water activities
Dive into Adventure and Growth!
Introduction
The UK has some quite spectacular locations and scenery hidden amongst our vast network of inland waterways, unfortunately without a boat (or perhaps gills) we have somewhat limited access to these areas.
Alleviate these restraints by choosing a water-based activity. We can then provide an opportunity to immerse yourself in a truly wonderful environment. The UK has over 4,000 miles of canal networks, some 40,000 lakes and over 100 navigable rivers, each with its unique characters, stories, history and wildlife – we will be able to find an environment that suits your needs; whether it be calm and serene or some wild water!
Water-based activities are a great all-inclusive experience, our instructors are extremely knowledgeable and can assist you with any additional needs you may have. We will adapt our practices and our equipment as much as possible to accommodate your physical, cognitive or emotional needs.
Trips & Experiences : Staffordshire
Perfect for Beginners!
Our 2-hour have-a-go sessions are ideal for trying open canoes, sit-in kayaks, or paddleboards. We provide all equipment, including wetsuits, for adults and children 10+.
Canoes seat 2-3 people, while kayaks and paddleboards are solo crafts. Led by an experienced coach, you’ll explore the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal with tailored instruction, games, challenges, or a mini journey. Fun and flexible for all!
Explore Rudyard Lake
Enjoy a 2-hour taster or extend to 4 hours for a full lake experience. Take a lap or two, picnic on the north shore, sip hot chocolate, or build your skills.
Our trips are tailored to your group—just let us know your preferences!
Explore Rudyard Lake
Starting at Canalside Camping, we paddle the Staffs/Worcs Canal past Tixall Wides and Tixall Gatehouse. After a 50m portage at Tixall Lock, we reach the River Sow, a peaceful stretch rich with wildlife, including kingfishers.
At Essex Bridge, a 100m transfer brings us back to the canal for a short return to our starting point. A brief but beautiful journey!
Paddle to the Pub – A Scenic Adventure!
The Big Loop – A Full-Day Adventure
Combine our Short Loop and Paddle to the Pub routes for a 12km mini-expedition! Starting and ending at Canalside Camping (near the farm shop and café), this trip includes canal-river transfers, three 50m portages, and the option for a pub stop.
We provide all equipment and a fully qualified coach to guide, assist, and offer paddling tips throughout this exciting day out.
Training and Development: Your first Steps
Paddle Start
Paddle Discover
Paddle Explore
Advancing your skills
The Personal Performance awards are Discipline Specific Awards that, with our help and guidance, will allow you to develop your personal paddling and decision making skills in a craft and environment of your choice.
The Personal Performance Awards are available in every craft and every environment, the awards are based on your learning, encouraging you in your personal development.
Conquer open water, rivers and estuaries with new skills designed for park and play fun, short trips, full days out and multi day trips.
Safety
We honestly believe that water-based activities should be available to all, but we also want everyone to stay safe.
Large bodies of open water, rivers and the sea all offer dangers to be navigated carefully, some dangers may be obvious, others are more subtle requiring additional knowledge and understanding. This, in addition to environmental conditions (strong winds, differing river levels, temperature) can have an overwhelming effect on your safety and enjoyment if not taken seriously. We also recognise that sometimes accidents happen and injuries occur.
Can you honestly say you will know what to do if the worst were to happen?
We can provide water safety training, specific to your needs and specific to your craft.
paddle safety and rescue course
Paddle Safer
The NEW Paddle Safer course is designed for new and novice paddlers wanting to gain knowledge and raise their awareness of paddling safely in a sheltered water environment in or on the craft they paddle.
This two-hour training course covers a range of topics, encouraging you to consider where you paddle and the equipment you use, and providing practical solutions if you encounter difficulty.
Typical craft for the Paddle Safer Course include kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, sit-on tops and inflatables.
This course is suitable for all ages and great for individuals, families and groups wanting to expand their safety practices when on the water.
If you commit to any of our Personal Performance awards, we will include the 2 Hour Paddle Safer award at no extra cost.
Taster Sessions, Families & Groups
Open Canoes: Versatile & Accessible
Kayaks: Versatile and Beginner-Friendly
Kayaks are typically solo crafts (with tandem options available) designed for various paddling disciplines. Their easy manoeuvrability and resistance to the wind make them ideal for beginners.
With skill and training, kayakers can explore scenic rivers, conquer whitewater, navigate waterfalls, and take on the ocean.
Raft Building: Fun & Teamwork
Raft building is a hands-on activity where you create a fully functional floating vessel from limited materials. Popular for its fun, team-building nature, it’s often used in educational programs focused on personal development and collaboration.
Paddleboarding: Adventure Made Easy
Paddleboarding is one of the most accessible adventure sports, perfect for all skill levels. Stand, kneel, sit, or lie on the board—progress at your own pace and find your comfort zone.
With practice, you can safely explore lakes, rivers, and even the ocean.
