A Huntingdon Canoe Club Taster session and Introduction to Paddling. A great place to try out paddling. This is also a prerequisite for most New Members.
Take your first steps on the water and/or get to meet the club at this session at Huntingdon Canoe Club at Hinchingbrooke Country Park. A 2 hour introductory session to Paddlesport with qualified coaches.
We will cover all the elements of Paddle UK's Paddlesport Start Syllabus. For this session, we can offer a certificate from a qualified coach/leader, and there will be an optional sign-up sheet afterward. We will cover the basics such as safe moving of boats, getting in and out, paddling techniques and culminate with a journey around the lake. Details of the Start award can be found on the
Go Paddling website.
Date(s):
26th August May 2026 - 18:00 arrival for 18.15 start - Kayak or SUP (Note: Canoes can be used after taster sessions)
2nd September 2026 - 18:00 arrival for 18.15 start - Kayak or SUP (Note: Canoes can be used after taster sessions)
**The minimum
recommended age is 8yrs old and all participants under 18yrs must be accompanied by an adult.**
**Please book a slot for everyone who would like to attend.**
A note on weather: The weather is often changeable, though this season has seen less variability than most. Whilst a little bit of rain will not stop us, please note that we may have to cancel or rearrange the session if the weather is looking particularly bad for the date & time of the session. SUPs are more effected by the wind so we may as SUP Paddlers in particular to consider a kayak if winds are over 5-10mph depending on direction.
How to find the club can be found on our
Where We Are page. Though please bear in mind the construction work closing the path around the visitors centre. The session will be based on the main lake at Hinchingbrooke Country Park.
We will supply the basic kit you will need to learn to paddle including boats, buoyancy aids, paddles and spray decks (if applicable). Participants should wear quick-drying clothing and footwear they are happy to get wet. It is advised that all participants bring a towel and a change of clothing.
Limited changing facilities are currently available so please come dressed ready to paddle.
On completion of the course/session participants can join the club as members if they wish.
If you cannot attend this date, then please note we are looking to add other dates soon, as well as other courses (such as the Paddle Discover award). If you are not already on a waiting list, please contact the club through our contact form.