Flatwater Kayak Racing Starter Session

Join us for a fun and supportive session for those new to kayaking and interested in starting the sport of flat water kayak racing with Ealing Canoe Club.

NOTE: All participants must be over 8 years old and able to swim 30 metres.

We will introduce you to the following skills needed to enjoy kayaking safely on flat water. Gaining the skills needed to start using a racing kayak normally takes about 3 or 4 starter sessions.

1. Forward paddling
   How to propel your kayak in a straight line and steer in the direction you want.
2. Stopping
   How to stop when moving forward, to avoid collisions.
3. Backwards paddling
   A continuation of the stopping technique to put your kayak into reverse to travel backwards.
4. Sweep strokes
   To turn your kayak when needed, and to help understand how to avoid turning when you want to go straight.
5. Draw Strokes
   Enabling you to move the kayak sideways.
6. Brace/Support Stokes
   To help stabilise yourself and your kayak in case of a wobble to avoid capsizing.
7. Self Rescue
   Get yourself and your boat safely to the bankside and out of the water after a capsize.
8. Kayaking equipment
   Understand and use the essential kayaking equipment.
9. Water Safety
   Develop water safety awareness and confidence on the water.

We will start you in a stable beginner kayak and as your skills improve our instructors will assess when you are ready to progress to a racing kayak, to club membership and our regular club group sessions.

All our instructors and coaches are volunteers with many years of flat water kayaking and racing experience and enjoy helping and supporting others to enjoy and progress in the sport.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR KAYAKING

Always bring a change of clothes and towel as you will get wet. We have changing facilities on-site in our club house.

Suitable Clothing: Synthetic fabrics such as workout or gym gear are best as they don't absorb much water and therefore don't get much heavier when wet.

Footwear: Water/beach shoes are best as thinner soles allow better contact with the kayak's footrests which greatly helps in controlling the kayak. Trainers are not recommended as they have thicker soles and are bulkier.
Sandals, Crocs and other loose fitting shoes are NOT suitable.

Be prepared for the weather conditions. If it is sunny, ensure you have a hat and sunscreen. If it is cold, windy or raining it's advisable to wear more layers and/or a thin waterproof jacket.

For more information about our club and the sport, please visit our website via the link below:

Ealing Canoe Club Website