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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. 

We are now accepting bookings for the spring course starting 24^th February 2026.  Please 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 Paddle UK ‘Paddle Discover’ 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 Paddle Sport possibilities and responsibilities

The course starts with evening sessions in an indoor swimming pool where all the key skills are introduced in a safe and comfortable environment. Two of these sessions are extended to include1) theory of Personal Safety and 2) Group Safety & Trip Planning. Two later Saturday sessions are harbour based, 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 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 Paddle UK  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.

Whist we are able to enrol participants between the ages of 14 and 18, safeguarding processes will apply. Please contact us via the email address below for further information.

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. If you have a Torbay Parking permit that works at TLC .

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. Avoid parking on the harbour area. 

BEGINNERS AND IMPROVERS Kayak Course - Spring 2026 

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

 £150 for the course

This gives 10 sessions as below AND
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)

Plus Club membership until October 2026 AND a club rash vest

Eight sessions indoors at Torbay Leisure Centre (TLC) at Clennon Valley, Paignton and two sessions outdoors based at Brixham Harbour (near RNLI)

Session start times and locations as below. We finish at 10pm on Tuesdays, and at 4:30pm on Saturdays.

Winter 2026 Course

Changing rooms and showers are available at TLC

We operate under the Paignton Canoe Club rules and Paddle UK guidelines and with Torbay Leisure Centre. As such some specific details are subject to change out of our control.

For any queries please contact Tim Durrant coaching@paigntoncanoeclub.org.uk

If interested, please contact the coaching team to check availability before signing up at: www.paigntoncanoeclub.org.uk/JoinUs.html

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