weekday daytime club night
The outing is part of a wider, national aim to encourage more women to take up paddling. And even though it’s badged as a #ShePaddles event, female-friendly chaps are very welcome too!
We’ll meet at the clubhouse at 10am on Friday February 16, ready to be briefed and on the water for 10.30am for a gentle flat water bimble for those members who have completed the Discover course or equivalent and ideally attended the VKC Winter Paddling course.
We’ll be back at the clubhouse late morning-ish, in time for coffee at the bar (which is open from 9 – 2pm on Fridays).
It’ll be aimed at kayaks, sit-on-tops, SUPs and Canadians.
To get us started @Andrew Bennett will be the leader, ably assisted by new member Sacha Fisher.
Parking could be tricky as the Star peeps will be out too – so leave time to find an alternative space elsewhere just in case.
Bring a hot drink, food and snacks and dress appropriately for the conditions on the day.
Youth paddlers must have a responsible adult with them at all times (although as it’s a school day they should all be hard at work so this will not be relevant!!)
Paddler numbers are limited to suit the leader to paddler ratio, so please post here or contact @Andrew Bennett if you’d like to attend.
Please feel free to ask questions.
Come and join the #ShePaddles fun!
Our next club trip is on Sunday 3rd March, details below. Please let us know if you want to come, do not just turn up on the day!
Leaders: Martin Janes, Andrew Bennett
The Plan
Meet at VIKING CLUBHOUSE at 10 am to unload, then take transport over to the finish at Gt Barford, then back to the clubhouse, to be on the water for 11 am. The paddle will take about 4 hrs but depends on stops, weather and cake at Danish camp.
There is a rowing race on the top river so we cannot set off from the club. -> CANCELLED
The paddle is open to all craft and to any VKC members who have completed Discover and the winter paddling course.
U18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult (on the water at all times) and by pre-arrangement.
You also must wear the right clothing for winter paddling, and bring your lights, just in case…please bring food and warm drinks for the trip, along with extra warm clothing.
IMPORTANT
There is no trailer so you will need to transport your own kit to the start and finish. For those who want to borrow club kit, this can be collected Sunday morning from the boathouse.
If you can’t transport your boat back from Great Barford then please contact either Martin or Andrew in advance.
Spaces are limited so please let us know if you would like to take part.
You can comment on the Facebook post:
Please bear in mind that if the weather shuts in or the river conditions mean we can’t portage or we feel it’s too risky, we will cancel the trip and rearrange. Look forward to seeing you out on the water.
If you are an ‘ad-hoc’ paddler, ie not currently a VKC paid member, and would like to join, please let me know.
Any questions, you can ask Andrew and Martin directly on the Facebook group post or in person at the club.
Courses are situated on the River Great Ouse in Bedford on a 4.3 km circuit. Races to suit Elite, Intermediate, Novice and Lightning divisions.
Catch up with racing at Viking Racing on Facebook here
Local members trip next Sunday (26th May) afternoon?
I was thinking probably Bromham to the club. Suitable for kayak, canoe, SoT and SUP.
5 Miles/8KM downstream will probably take about 3 hours with a stop at Kempston weir for a snack.
Meet at the club at 1pm, collect kit and shuttle to Bromham bridge.
Please don’t just turn up – email Patrick on treasurer@vikingkayak.co.uk to let him know so we can manage the group size
Beginner Canoe Course, ‘Discover’ Award
The course runs for four consecutive Wednesday evenings: 17th, 24th, 31st July and August 7th
Course Information
This is a beginner Canadian Canoe course where you can experience your first session on the water and learn useful paddling skills.
The course aims to provide the basic knowledge to get in and out of your canoe safely, move it, and return to your starting point. We’ll have lots of activities during the sessions to make it a fun environment to learn canoeing.
This Award allows you to develop your decision-making and practical skills, taking you on the next steps towards becoming a proficient and independent paddler.
Learn how to choose and effectively use equipment, whilst understanding the factors which affect your paddling.
Pricing per person:
- Non-VKC member £90
- VKC Member £50
If you are not a member you can join the course for the member’s price if you also purchase a club membership. This gives you a £40 discount per person.
Prerequisites:
All paddlers attending the course must be water-confident and be able to swim. Minimum age is 9 years old.
If you have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) please let us know during the booking process.
Booking Information
If you would like to book a place for your child/ children, follow these steps:
- Register each paddler’s details as ad-hoc paddlers here, so we have each paddler’s details including medical and emergency contact information.
- Visit the VKC Store, choose the course from the list, select how many places you need and check out.
