Below is our interactive club calendar, which shows upcoming events for training courses and trips and expeditions, as well as upcoming social events. For more information on planned events, visit our Trips and Training pages.
We also run regular training sessions throughout the year:
Tuesday Mornings – Discover & Explore courses dependent on coach availability
Tuesday Mornings – coach supported recreational paddling
Tuesday Race training – 5:30 pm on the water – all year – Training Coordinator
Thursday evening (April – October) – 5:45 – Touring skills development
Thursday Race training – 5:30 pm on the water – all year – Training Coordinator
Saturday Race training – 9.00 am on the water except Hare and Hounds Days (usually the third Saturday of the month) – Training Coordinator
Paddlesport and Adult Courses
Tuesday evenings Adult courses Discover & Explore further information: – Training Coordinator
Paddle up the Thames to Henley to watch the regatta from the river. Contact Debbie Carpenter for more details.
20 mile trip with 20 portages. If you’re interested, contact Liz Murnaghan.
Please book yourself in using this order form and let Brian or Anne know you are coming.
This leisurely paddle along the beautiful Basingstoke canal is suitable for recently qualified 1 star paddlers in kayaks.
Meet at Barley Mow car park, next to the canal in Winchfield, Hampshire. The car park is diagonally opposite the Barley Mow pub (the pub’s postcode is RG27 8DE).
You will need to transport your boat to the start point. Don’t forget to bring a paddle and buoyancy aid. If you don’t have your own boat, you need to reserve a club boat in the diary. If you are not in a club boat then you need to buy a £3/day license from the Basingstoke Canal Authority or have British Canoeing membership.
Feel free to bring a picnic tea or snack including a drink as we will be stopping half way to eat our picnic. Consider that it will need to fit inside your kayak.
Places are limited so please contact Fiona Shipp to book.
Meet at Farnborough Road Car Park next to the canal. This is just off the slip road onto the A325 Farnborough (opposite side of canal to Runways End Activity Centre). The nearest postcode is GU11 2HJ, look out for the car park on your left on the slip road from the A323 (clubhouse road) to the A325.
You will need to transport your boat to the start point. Don’t forget to bring a paddle and buoyancy aid. If you don’t have your own boat, you need to reserve a club boat in the diary. If you are not in a club boat then you need to buy a £3/day license from the Basingstoke Canal Authority or have British Canoeing membership.
Feel free to bring a picnic tea or snack including a drink as we will be stopping half way to eat our picnic. Consider that it will need to fit inside your kayak.
Places are limited so please contact Fiona Shipp to book.
Meet at Colt Hill car park next to the canal in Odiham. The car park is diagonally opposite the Waterwitch pub on the far side of the canal over the bridge. The pub’s postcode is RG29 1AL.
You will need to transport your boat to the start point. Don’t forget to bring a paddle and buoyancy aid. If you don’t have your own boat, you need to reserve a club boat in the diary. If you are not in a club boat then you need to buy a £3/day license from the Basingstoke Canal Authority or have British Canoeing membership.
Feel free to bring a picnic tea or snack including a drink as we will be stopping half way to eat our picnic. Consider that it will need to fit inside your kayak.
Places are limited so please contact Fiona Shipp to book.
For more information on what this will entail, please contact Liz Murnaghan.
Unfortunately we have had to cancel this event due to the very poor weather forecasts. Very high wind gusts forecast would not have made for a safe trip. Sorry. This unusual opportunity to paddle the Thames without any tide is one not to be missed. Contact Debbie Carpenter for more information.
Our Annual General Meeting will be at our usual venue of Frimley Baptist Church. Due to a scheduling conflict, we have had to move the date to Friday 16th November (a week earlier than previously announced).
The evening will contain the usual mix of club updates and resolutions to vote on, before culminating in our highly-coveted awards presentation.
If you’re unable to attend, please can you let Matt Tichbon know.
Rick is planning a little Thames trip to see out the year, Hurley to Maidenhead on the 9th December. It will be a shuttle and the paddle is 7-8 miles. Get in touch with Rick if you want to find out more.
