We’re based at the Basingstoke Canal Centre in Mytchett and love to get involved in all forms of paddling.
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Membership of the BCCC provides various benefits for both experienced and newer paddlers. At times, due to high demand, we may be unable to offer membership to beginners.
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Take a look at the events happening this month, including trips, training courses, shindigs and more…
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One of the our main activities is marathon racing and we enter regional events (called Haslers) throughout Spring and Summer.
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All the latest updates on our upcoming trips, down rivers, across the sea and through the rapids.
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We offer a wide range of adult & children’s courses from our base in Mytchett. See our training page for details.
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The Basingstoke Canal Canoe Club is a family club offering a broad base of disciplines within canoeing and kayaking. The club encourages paddling for all ages and abilities.

Aspirant paddlers with no experience or minimal experience (ie: a few days on a sit on top on holiday) will need to gain some training, preferably in a closed cockpit kayak. This may be possible with our club, although, as demand for beginner's courses currently far outstrips our capacity, it may be much quicker to gain basic skills, preferably in a closed cockpit kayak, at one of our neighbouring commercial centres:
Hawley Lake Sail Training Centre:
https://www.hawleylake.org.uk/catalogue/categories/adult-kayaking-taster-courses#listings
Horseshoe Lake Activity Centre: https://horseshoelakeactivitycentre.co.uk/product-category/training-courses/
You should then join the club for an introduction and be assessed, which will include a supervised capsize in a closed cockpit kayak.
Experienced paddlers or those with a degree of competence can simply arrange an introduction / assessment. You will then gain access to club facilities. Contact either b3cmembership@hotmail.co.uk
or
B3C.coaching@gmail.com.
Find out more about our training courses.

Of course! Our members’ interests range from racing to sea kayaking and touring, open canoe and whitewater paddling. We’re cetain that you’ll find some like-minded people to tackle the water with.

Saturday morning at 9am. This is particularly aimed at beginners. Dave Howie is happy for any member who would like to improve their forward paddling technique to contact him to arrange a one-one session using the ergo and a video analysis

Tuesdays and Thursdays 5.30-7pm. Over winter these are conducted by Dave in the barn as circuit training sessions using the two paddling ergos and other equipment to build up strength and stamina relevant to paddling.

You will be introduced to wing paddles which are more efficient when only forward paddling is required, as in racing boats. These usually come in two halves and are adjustable for length and angle of feather

When racing, a lightweight windproof cag is all that is required in most winter weather. A spraydeck not only keeps water out but also traps the warmth in the boat so heavy leggings are not required

Members represent the club at Hasler races in the region at Southampton, Reading, Marlow, Pangbourne, Oxford and Banbury. For newcomers to racing, a Div 9 event is only 4-5 miles and takes place in the morning allowing a more leisurely paddle after lunch on a different section of the river or canal. Parking and access to the water is provided and this would be a good day out for any club paddler. Taking part in the Div 9 race in a single K1 or double kayak or canoe would benefit the club and help BCCC qualify for the Hasler Final

1. Try out a different craft
2. Join club outings
3. Buy roof bars and j bars
4. Buy a buoyancy aid & paddle
5. Expand your wardrobe

Number 1: Before buying, try out the different craft the club has to offer. For example, once you have been briefed and assessed in racing boat techniques, you may fancy gliding off in a Hobby or Lance (two of the club’s beginner’s racing kayaks) perhaps entering the monthly Hare and Hounds trial over 2, 4, or 6 miles and see your times improve. Dave Howie, our race captain, will encourage you in good forward paddling technique safely. You do not have to race! Alternatively, try steadily building up your endurance in a touring sea kayak, to be ready to paddle further afield, inland or tidal. Rick Covell will help you prepare to explore. As a further option, try one of our open canoes. Brian Biffin is always happy to point you in the right direction. Having recently joined the club, when using club equipment, you need to be paddling as part of a club group or under supervision. This satisfies the rules governing your affiliation to British Canoeing through the Club.

Number 2: Whatever craft you decide to use, to benefit from your new skills, you should get out and paddle regularly. Throughout the year the club paddles on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday mornings, plus Thursday (summertime) evenings. Build up a degree of endurance in your chosen craft - as a guide, you should feel comfortable paddling the 4 miles to Ash Wharf and back within around 1.5 hours. You will now be ready to join us on the Thames, paddling St Patrick’s Stream, the River Wey loop near Guildford or the Kennet and Avon Canal above Reading. You will soon become interested in our tidal trips, such as exploring the pubs on the Hamble Estuary, discovering Poole Harbour or the Old Harry Rocks. These trips are advertised on the website in the diary.

Number 3: Although the club has a trailer, not everyone has a towbar. Planning a trip is much easier if you are able to bring a boat on your roof rack.

Number 4: Depending on the water you choose to navigate, you will soon discover which type of paddle you prefer. Some club members are willing to let you try out their paddles! Most people have specific preferences with buoyancy aids, a zipped pocket here for the (waterproofed) phone, a pouch there for a bag of sweets, and perhaps side pockets to warm your hands in while pausing. Above all, it must be comfortable for a full day’s paddling.

Number 5: If you limit yourself to summertime paddling, read no further!
In cool weather (around10c) it is quite remarkable how warm you get by paddling steadily and continuously. It is not the weather to stop and admire the wildlife too frequently. You need long-sleeved acrylic, moisture wicking thermal base layers such as Lifawear, Craft, Peak, Palm. Buy a windproof cag. For canoeing, some prefer the Rooster Aquafleece, which is not watertight but has a flock lining inside. For kayaking, when water is likely to run up your arms, a more expensive cag with sealed neck and cuffs is better. If you feel your activity may result in a capsize, a thin wetsuit longjohn (one without sleeves) is advisable. If you are likely to spend any length of time immersed, then go for a drysuit.
When the weather approaches freezing, look after the extremities: you will need a warm hat plus pogies, neoprene mittens or smittens for your hands. Sealskinz socks inside beach shoes will keep your feet warm.
If in doubt, ask around - everyone has different ideas for keeping warm.
Time to start compiling your Christmas wish list!

Unfortuately we don't provide a rental service, but our friends at the Basingstoke Canal Authority do. However, our members are entitled to use our boats once they fulfil some basic paddling requirements.
Find out more about membership benefits

Visit our FAQ page for more answers or contact us today and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!