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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
winter
course starting
13th
October
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 -
Winter
2026
Boat control and foundation skills, paddling skills development, safety and
rescues
£150 for the course
This gives 10 sessions as below AND
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: Paignton Canoe Club - Join us
Please DO NOT complete membership application until you have been accepted and
your place confirmed. |
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