Bookings are now being taken for this year’s club Christmas meal – full menu here.
Two courses £14.80 / Three courses £18.80
Arrival from 7 PM for a 7:30 PM start. Contact Liz to reserve your place today.
Tuesday 22 Jan – paddle to the dark side of Ash Lock and beyond to the Fox and Hounds in Fleet. On the water for 10:00 at Mytchett hopefully get to Fox and Hounds before they finish serving lunches 14:00. Contact Rick Rick Covell for more information and so transport and lifts back can be organised.
Did you take the challenge last year? Whether you did or you didn’t, you need to take up the challenge this time around! Bring your friends and family too. Lots of portaging. Great practice for the Devises to Westminster race. Start and finish at the same place.
See the draft route map below.
Take up your paddles…take up the challenge!
– 13 to 14 miles
– 10 portages
– Open to canoes and kayaks, singles and doubles, juniors, seniors and veterans
– An experience very similar to the Kennet and Avon section of the Devises to Westminster race
We will need a goodly number of volunteers to assist and organise on the day. Please let the race organiser Bill Hansell know if you would like to help out. The usual stuff: check-in, starts/finishes, marshals, car parking, paddlers food etc.
Download the Race Rules here.
Day river trip, choosing the best of Dartmoor on the day. Grades 2-3, Walkham, Teign, Dart. We will choose the river and section depending on paddler abilities and water levels. May switch to South Wales depending on levels. Contact Paul Jeffs for more details.
Hamble (Bugle Public House) to Upper reaches and return. Meeting at 11.00. On the water at 11.30. Get in touch with Rick if you want to find out more.
High water at 13.20.
Saturday 13 April, 7pm until 10pm – Quiz and Chips! At the Canal Centre, Mytchett. This will test your general knowledge, that of the Canal, and maybe some questions on the club. £5 per person, to cover your fish and chips and soft drinks. Book online at Eventbrite. Feel free to bring your own drinks.
Saturday 27th April, 10am onwards – Barn Spring Clean. All hands welcome, even if you can only spare half an hour. The Barn has suffered over the last year while we have concentrated on the new cabin. It’s desperately in need of a spruce up. We’d also like to clear as much space on the right hand side of the barn so that we can install some cushion matting and a bit of a gym. Strategically planned for after the usual hare and hounds. Contact: Bill Hansell
Saturday 27 April, 10am – B3C Elimination Race. We’ve all seen the cyclists do it, where the final racer at the end of each lap is eliminated! The B3C race will have a shorter course for GP/Tourer and a longer course for racers, but all on the water at the same time in the same event. This event is free, with tea and toast in the clubhouse after. More details to follow. Again book online at Eventbrite. Contact: Pina Napolitano
River paddle. Meeting at 10.00. On the water at 10.30. Get in touch with Rick if you want to find out more.
River paddle. Meeting at 10.30. Get in touch with Rick if you want to find out more.
Got an idea for a trip? Want to organise one? Our next trips meeting will be at Paul’s house. If you can’t make it please do contribute your ideas by email beforehand. Contact Paul Jeffs for more information. Tea, coffee, and biscuits will be provided.
This trip has proved very popular. Brian is working on finding another coach to cope with the demand. Do still let him know that you are interested if you already haven’t done so. Also, let Brian know if you are (or know of) a coach that may be willing to assist. In the event that a coach cannot be found, then sadly the trip will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
From Brian Biffin…
At last I have been able to put together a plan for a sea trip off the Gower Peninsula.
Details below:
The campsite, Skysea – Port Eynon. You will note that they do not accept groups. The rule will be waived in our case! Feel free to book yourself in but add the letters “KC” after your name (denotes kayak club).
Cost / night: Tent + 2 : £25 Really big tent : £30. EHU available at extra cost. Indoor accommodation available right next door at the Youth Hostel. There is more luxurious accommodation available, such as The Rickyard B&B. Hearty evening meals available at the Ship Inn.
So here is the plan:
Saturday 22 June: Have a good shakedown paddle in the afternoon: Paddle out to Port Eynon Point. Surfing / rock dodging, depending on conditions. Observe the strength of the tidal stream at Port Eynon point! Option to arrive Friday if you wish.
