Canoe / Kayak Training Courses

PCC Kayak Beginner/Improvers Training Courses

Our courses run October to December, and February to April and include Eight sessions in the comfort and safety of Torbay Leisure Centre Swimming pool plus two full days on the sea. 

The course starting October 2023 is now FULLY BOOKED.  We are now accepting bookings for the course starting February 2024.  Please get Contact Us if you are interested.

Course Aims

To provide a structured introduction to kayaking and paddle sports. The course is targeted to provide the students with the skill set to exceed the British Canoeing Award ‘Discovery’ syllabus in kayaking.  

At the end of the course students will have:-

  • A range of paddling and safe boat handling skills
  • Self and peer rescuing knowledge and ability
  • Awareness of good safe practices and key trip planning considerations
  • Understanding of PaddleSport possibilities and responsibilities

The course starts in an indoor swimming pool where all the key skills are introduced in a safe and comfortable environment. Two later sessions will be based from Torbay Harbours, where cold salty water, (small) waves and (light) wind are introduced. There is then space to experience longer sea boats, though the majority of course activities will typically be done using cross-over and river running/creek style boats.

The local environment outside the harbour will be used to provide an enjoyable context to develop accurate boat handling skills. The later sessions will include longer journeys providing the opportunity to explore coastal features that many Torbay residents are unaware of. If on the day conditions are inappropriate then the coaching will be harbour or shore based.

Assessment is done as formative and takes place continuously, thus ensuring coaching focuses on individual needs and development. If desired the club can issue appropriate British Canoeing Personal Performance Awards, though these may carry an extra charge. https://www.britishcanoeingawarding.org.uk/new-personal-performance-awards/

Students typically complete the course feeling confident, competent and enthused to join in Club events exploring South Devon and beyond. This facilitates paddler progression and development opportunities in a safe and friendly environment.

You must be at least 13 years old. Your parent/guardian must fill the form in unless you are at least 18 years old.

The form is here: http://www.paigntoncanoeclub.org.uk/JoinUs.html, but check there is a space before booking on.

You must be able to swim 25 metres fully dressed.

Dress - (Indoor sessions) You will need: T-shirt/shorts and swimming costume. Nose clips optional.  

A returnable £1.00 coin is needed for the changing room lockers. Pay and display parking at TLC. Torbay Council Parking permits may help https://www.torbay.gov.uk/parking/parking-permits/car-park-permits/

Dress - (Outdoor harbour sessions) You will need: Wetsuit with a warm inner layer, a windproof anorak, also wetsocks or shoes. Some footwear is essential for paddlesport. All sessions will include capsizes and rescues – so bring a hot drink with you for afterwards.

BEGINNERS AND IMPROVERS Kayak Course

Autumn 2023

Boat control and foundation skills, paddling skills development, safety and rescues

£150 for the course

This gives 12 sessions as below

This includes the use of a club kayak, paddle, spraydeck, buoyancy aid and helmet for the course.

You may be able to bring your own equipment, please discuss beforehand and inspection will be necessary

Also club membership until October 2024

Also a club rash vest

Session start times and locations as below.

Eight sessions indoors at Torbay Leisure Centre (TLC) at Clennon Valley, Paignton and

two sessions outdoors, one based at Brixham Harbour (near RNLI)

and one at Paignton Harbour near Paignton Sailing Club (PSC)

We finish at 9pm on Tuesdays, and at 4pm on Saturdays.

Day

Date

Start Time

Location

Notes

Tuesday

24th Oct

7:45pm

TLC

Meet pool side changed ready

Tuesday

31st Oct

7:55pm

TLC

Poolside

Tuesday

7th Nov

7:00pm

TLC

Personal safety session (dry) in the cafe before the pool session

Tuesday

14th Nov

7:55pm

TLC

Poolside

Tuesday

21th Nov

7:00pm

TLC

Trip planning and group safety (dry) session in the cafe before the pool session10

Saturday

25th Nov

0945am

Brixham Harbour

By the RNLI

Tuesday

28th Nov

7:55pm

TLC

Poolside

Tuesday

5th Dec

7:55pm

TLC

Poolside

Saturday

9th Dec

0945am

Paignton Harbour

By Paignton Sailing Club

Tuesday

12th Dec

7:55pm

TLC

Poolside

 

 

 

 

 

Changing rooms and showers are available at TLC and PSC. In exceptional weather circumstances the Harbour sessions may change, check email the day before.

We operate under the Paignton Canoe Club rules and British Canoeing guidelines, informed by government Covid information and requirements in play at the time and by the interpretation of Torbay Leisure Centre.

As such specific details are subject to change out of our control

For any queries or if interested please contact Tim Durrant on 0790 407 3923 or at tim.durrant1@gmail.com.

Please DO NOT complete membership application until you have been accepted and your place confirmed.