About
This will be a two hour session covering the basics of how to paddle safely using Sit-on-Top Kayaks. Topics covered will include; trip planning; choosing safe areas to paddle; forecasting; equipment selection, sizing and set up, personal paddling skills, efficient forwards paddling, self and peer rescues, what to carry; and more.
Ideal for anyone who has just bought (or is considering buying) a Sit-on-Top Kayak. We have kayaks for you to use, or you are welcome to bring your own.
Link to more information about the Paddle Safer award: https://gopaddling.info/paddle-safer/
*Suitable too for anyone planning to enter this year's FEARmanagh competition.
CHOOSE FROM 2 START TIMES: 9:30am OR 12:30pm
Visit link for full details and to book tickets: https://bit.ly/SoT3rdAug930am
Coached by our friendly and experienced coaching staff, this course is the perfect way to begin and to ensure you have the basics right.
Prerequisites
This course is suitable for people with no paddling experience or those that have completed one of our multicraft Learn to Paddle courses and wish to progress on to independent paddling.
We recommend that participants should be at least 14 years old; eager to develop their skills and willing to engage in coached exercises. The ability to swim is not required.
We will provide all the paddlesport equipment you need; kayaks, spraydecks, paddles, buoyancy aids and helmets.
The only thing we can't supply is your personal paddling wear. Wear a wetsuit if you have one, or normal outdoor sports clothes; fleeces or tracksuit and top, shoes to get wet and a waterproof coat.
You must bring a full set of dry clothes, shoes and a towel.
Facilities
We meet at the back of the Lakeland Forum and it is public access to drive round and drop off, or park there (space permitting).
For these sessions most people find it best to arrive ready to go paddling.
Afterwards, you can change at your car, or drive straight home. For changing at your car (as many paddlers do), a changing towel and mat to stand on make this a much easier and discreet process. Or some prefer stay in their paddling kit and use a large bin liner to sit on in the car, and change at home. We do recommend that you shower soon after paddling.
Alternatively, normal public toilet and changing facilities are available in the Lakeland Forum, for a small fee. Please pay at reception when you go in and remember to allow plenty of time for this.
General Information
Our courses and events are open to all. You do not need to be a member to book.
We aim to be as inclusive as possible. If you have any additional needs please contact us before booking to see how we can accommodate you.