Sunday 23 June: launch 9am, arrive Oxwich Bay 11am, option to paddle on a bit before turning back and landing by hotel. Perhaps some folk would prefer to be self contained and not have lunch in the hotel. This would save having to hike all the boats off the beach and park them in the hotel garden for security. We would have all afternoon to enjoy the overfalls off Oxwich point and return to Port Eynon. (7Km each way).
If the weather conditions/sea state are poor on the day, it should be possible to just explore Port Eynon Bay itself. If weather is really bad, there is an excellent coastal path to Oxwich Bay. Paddling standard: Confident 2* and above, please.
Full size sea kayaks only.
Please contact me directly if interested.
Saturday 20 July, from 10:45am – B3C Summer Shindig! This 40th Anniversary Shindig will hopefully be the biggest yet! Taking place after the Hare and Hounds (do come down and give it a go), this will be a celebration of the club over its 40 years. BBQ and on/off water games as usual, and hopefully an opportunity to get all our club boats on the water at once! If you’d like to volunteer to help with this event, please let me know. We are very much hoping to have many of our founder members attending, so put this date in your diary now!
Join Rick Covell, our Paddlesport Leader, for a trip on the famous St Patrick’s Stream on the Thames. This would be a great first real off-canal trip for those who recently gained their Explore awards. You’ll meet at the clubhouse in Frimley at 10h00 and get on the Thames at 11h00. Rick aims to have you back at Wargrave for 14h00. Contact Rick for more info.
Join Rick Covell, our Paddlesport Leader, for a trip around the Guildford loop on the river Wey and Wey navigation. You’ll meet at the clubhouse in Mytchett at 10h00 and launch from Dapdune wharf, up the navigation to Riff Raff weir and back down the river to the launch point. Contact Rick for more info.
Take up your paddles…take up the challenge!
Put the date in your diary now! Back by popular demand – the same course this year.
Did you take the 9th Charles Hicks challenge? Whether you did or you didn’t, you need to take up the 10th challenge this time around! Bring your friends and family too. Lots of portaging. Great early practice for the 2020 Devizes to Westminster race. Start and finish at the same place. Really good paddlers food.
Please note that refunds will be available if the event is cancelled for any reason.
Course between 13 and 14 miles
Tons of portage practice
Open to canoes and kayaks, singles and doubles, juniors, seniors and veterans.
An experience very similar to the Kennet and Avon section of the Devises to Westminster race
See the draft route below.
Take up your paddles…take up the challenge!
Download all you need here:
Your chance to help us plan the river and sea trips that you want for Winter 2019, Spring 2020 and possibly beyond. Come along with ideas for trips you would like like to participate in and/or organise too and we’ll see what we can add to the calendar. We need volunteers to organise trips but you don’t always need to be a coach or leader to do the organising as we can try and help arrange appropriate leading or coaching!! If you can’t make it please email Paul in advance of the meeting with your ideas and offers!
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. For more information and location, contact Paul Jeffs.
Join Rick Covell, our Paddlesport Leader, for a trip on St Patrick’s Stream on the Thames. This would be a great first real off-canal trip for those who recently gained their Discover awards. Meet up at the clubhouse in Mytchett at 10h00 and get on the Thames at 11h00. Rick aims to have you back at Wargrave for 14h00. Contact Rick for more info. (The original 1st October date was postponed due to bad weather.)
Weekend river trip, choosing the best of Dartmoor each day. Grades 2-3, Walkham, Teign, Dart. We will choose the river and section depending on paddler abilities and water levels. Contact Paul Jeffs for more details.
Join Rick Covell, our Paddlesport Leader, for a paddle on the Basingstoke Canal from Mytchett (Canal Centre) to the Fox and Hounds in Fleet. Meet on the water at 09h30 and paddle to Fleet arriving in time for last orders at 13h00. Just over 9 miles. Rick will use the trailer to return kayaks to Mytchett. Contact Rick at Rick.covell@ntlworld.com for more info.
