During the summer months (May through October) our main coaching activities are Saturday afternoon Club Sessions at Tyne Green, when everyone is welcome, and Wednesday evenings, which are for experienced paddlers and those who are participating in an organised course.
The Saturday afternoon sessions continue in the winter months when there is also a Friday evening session at Hexham Swimming Pool. Go to the Swimming Pool page for more information about these sessions.
Beginners are welcome to come to our Saturday afternoon sessions; do please, introduce yourself to the coach in charge who will arrange appropriate supervision for you. Beginners will find that the winter swiming pool sessions are particularly helpful for learning basic skils and practising rolls and rescues at the time of year when the river is not especially warm (!). Beginners must be able to hold a paddle and be confident in water. There are no age limits or stipulations about swimming ability.
The Saturday afternoon session starts at 1-00 at the Boathouse on Tyne Green, Hexham. We aim to be on the water at 1-30 and off by 3-30. Coaching is available at this session. Equipment can be provided for £1 per item. The session is dependant on river and weather conditions. Please wear clothes and footwear that you don't mind getting wet and bring a change of clothing, a towel and a warm drink. There is no charge for members; it costs £4 for adult non-members and £3 for child non-members.
Over the summer months, we will be running formal courses for beginners and improvers. These will be publicised at the Boathouse and by email to members. We also plan to hold a 'try an new discipline' taster session every month. This will give members the opportunity to try slalom, canoe polo, racing and anything else we can get hold of equipment and expertise for.
The Wednesday sessions are only for experienced paddlers or for those participating in an organised course. This is because we cannot guarantee a consistent coach presence on Wednesday evenings.The sessions run from 6-00 till 8-00.
All children and young people must be signed in to sessions by a responsible adult. If you bring a child, particularly to a river session, please don't leave until the coach in charge has confirmed that the session is suitable for your child. Please click here to download a copy of the Club Code of Conduct for Parents and Carers
Coaching resources
Here are a number of forms and resources for coaches (each one downloads and opens in a new window) :-
