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Beginner & Improver Courses
Welcome to the Cherwell Canoe Club Beginner and Improver Course booking page. Here you will find all the information needed to make a booking and prepare for your course.
Course Venue & Outline
All courses are held at the Woodgreen Leisure Centre outdoor pool in Banbury on Wednesday evenings over five consecutive weeks. They are led by British Canoeing qualified coaches and include the use of all equipment and facilities.
Beginner courses are suitable for all, and cover the basic skills you need to get started in a safe, sheltered environment. The Improver course is aimed at those who have previously completed a Novice course or have equivalent prior experience and looks at developing basic skills and working towards becoming a more independent paddler.
Clothing
Please wear clothing suitable for getting wet in and bring a change of clothes. If you have one, a lightweight windproof cagoule is useful for cool / breezy conditions. Bouyancy aids and helmets will be provided by the club and must be worn by all participants.
Pre-Requisites
The minimum age for attendance is 9 years with a minimum height of 135 cm or 4 ft 5 inches (to ensure you fit properly in a boat). Applicants must be able to swim a minimum of 25 metres in normal canoeing attire.
After the Course
On completion of the 5 week course a river trip lasting approximately 2-3 hours will be offered. This will normally be on a Saturday or Sunday at Stratford-upon-Avon or Oxford although the date and location are subject to change dependent on water levels. Attendees are responsible for arranging their own transport to and from the river trip.
Club membership until the end of our membership year is also included in the course fee, enabling you to join future club pool sessions and trips. To benefit from this please ensure that you fill out a Membership Form once you have booked your course.
Under 18’s must be booked by their parent or guardian as parental consent is required.
Adults should not book for another adult (except on a Family ticket) as it will complicate things for both of you and for us. Thank you.