Water Activities
Canoe Club
The Club was established in 1975 by the member groups of the original Southampton West District. It is currently based at the 25th Southampton Scout H.Q. at Crosshouse Public Hard on the tidal section of the River Itchen, just upstream of the Itchen Bridge.
The Club is primarily funded by each member group, who pay an annual subscription and this enables their participating Cubs and Scouts, including City District Explorers to use the Club facilities at a very reasonable session fee.
Currently the member groups include the follows:- 1st,2nd,7th, 9th,11th,13th,14th,22nd,25th & City District Explorers.
Our prime aim is to introduce and promote the activity of Kayaking and Canoeing to Scout members of Southampton City District. We have a number of excellent volunteer whom are BCU qualified Coaches willing to give their time freely and pass on skills in safety.
The Club can provide a number of different BCU courses for most age groups, from an introduction single evening session for beginners to an advanced skill’s course. In addition we can arrange troop evenings afloat and evenings for the older members of Cub Packs.
Day trips on the water can be provided for those with a minimum of intermediate skills.
The Coaching Team provides canoeing activities at District events, such as District Camp and Wye Valley Camp.
All boating equipment is provided including Lifejacket/Buoyancy Aid, which must be worn at all times.
It is important that all participants wishing to go afloat can swim. It is imperative that members of Southampton City District pass the District Swimming Test prior to going afloat.
The Club can provide, if space is available, kayaking/canoeing activities for other Scout or Guide Members outside of our own District, at a very reasonable cost.
A programme including session fees are published in February of each year.
For futher details please contact the Club through the following e-mail: canoeclub@southamptoncityscouts.co.uk
Courses Available
Paddle Power Start
This award is for beginners who wish to try the sport in one session. A BCU certificate will be awarded on completion of this session. Mon or Tues or Wed evening 18:30 to 20:30. Sessions to commence in May.
Scout Activity Badge - Paddle Sport +Part of Scout Adventure Challenge Badge
1 Star - Paddle Power Passport (For Beginners)
This course will contain the basic skills of KAYAKING and a short evening trip. Mon or Tues or Wed or Thurs evening 18:30 to 20:30. Courses commence April. Duration 6 weeks. Later courses will commence June, subject to demand.
2 Star / Paddle Power Discovery ?(For Intermediates)
Suitable for Scouts and Explorers who have 1 Star / Paddle Power Passport. This course will contain paddle skill elements for both KAYAK and CANOE, including rescue and safety work. It will also involve two separate day or half day trips to be run on a weekend. Explorers who achieve this award will qualify for the Paddle Sport Activity Badge. Cost to cover transport on trips will be additional to session fee Tues or Thurs evenings 18:30 to 20:30. Courses commence in April. Duration 10 weeks plus a test.
3 Star Touring (For Advanced) (Age 14+)
This course will provide the advance skills to handle a KAYAK or a CANOE. It includes support strokes, rescue techniques & weekend day trips. Cost to cover transport on trips will be in addition to the session fee. Thurs evenings18:30 to 20:30. Course commences in April. Duration 10 weeks (min) plus test.
Weekly Fee For Each Session On All Above Courses
Weekly Fee For Each Session On All Above Courses £3.00 - for member groups (1st, 2nd, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 22nd, 25th & City District Explorers). £7.00 - for non-member groups (Scouts or Guides only). BCU Paddle Power Progress cards and star test pass certificate fees will be in addition to the above fees and payable direct to BCU.
Day Trips
Leisurely paddle tours can be arranged, to explore local rivers and harbours. This is available for those who have paddling skills. If you have an interst in this please indicate on the application form. For application forms contact the email address below. You will then be kept informed about trip dates and details. Cost of each trip will depend on transport & parking cost. Min experience requirement - 1 star / Paddle Power Passport.
The BCU Paddle Power Start or Passport Course can be arranged specifically for Cubs aged 10 and above.
BCU Paddle Power Progess Cards and Star Test Certificates are available for each course.
Personal Kit Requirement: Old trainers, nylon lightweight anorak, swim wear, T-shirt, shorts, jumper & towel. Wet suit and waterproof trousers are optional.
Parents and leaders are welcome to book on these courses, subject to availability.
Applicants who previously attended last years courses, but did not complete the course, should book on the appropriate course to finish their training.
Bookings can only be accepted via a leader using the email address below.
Please do not delay as we will not be able to start your course until we have sufficient numbers.
Email:canoeclub@southamptoncityscouts.co.uk