Beginners Kayaking Course
(Half Day) – Carlisle 

Overview
This course will look at basic kayak handling skills; paddling forwards, backward, stopping, turning, etc. as well as an introduction to safety on the water. By attending this course you will be getting the basics right at an early stage which will help you have a safer and more enjoyable time on the water when venturing out in the future.

We use general purpose and river kayaks for our beginner courses as these offer the best way to teach skills and techniques that you can use in any type of kayak in the future.

The skills learned here are transferable to Sit on tops, sea and touring kayaks as well as general purpose and whitewater kayaks.

The Venue: Talkin Tarn Near Brampton

Previous Experience & Other Requirements
Minimum age is 8 years old for half day courses and 10 years old for full day beginners courses. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You must be able to swim 25m in light clothing.

How to book and payment
Payment is required in full in advance for all courses. It is not possible to accept payment on the day and your place will not be confirmed until payment has been made.

Course Dates 2012

Saturday 28th April 2012

Saturday 12th May 2012

Saturday 26th May 2012

Saturday 9th June 2012

Further Information
Beginners Kayaking Course – Carlisle

What to bring

  • On the water you will need to wear warm and light weight clothing, you could potentially get wet.

  • Lightweight footwear/trainers

  • Leggings/tracksuit bottoms

  • Fleece or thermal top to wear under the spray top we provide

  • Any medication you may need

Off the water you will need

  • Spare change of clothing & footwear

  • Towel

Directions
The Courses at Carlisle are run at Talkin tarn near Brampton and is sign posted from the roundabout

From the Brampton roundabout on the A69 head towards Brampton and take the first right sign posted to Talkin tarn follow the road til you reach a crossroads and turn right. Follow the road til you go over the railway line and take the next left to the Tarn car park

Parking At the tarn is £1 for the Day

Further Directions can be found here

Who runs the course?
We use a variety of qualified and experienced coaches and guides to run our courses and trips. All are trained, qualified and experienced in the type of canoeing or kayaking offered and are also first aid qualified. We may also have trainee instructors working on our courses with us to gain valuable experience. 

INSTRUCTOR / PARTICIPANT RATIOS
Maximum 1 instructor/guide to max 6 participants for this course. to give great feedback, but still retain a group feel

Timings
Half day courses run from 10am to approximately 1pm

Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time. You should be finished and ready to leave at the finish times shown.

What is NOT included

  • Transport to and/or from the venue 

  • Personal Activity Insurance cover - We strongly recommend that you take out your own policy for activity insurance. 

Equipment
Equipment is provided unless stated otherwise. You are welcome to use your own equipment if preferred. Equipment for our beginners course includes kayak, paddle, Spraydeck, Buoyancy Aid and waterproof spray Top.

Please contact Carlisle direct for booking either carlisle@brookbank.co.uk or 01228 531703

Other Opportunities.

we have regular wednesday evening paddles once a fortnight, as well as pool sessions