LEARN
Adult Learner Courses
Adult Beginners
Are you interested in learning to kayak (double-bladed paddle) or canoe (single-bladed paddle)? Curious about competitive paddle sports? Or perhaps you’re looking to join a vibrant and active sports club? Richmond Canoe Club is the perfect place to start!
Paddling at Richmond Canoe Club is a unique experience—it’s enjoyable, relaxing, fulfilling, and challenging all at once. We welcome individuals of all ages who are eager to take up kayaking or canoeing. Whether you’re aiming to compete or simply want to enjoy paddling as part of a supportive community, we’d love to hear from you.
Start Your Paddling and Racing Journey at Richmond Canoe Club
Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of racing kayaking? Richmond Canoe Club offers Adult Introduction to Racing Courses from April to October. These courses are perfect for complete beginners or those with some prior paddling experience (e.g., white water kayaking).
Each course includes:
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Four water-based sessions
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Two indoor technique sessions on paddle machines
The sessions typically take place on Saturday afternoons, Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings, though exact timings may vary.
Upcoming Course Dates:
Courses run throughout the spring and summer. Please keep your eye on the website and socials for the next courses.
If you want to be notified, please leave your email here
Course fees
Only £195 for six sessions
Course Number | Start Date | Coach |
|---|---|---|
1 | 11 April 2026 | Gareth |
2 | 28 April 2026 | Alec |
3 | 31 May 2026 | Jemima |
4 | 20 June 2026 | Settimo |
5 | 04 July 2026 | Anna |
6 | 16 July 2026 | Alex/Neil |
7 | 11 August 2026 | Adam |
8 | 05 September 2026 | TBC |
Adult Learners
Are you interested in learning to kayak (double-bladed paddle) or canoe (single-bladed paddle)? Curious about competitive paddle sports? Or perhaps you’re looking to join a vibrant and active sports club? Richmond Canoe Club is the perfect place to start!
Paddling at Richmond Canoe Club is a unique experience - it’s enjoyable, relaxing, fulfilling, and challenging all at once. We welcome individuals of all ages who are eager to take up kayaking or canoeing. Whether you’re aiming to compete or simply want to enjoy paddling as part of a supportive community, we’d love to hear from you.
What you'll need
Before you start, you must be able to swim at least 100 metres fully clothed.
Wearing the right clothing is essential. Your gear should not absorb water if you fall in. If you don’t have water sports-specific clothing yet, we recommend the following based on the weather:
Footwear: Old trainers or plimsolls (you’ll likely stand in the river—your feet will get wet).
Bottoms: Tracksuit bottoms, leggings, or shorts (Avoid jeans or similar materials.)
Tops: T-shirt, sweatshirt, or thermal top.
Outerwear: Cagoule or a lightweight waterproof and windproof jacket.
Extras: A towel and a change of clothes for after your session.
Please inform your coach of any medical conditions before paddling.
Book Your Lesson Here
We can't wait to show you the ropes! Choose your preferred dates and times in the link below
Membership
Once you’ve successfully completed the novice courses, you can apply for full club membership.
New members must be signed off by their coach, and all applications are subject to formal approval by the Committee. If you have questions, speak with your coach or our membership secretary.
Want to Visit Before Enrolling?
If you’re unsure whether racing kayaking or Richmond Canoe Club is right for you, why not pay us a visit?
If you want to find out more about the course before signing up, you can come down to the club to speak to one of our coaches. You can come down any Saturday at 4.30 pm, when we’ll have got off the water from our novice sessions, so you can talk to our coaches and also chat with people who are currently on one of our courses or have recently graduated and joined the club. You’re welcome to come down to the club at other times of the week, but we can’t guarantee that there’ll be a coach to talk to. If you haven't been down for a chat, please enter 'didn't visit' on the form when you're asked for the name of the coach you saw.
Paddling with Richmond Canoe Club isn’t just about racing—it’s about becoming part of a vibrant community and experiencing some of the most rewarding events of your life!
