Having paddled a kayak or canoe is not essential for this First Step Open Canoeing Skills course. It is important that you are confident/comfortable in the water and can swim in a buoyancy aid.
↓ Course summary
Our ‘First Step’ courses are aimed at newcomers and are an ideal way to get a taste of life afloat. By the end of this First Step Canoeing Skills course you should be paddling your canoe confidently in sheltered water, have a good understanding of the principles of safe paddling and be ready to move on to the next level.
The day will be spent on the water enjoying a guided journey among the Islands on Strangford Lough. The final destination will be weather dependent.
Skills covered include boat selection and fit, forward paddling, turning, steering and balancing, and safety skills, such as equipment selection, what to carry afloat, what to wear and planning simple trips on the sea. We can also offer advice on equipment purchase and joining a club.
↓ Who is the course for?
This First Step Open Canoeing Skills is a one day course has been tailored for those wishing to give Open Canoeing a go for the first time or for those individuals wanting to get back into a boat after an extended break.
The canoe is the ultimate family friendly craft, so if you’re a parent or a couple keen to gain easy access to the water then look no further. Also if the freedom of simply slipping off the river bank and setting off down one of our world class canoe trail excites you then we look forward to welcoming you to the Centre on our next course.
Our equipment stores are by far the best around with a stock of over 100 boats from across the range of models - there are plenty to choose from! If you’re thinking of buying a boat come along and ‘try before you buy’ and also get unbiased expert advice from our staff on the most suitable equipment for you.
All you will need to bring is footwear for the water a long sleeved top for under your wet suit, swimsuit and a towel/toiletries.
Participants are encouraged to bring any personal equipment so they get the opportunity to be coached using the equipment they are most familiar with.
↓ What does my course fee include?
The First Step Open Canoeing Skills course fee includes necessary equipment, coaching and in course transport and a packed lunch. You may also wish to bring your own personal snack food for use during the course. You can fill a flask with tea or coffee at the Centre if required.
Accommodation:
Your course is a one day course, so accommodation is not provided. However, we do have changing rooms, showers and lockers available for your use.
We can offer you a nights' accommodation and breakfast either at the beginning or end of a course for an extra £26.50 per person. This is a great way to further enhance your time at Tollymore and savour the beautiful majestic setting that the Centre has to offer.
↓ Useful books and resources
BCU Canoe & Kayak Handbook – Published by Pesda Press
Current situation
As you are probably aware the current advice from the Northern Ireland Executive, Health Promotion Agency NI and Health & Safety Executive NI, as well as our expert group within Sport NI is that we cannot deliver any face to face courses for our customers including use of the Hot Rock Climbing Wall.
We know that you and many others like minded folk are very keen to get back on track with your plans to attend and complete a range of personal skills training and qualifications in a range of disciplines.
Believe us when we say we are equally keen to get outside with you and help you reach your goals and complete that journey.
How do we know? Because every day we get emails and phone calls asking when will courses resume and with every NI Executive mention of easing of restrictions the emails and phone calls are more frequent……
