COME & TRY (“TASTER”) SESSIONS
In warmer months (Spring and Summer) we run Come and Try Session (“Taster Sessions) at Rutland Water. The aim is to introduce newcomers to Paddle Sport activities in a safe and relaxed way on land and on the water. They are suitable for adults of all ages, and juniors (under 18s) accompanied on the water by their parent or adult carer. Additionally, we aim to gauge how close potential new Club members are to being able to paddle on the open water at a typical Club paddle on Rutland Water, or alternatively, what coaching they may need before that stage
The sessions will start on dry land, and progress on the water in a general purpose kayak. Later, once basic competence and confidence has been achieved, there will be an opportunity to try the longer sea touring kayaks generally used for our open water paddles out on the main body of Rutland Water.
The sessions will cover:
- safety on the water
- correct use of equipment
- basic forward, backward and turning paddling strokes
- demonstration of safety equipment
- what to do in the event of a capsize
- a basic rescue from the water
Sessions are run by volunteers, previously trained and qualified as Coaches by the British Canoe Union (now Paddle U.K.) and other very experienced paddling members of the club under their guidance.