What should I wear and bring with me?

Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing suitable for water activities. A wetsuit may be useful in colder months, but in summer, lightweight sportswear or thermal layers work well. You should also bring: Sturdy footwear (water shoes or old trainers) A towel and a change of clothes Lunch and snacks for the day A water bottle Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen) if the weather is warm

Paddle UK Paddle Explore Award in Somerset (River Avon)

Gain confidence on the water and develop the skills needed to paddle independently with this two-day course. Whether you prefer kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding, the training will help you refine your technique, understand water conditions, and plan safe journeys. With expert guidance, you'll build the knowledge and confidence to explore different waterways safely.

Key Details

Duration: 2 days
Time: 9am to 5pm both days
Age: 16+
Group Size: 1-10 people
Location: Somerset (exact venue confirmed upon booking)

Key Skills

Understanding different paddling environments (rivers, lakes, canals, estuaries)
Controlling and manoeuvring a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard
Safe and effective journey planning on the water
Choosing the right clothing and equipment for different conditions
Awareness of other water users and how to share the space safely

What to Expect

Over two days, you’ll take part in structured training designed to improve your paddling ability and build independence on the water. The first day focuses on technique, covering essential strokes, balance, and manoeuvring. You’ll also learn how to assess water conditions, choose appropriate equipment, and identify potential hazards to make informed decisions while paddling.

On the second day, you’ll put your skills into practice with a planned journey, navigating a route and adapting to real-world conditions. This includes practising group awareness, adjusting techniques for different environments, and learning self-rescue methods. By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence to paddle independently and safely.

Please use the booking form below to select your date and craft.

Location

This course takes place at a venue in Somerset, likely on the River Avon. The exact location will be confirmed upon booking to ensure the best conditions.

The venue offers a mix of sheltered and gently flowing water, creating an ideal setting for developing paddling skills.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites, but some previous paddling experience is recommended. Attending a Try Kayaking, Try Canoeing, or Try Paddle Boarding session, followed by a Paddle Discover one-day course, can help build confidence before taking part.

Why Choose Us

With decades of experience in outdoor education, the centre provides high-quality adventure training in a supportive and professional environment. Their expert instructors tailor the sessions to suit individual needs, ensuring every paddler develops at their own pace.

Courses are designed to be engaging and practical, blending technical skills with hands-on experience. Whether you're looking to refine your technique or gain the confidence to paddle independently, this course offers a solid foundation for safe and enjoyable paddling.

Professional instruction from qualified paddling coaches

Use of kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards

Safety equipment, including buoyancy aids and helmets

Two full days of structured training on the water

Guidance on journey planning and self-rescue techniques

Transport to and from the venue

Food and drinks

Accommodation

Personal clothing and footwear suitable for water activities

Simply select the date you wish to book from the available options on the booking form. Once you choose a date, the available craft options (kayak, canoe, or paddleboard) for that session will be displayed underneath.

If you have any issues or need assistance with the form, feel free to contact us via the adventuro chat below.

No formal experience is required, but some prior paddling knowledge is recommended. If you’re completely new to the sport, attending a Try Kayaking, Try Canoeing, or Try Paddle Boarding session, followed by a Paddle Discover course, can help you feel more confident before joining.

This course is designed to help paddlers develop their skills further and become more independent on the water.

You can choose to complete the course using a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard.

If you’re unsure which craft is best for you, instructors can provide advice based on your goals and experience level. All necessary equipment, including boats, boards, and paddles, will be provided.

The course will go ahead in most weather conditions, including light rain and wind. However, if conditions are unsafe due to extreme weather, such as strong winds or storms, we may need to reschedule or move the session to a more sheltered location.

You will be contacted as early as possible if any changes are necessary.

Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing suitable for water activities. A wetsuit may be useful in colder months, but in summer, lightweight sportswear or thermal layers work well. You should also bring:

Sturdy footwear (water shoes or old trainers)
A towel and a change of clothes
Lunch and snacks for the day
A water bottle
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen) if the weather is warm

A basic level of swimming ability is recommended, as you will be on the water for most of the course.

You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but you should be comfortable floating and treading water while wearing a buoyancy aid, which will be provided.

Yes, successful participants will receive a Paddle Explore Award certificate, recognising their skills and understanding of safe paddling practices.

This can be a great stepping stone for those wanting to continue their paddling journey or work towards more advanced awards.

Accommodation is not included in the course, but there are a variety of options nearby. From local hotels and B&Bs to self-catering cottages, you’ll find several places to stay close to the venue.

We can provide recommendations based on your preferences and budget. Let us know via the adventuro chat below if you need any assistance with finding accommodation, and we’ll be happy to help!

This well-established outdoor centre in the Mendip Hills is known for delivering high-quality adventure activities and outdoor instructor training. Operating since 1987, it offers a wide range of land and water-based activities, including climbing, caving, paddleboarding, archery, bushcraft, disc golf, skiing, and tobogganing. Many of these take place at their flagship site, which also features a 165-metre dry ski slope, purpose-built target sports ranges, a private quarry for climbing and caving, and a dedicated watersports lake nearby. The centre works with individuals, schools, and groups, delivering outdoor education programmes that balance challenge, learning, and enjoyment. With a focus on safety, personal development, and progression, the team is made up of experienced, passionate instructors who lead everything from one-off taster sessions to full outdoor activity weeks. It’s also a leading provider of outdoor instructor training. Their Accelerated Outdoor Instructor Training (AOIT) course equips aspiring instructors with the practical skills, qualifications, and real-world experience needed to start a career in the outdoor industry. With over three decades of experience, a growing range of high-quality facilities, and a commitment to developing the next generation of outdoor leaders, this centre remains one of the South West’s most respected adventure and training providers.