If you’ve tried kayaking/canoeing, perhaps on a lake or canal and are keen to learn how to paddle on rivers like the River Derwent and taking your paddling further with us, you may like to consider our yearly 6 week introductory course. Aimed at prospective new club members it offers an excellent way to learn the key skills to begin your ‘moving water’ paddling career with all equipment provided (kayak, paddle, helmet, buoyancy aid). The course is suitable for adults and children (11-18 years). Every child must be closely supervised from the river bank by a parent or guardian at all times during the session. All paddlers must be full members of MCC prior to the first session for insurance purposes.
Our next introductory course, which offers a small number of spaces, will start in the spring of 2026, most likely towards the end of April/ Early May on Wednesdays at 7pm.
The sessions start at a local outdoor swimming pool or canal with all subsequent sessions on the River Derwent near the Heights of Abraham cable car, starting on the flat moving water and then progressing down to the rapids throughout the course.
By the end of the course you should have the confidence to join our club sessions on Wednesday evenings. You will then be encouraged to buy your own kit but you will be able to continue to borrow club kit until you are sure what is right for you.
To find out more about our next course please email coachingmatlockcc@gmail.com by the 28th February with your details (name and experience) who will follow up with further information about what to expect, costs and joining the club.