Sutton District Canoe Club

The Sutton District Canoe Club (previously the Wallington, Carshalton & District Canoe Club) was founded in 1983 and is run by a team of qualified instructors from several Districts in Greater London South West. The Club organises sessions throughout the year, owns boats, buoyancy aids, paddles and trailer and welcomes Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Guides.

If you are a leader, why not bring your Troop or Unit to a session? If you are a Scout, Explorer Scout or Guide, show this page to your leader then book and come along.

Paddling Programme – Pool

The Club’s popular monthly Sunday afternoon sessions continue, thanks to the leaders who are happy to share the fun and experience of canoeing in warm clean water at Wimbledon College, Edge Hill, SW19. All Club coaches are fully qualified and most are already volunteer leaders in the Scout Movement. All pool sessions are for training and fun for members of the Scout and Guide Movements. Adults are welcome to apply to join in.

Pool sessions have been booked for:

[Pool Session Picture]

Club sessions run from 1:00pm–2:00pm. These are aimed at individuals or small groups who want to work on their strokes, rolls etc. Cost is £6 per person. Bring swimming costume, towel and t-shirt to canoe in.

Group sessions run from 2:00pm–3:00pm and 3:00pm–4:00pm. These are available to individual groups or combined groups. We can provide teaching or fun sessions (or a combination of the two). Cost is £75 per hour and we recommend a maximum of 15–17 paddlers per session (although you may double up on boats if you wish).

Places must be pre-booked through Keith (keithaxbey@btinternet.com) and are offered on a first come – first served basis only.

The College is on the east side of Edge Hill. Enter through the Church car park then left and right along two sides of a football field. The pool is in a building at the far end.

Paddling Programme – River Trips

It is hoped to run a weekend at the Wye Valley on 5th–7th September 2008.

River trips enable paddlers to gain the BCU One, Two or Three Star Awards, which can only be tested on open water. They will start at 9:00am in Grosvenor Road, Wallington, at the junction with Park Lane (B271) TQ285639, although it will also be possible to arrange to meet the group at the river.

It is essential to book a place beforehand with Pete (020 8395 7869 or treagustpt@aol.com ) or Howard (020 8651 6146) to ensure the right number of boats is taken and there is transport for you. You need to take food and a hot drink plus warm and windproof clothing, shoes and dry clothing to wear coming home. Consult a leader if you have not been before.

Canoeing/Kayaking Opportunities

In addition to learning strokes, rescues and rolling on an indoor pool, experience and fun can be extended on a river where you can feel the flow and play games. There are Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions and sea trips as well as competitions in slalom, racing and on white water.

Fix A Taster Or Invite A Coach

Club leaders are willing to arrange pool or outdoor sessions for specific groups. Why not invite a coach to bring a kayak to your weekly meeting to enthuse the young people to try this safe, fun and environmentally friendly activity. Contact Pete to arrange a taster session or a day or evening river trip, or for a coach to visit your unit, as below or mobile 07793 552477.

Towing

Families with a tow ball are asked to offer to assist from time to time with towing the canoe trailer between store and pool or river. Please offer to Pete or Keith as soon as possible.

Contacts for Information

Howard Parr: 020 8651 6146
Pete Treagust: 020 8395 7869 or treagustpt@aol.com
Keith Axbey: keithaxbey@btinternet.com
Marion & Shirley Quemby: 020 8642 3720 (fax 020 8241 3947) or cquemby@cix.compulink.co.uk

More Canoeing

The British Canoe Union organises events in this area suitable for our members as does Scout-based Tandridge Canoe Club. Ask a leader or visit the BCU web site.

For training and testing weekends contact the Longridge Scout Boating Centre (grid reference SU860857), Longridge, Marlow (01628 483252) for their programme or Paxmead (grid reference TQ066665), Dockett Eddy Lane, Shepperton (01784 453601) for adult training.