand-Up-Paddleboards (SUPs).
Wetsuits, Buoyancy aids and cagouls will be provided, you just need to have additional clothing and trainers that can get wet. See our FAQ page for more info on what to wear.
For the introduction session, we will provide boats and paddles. We ask that on this occasion that you don’t bring your own craft (if you have one) unless this has been pre-arranged due to special requirements. For the introduction session, we typically use open canoes, Stand up paddleboards (SUP) and/or sit-on/Sit-in kayaks. Depending on the weather, alternative craft or setups may be utilised (such as rafted canoes).
This event is for Adults, Juniors and families. We have no age restrictions for membership however attendees would need to be able to swim 50m (in a t-shirt and/or with wetsuit/buoyancy aid), there is no set style or time limit but you must make reasonable progress to get from A to B. Participants must also be able to follow instructions and adhere to our code of conduct. You are not required to try all three craft and we will tailor the session based on the attendees and preferences. We do however require that you try at least one craft. The Start award that is usually achieved at the intro session covers basic craft management, including getting in/out and manoeuvring safely.
Please be aware that paddling is not allowed on High Rid outside of an official club session, whether a club member or not. The club offers a comfortable environment in which to enjoy water sports more safely and which we hope you can enjoy along side us.
Typical Agenda for the introduction session:
– Prompt start in (or beside) the classroom for an intro and safety briefing
– Get Kitted Up
– Try various craft alongside a Paddle UK qualified instructor
– De-kit and Debrief.
Click here for additional participant information.
Please note that spaces are limited and are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Introduction sessions are arranged on an ad-hoc basis depending on resources and spaces being available within the club. The club operates a constitution and code of conduct and we will accommodate any special requirements where feasible. Should our conditions not be met then the club reserves the right to revoke membership and any refunds in part or full will be at the clubs discretion. Start Award and access to regular sessions is only provided where the required paddle UK criteria for this award has been met. One introduction session is included in your first years membership, any subsequent sessions will follow our pricing structure for sessions and events.
If you have any questions then please see our FAQ’s and then if not answered, drop us an email and we’ll happily help.