Paddle UK Paddle Discover Award in Hewish, North Somerset

Take your paddling skills to the next level with this one-day course designed to enhance your technique and introduce you to self-guided paddling adventures. Whether you choose kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding, you’ll learn key skills for navigating various water conditions and handling your craft with greater confidence. The course focuses on improving your decision-making, safety awareness, and rescue techniques, giving you the tools to venture out on your own safely.

Key Details

• Duration: 1 day
• Age: 16+
• Group Size: 1-10 people
• Craft Type: Kayaking, Canoeing, or Paddleboarding
• Location: Hewish, North Somerset (exact venue confirmed upon booking)

Key Skills

• Decision-making in different paddling environments (moving rivers, canals, estuaries, harbours)
• Understanding weather and safety factors for self-guided paddling
• Equipment selection and preparation for various water activities
• Advanced paddling and self-rescue skills
• Developing confidence for independent paddling trips

What to Expect

Throughout the day, you’ll work on refining your paddling skills and gaining the confidence needed to plan and undertake self-guided trips. The course begins with a focus on improving your technique, whether you’re learning new strokes, enhancing your balance, or adjusting your paddling style for different water types. You’ll then move on to decision-making, where you’ll learn to assess water conditions, weather, and potential hazards to make informed choices during your paddling adventures.

In the afternoon, the course takes a more practical approach, where you’ll plan a short trip, learning how to safely navigate, choose the right equipment, and handle various water challenges. There will also be time spent on rescue techniques, so you feel prepared in case of emergencies. By the end of the day, you’ll have the skills to enjoy paddling independently, whether on a calm lake, a moving river, or along the coast.

Location

Hewish, North Somerset, is a great base for paddling, located close to a variety of beautiful and accessible waterways. The area offers a mix of rivers, canals, and estuaries, with options to paddle both sheltered and flowing waters. One of the main venues for the course is the nearby River Avon, known for its gentle currents and scenic surroundings. The river provides a calm environment perfect for building paddling skills while still offering a bit of challenge for more experienced paddlers.

In addition to the River Avon, participants will also have the chance to explore nearby waterways, such as the Kennet and Avon Canal, which is ideal for more relaxed paddling. The location offers the perfect opportunity to gain a solid understanding of how to handle different types of water and conditions, preparing you for future paddling adventures.

Prerequisites

No prior experience is necessary for this course, but it’s recommended that participants have basic paddling skills. If you're new to paddling, it’s useful to have attended a Try Kayaking, Try Canoeing, or Try Paddleboarding session beforehand to get comfortable with your craft.

Why Choose Us

With over 30 years of experience, the centre offers expert-led courses that ensure you develop paddling skills at your own pace in a safe, supportive environment. Instructors are highly qualified, with a focus on making learning both enjoyable and practical, allowing you to progress confidently.

The centre’s commitment to high-quality outdoor education ensures that every session is well-organised, hands-on, and tailored to the needs of each participant. Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your paddling journey or simply refine your skills, this course provides the foundation for successful self-guided adventures on the water.