Further details are available by contacting Gemma Rogers membership@vikingkayak.co.uk
Beginner Canoe Course, ‘Discover’ Award
The course runs for four consecutive Wednesday evenings: 17th, 24th, 31st July and August 7th
Course Information
This is a beginner Canadian Canoe course where you can experience your first session on the water and learn useful paddling skills.
The course aims to provide the basic knowledge to get in and out of your canoe safely, move it, and return to your starting point. We’ll have lots of activities during the sessions to make it a fun environment to learn canoeing.
This Award allows you to develop your decision-making and practical skills, taking you on the next steps towards becoming a proficient and independent paddler.
Learn how to choose and effectively use equipment, whilst understanding the factors which affect your paddling.
Pricing per person:
- Non-VKC member £90
- VKC Member £50
If you are not a member you can join the course for the member’s price if you also purchase a club membership. This gives you a £40 discount per person.
Prerequisites:
All paddlers attending the course must be water-confident and be able to swim. Minimum age is 9 years old.
If you have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) please let us know during the booking process.
Booking Information
If you would like to book a place for your child/ children, follow these steps:
- Register each paddler’s details as ad-hoc paddlers here, so we have each paddler’s details including medical and emergency contact information.
- Visit the VKC Store, choose the course from the list, select how many places you need and check out.
Further details are available by contacting Gemma Rogers membership@vikingkayak.co.uk
Beginner Canoe Course, ‘Discover’ Award
The course runs for four consecutive Wednesday evenings: 17th, 24th, 31st July and August 7th
Course Information
This is a beginner Canadian Canoe course where you can experience your first session on the water and learn useful paddling skills.
The course aims to provide the basic knowledge to get in and out of your canoe safely, move it, and return to your starting point. We’ll have lots of activities during the sessions to make it a fun environment to learn canoeing.
This Award allows you to develop your decision-making and practical skills, taking you on the next steps towards becoming a proficient and independent paddler.
Learn how to choose and effectively use equipment, whilst understanding the factors which affect your paddling.
Pricing per person:
- Non-VKC member £90
- VKC Member £50
If you are not a member you can join the course for the member’s price if you also purchase a club membership. This gives you a £40 discount per person.
Prerequisites:
All paddlers attending the course must be water-confident and be able to swim. Minimum age is 9 years old.
If you have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) please let us know during the booking process.
Booking Information
If you would like to book a place for your child/ children, follow these steps:
- Register each paddler’s details as ad-hoc paddlers here, so we have each paddler’s details including medical and emergency contact information.
- Visit the VKC Store, choose the course from the list, select how many places you need and check out.
Further details are available by contacting Gemma Rogers membership@vikingkayak.co.uk
Beginner Canoe Course, ‘Discover’ Award
The course runs for four consecutive Wednesday evenings: 17th, 24th, 31st July and August 7th
Course Information
This is a beginner Canadian Canoe course where you can experience your first session on the water and learn useful paddling skills.
The course aims to provide the basic knowledge to get in and out of your canoe safely, move it, and return to your starting point. We’ll have lots of activities during the sessions to make it a fun environment to learn canoeing.
This Award allows you to develop your decision-making and practical skills, taking you on the next steps towards becoming a proficient and independent paddler.
Learn how to choose and effectively use equipment, whilst understanding the factors which affect your paddling.
Pricing per person:
- Non-VKC member £90
- VKC Member £50
If you are not a member you can join the course for the member’s price if you also purchase a club membership. This gives you a £40 discount per person.
Prerequisites:
All paddlers attending the course must be water-confident and be able to swim. Minimum age is 9 years old.
If you have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) please let us know during the booking process.
Booking Information
If you would like to book a place for your child/ children, follow these steps:
- Register each paddler’s details as ad-hoc paddlers here, so we have each paddler’s details including medical and emergency contact information.
- Visit the VKC Store, choose the course from the list, select how many places you need and check out.
Further details are available by contacting Gemma Rogers membership@vikingkayak.co.uk
£5 for 30 minutes. Minimum age 8 years old.
Bring clothes & shoes without laces you can get wet.
A change of clothes is advisable in case you fall in.
No need to book, just turn up!
Viking Kayak Club shares a building with the Star Rowing Club at Batts Ford, off Commercial Road, Bedford, MK40 1QS. What3words ///poker.dawn.potato
The car park at the club is for members only with a valid permit and is shared with Star Rowing Club, so please do not park here.
There are three pay and display car parks close by, at the Harpur Centre, River Street and Prebend Street.
If you drive an electric vehicle, there is a designated car park adjacent to the clubhouse. However, do read the signage carefully as some of the spaces are for taxis only.