Join Rick Covell, our Paddlesport Leader, for a paddle on the Basingstoke Canal from Mytchett (Canal Centre) to the Fox and Hounds in Fleet. Meet on the water at 09h30 and paddle to Fleet arriving in time for last orders at 13h00. Just over 9 miles. Rick will use the trailer to return kayaks to Mytchett. Contact Rick at Rick.covell@ntlworld.com for more info.
Join Anne and Brian Biffin for this river trip. Minimum Discover standard or equivalent. Contact Brian for more info and to reserve your place.
Join Anne and Brian Biffin for this river trip. Minimum Discover standard or equivalent. Contact Brian for more info and to reserve your place.
Join Anne and Brian Biffin for this inland kayak or open-boat trip. Minimum Explore standard or equivalent. Contact Brian for more info and to reserve your place.
St Patrick’s stream off the River Thames, launching from Wargrave. A good starter for getting away from the canal.
Interested? contact Rick.covell@ntlworld.com for more detail. I can only take 5, and you should be able to transport yourself and equipment, I may be able to help with the odd kayak but car sharing is not yet allowed.
Wargrave to Henley return using the Hennerton Backwater. Another good starter for getting away from the canal.
Interested? contact Rick.covell@ntlworld.com for more detail. I can only take 5, and you should be able to transport yourself and equipment, I may be able to help with the odd kayak but car sharing is not yet allowed.
Launching from Lower Swanwick a paddle up the picturesque River Hamble to Botley Mill and then to the Horse and Jockey at Curbridge. A good introduction to some gentle tidal water.
The trip distance is approx 8 miles you should be able to paddle at 3mph or better (Mytchett to Ash Lock and back is 6.5 miles to give a clue) You should be able to get back into your kayak with assistance and carry out an assisted rescue
Interested? contact Rick.covell@ntlworld.com for more detail. I can only take 5, and you should be able to transport yourself and equipment, I may be able to help with the odd kayak but car sharing is not yet allowed.
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Cancelled due to River Conditions – Yellow boards
St Patrick’s stream off the River Thames, launching from Wargrave. A good starter for getting away from the canal.
Interested? contact Rick.covell@ntlworld.com for more detail. I can only take 5, and you should be able to transport yourself and equipment, I may be able to help with the odd kayak but car sharing is not yet allowed.
Rick will be running this trip within BC and club covid guidelines but will still make it fun. We also have a short list of covid do’s and don’ts to help keep everyone safe.
St Patrick’s stream off the River Thames, launching from Wargrave. A good starter for getting away from the canal.
Interested? contact Rick.covell@ntlworld.com for more detail. I can only take 5, and you should be able to transport yourself and equipment, I may be able to help with the odd kayak but car sharing is not yet allowed.
Rick will be running this trip within BC and club covid guidelines but will still make it fun. We also have a short list of covid do’s and don’ts to help keep everyone safe.
A touring trip on the River Wey launching from Guildford and going via St Catherines Lock. A good starter for getting away from the canal.
Interested? contact Rick.covell@ntlworld.com for more detail. I can only take 5, and you should be able to transport yourself and equipment, I may be able to help with the odd kayak but car sharing is not yet allowed.
Rick will be running this trip within BC and club covid guidelines but will still make it fun. We also have a short list of covid do’s and don’ts to help keep everyone safe.
A touring trip on the River Wey launching from Bowers Lock. A good starter for getting away from the canal.
Interested? contact Rick.covell@ntlworld.com for more detail.
Hopefully Rick will be able to run this trip without special covid precautions.
Launching from the Wokingham Water Centre ( or Marsport) heading up the River Thames to the Kennet and Avon. Paddling up the Kennet and Avon though Reading center to Fobney lock If conditions and people are in good form we may continue to the Cunning Man and return. Distance approx 10 miles, 3 portages. email Rick.covell@ntlworld.com if you want to go or for more info
Meander along the Thames from Wargrave through Henley to Hurley. approx 8.5 miles all with the flow. This will be a one way paddle and a shuttle so car sharing to get people and kit in the right place.