Summer fun for children at Camp Phoenix, one of many clubs offering kayak and canoe activities during the summer holidays
Many clubs across London offer family friendly and children’s kayak and canoe adventures during the summer holidays.
Check out the Canoe London guide to family fun in the Capital this summer, and experience the fun of paddlesports with qualified, CRB checked instructors.
Camp Phoenix / Brent
In the west of London, Camp Phoenix provides a great escape into the outdoors with a range of fantastic water sport activities for children. You and your friends will have the chance to try out some really cool activities. It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends and build up your confidence with some exciting challenges.
Camp Phoenix offers half day, one day and up to five day sessions, including kayaking, canoeing, bell boating, dinghy sailing, windsurfing, sit-on tops, stand-up paddle boards, raft building, plus canoe polo, games, races, treasure hunts and short journeys. They are also offering BCU One & Two Star award, RYA Youth Sailing Stage 1 & 2 and RYA Youth Windsurfing Stage 1 & 2 awards.
Prices from £17 for a half day paddlesport session or choose a range of courses to make a full week of activity. Camp Phoenix also alsos offer early drop offs and late pick-ups.
See http://www.phoenixcanoeclub.co.uk/school-holidays-12/
Keeping cool at Camp Phoenix
Family Activity Festival at Westminster Boating Base / Central London
Westminster Boating Base are running a Family Activity Festival from Monday 5th to Thursday 8th August, 10.30 – 4pm daily. The festival includes canoeing and kayaking (over 10s only), powerboat and kayaking trips for the whole family, the chance to learn to sail, test your football skills or even go rock climbing.
See http://www.westminsterboatingbase.co.uk/
Fun Days at Islington Boat Club / Islington
Islington Boat Club are running Fun Days each Saturday in August, with narrowboat trips, pedalo’s, Bell Boat racing and BBQs. The sessions run from 11am to 5pm.
See http://islingtonboatclub.com/
Surrey Canoe Club’s Summer Uni / Staines, Middlesex
Surrey Canoe Club are running a summer ‘university’ of kayak and canoe sessions and river trips on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 5th August and 28th August, 10am to 4pm. Each session is a fun session where you learn new skills in a safe environment.
The sessions are aimed at parents and young people (min age 6 yrs old) regardless of ability or experience. You can earn qualifications including BCU Courses (BCU 1 Star & 2 Star, Paddlepower Passport & Discover) & a Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The cost is £20 per person per day and includes all equipment, coaching and insurance.
If you want to join in the fun see http://www.surreycanoeclub.co.uk/
Summer holiday fun for children of all ages at Surrey Canoe Club
Albany Park Canoe and Sailing Centre / Kingston
Albany Park have a wide range of water sports on offer for both young people and adults and is running a programme of activities throughout the summer for children aged 8-16.
Children can get to grips with activities including kayaking, open canoeing, bell boating, dragon boating, raft building and problem solving exercises.
Alongside kayaks and canoes, kids can learn sailing, mountain biking and even powerboating (over 10s only).
See http://www.kingston.gov.uk/browse/leisure/albanypark.htm
Holiday Splash Sessions at Fairlop Outdoor Activity Centre / Hainault, Essex
Fairlop Outdoor Activity Centre encourages young people to learn the skills involved in sailing and paddlesports. The sports are a great way for young people to participate in healthy outdoor activities that will stand them in good stead for the future.
The centre’s 2013 courses can be enjoyed by any young person between the ages of 8 and 16. They are also running special Holiday Splash Sessions, Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm. Children can take part in an exciting range of activities on and off the water with lunch provided. Early drop-off and later pick-up is available.
See http://www.vision-rcl.co.uk/water.pdf and http://www.vision-rcl.org.uk/fout_young_persons_courses.html
The Pirate Castle / Camden
The Pirate Castle, based on the Regents Canal in Camden, is running a mix of paddlesports and comedy workshops for children during the summer holidays. The one week courses will include acting, improvisation, stand up comedy, mask work, singing, video projects, kayaking, canoeing, bell boating and canal journeys
More information at http://www.thepiratecastle.org/?q=holidayscheme and http://thecomedyschool.com/summer.shtml
Kayaking, canoeing, comedy and much more at The Pirate Castle
Stubbers Adventure Centre – Family & Children’s Activities / Upminster
Stubbers are offering a great programme of holiday activities for 7 to 16 year olds. These exciting activity day and week options run during weekdays during the school holidays. Drop off after 8.30am, pick up between 4.30 and 6pm. There are activity options to suit everyone and a flexible programme to ensure that everyone will enjoy themselves!
See http://childrensactivitiesessex.co.uk/childrens-holiday-activities/
Moo Canoes / Limehouse
Hire a canoe and explore the local canals, or join the Moo Canoe staff on an exciting kayak trip on the Thames (over 16s only), visiting Tower Bridge or historic Greenwich.
See http://www.moocanoes.com./
London Kayak Tours
Commercial kayak trips on the Thames and London canal network. Suitable for ages 9 upwards.
See http://www.londonkayaktours.co.uk/
Kayaking London
Once a month, Kayaking London runs a Family’s Afloat session on the Thames, from Chelsea to Big Ben, for families with children aged 9 upwards.
http://www.kayakinglondon.com/familys_afloat.html
Family’s Afloat with Kayaking London – visit Big Ben with the kids, by river!
Other clubs and centres providing canoe and kayak activities for children and under-18s
Many other clubs run regular sessions which are open to under-18s, which will be operating during the summer holidays.
See the full list at http://canoelondon.com/canoe-lessons-for-children-in-london/
