Canoeing and Kayaking

Canoeing and Kayaking in AOAC

Want to get away from the crowds and experience a new way to access the great outdoors? Feel restricted on land or have an urge to get wet, then why not try canoeing or kayaking?

Paddlesport in AOAC currently encompasses placid and white water touring, coastal sea kayaking and kayak and wave ski surfing.

Our members might enjoy the exhilaration of white water and surf or perhaps take a more relaxed approach, having chance wildlife encounters on a picturesque river or a coastal sea trip. Whatever your tastes, AOAC can help you meet your paddlesport aspirations.

We cater for the complete novice and equally welcome those with prior experience. During the summer months we run ‘Taster’ sessions and a programme of British Canoe Union qualification courses that can help you achieve the standard needed to take part in some of our more adventurous trips.

Summer courses are run over weekends and evenings at venues around Bristol under the watchful eye of one of our BCU qualified instructors. Experienced paddlers will usually be practising their skills at the same time and sessions are invariably finished off with a sociable excursion to the pub, to meet old friends, make new ones and swap tall-tales of daring do!

Throughout the year we run a full programme of weekend trips to a variety of UK locations and in recent years some of our members have taken part in longer excursions to places such as France, Bavaria and the Scilly Isles. Naturally, the rivers and coasts of the South West and Wales see regular visits from AOAC paddlers, both on organised formal trips or with like-minded people just getting together to go boating.

Of course we couldn’t run our activities without the help of our members. Some people organise or help run events, while others give their time as instructors, leaders or as peer-group mentors. Everybody joins in and lends a hand in one way or another, from coaching to cooking your efforts will be very much appreciated and help to make AOAC activities run smoothly and safely. If you want to be an instructor or leader the club may also provide financial support towards the cost of your qualifications.

The club has a comprehensive fleet of craft, available for hire to suitably experienced members or for novices as part of their introductory course. If you want to buy your own equipment we enjoy some good discounts with local suppliers and our more experienced members are always happy to provide advice and guidance to help you make the right choice.  

Contacts

If you would like to know more please feel free to drop our Canoeing and Kayaking Coordinator an email [email protected]