We provide outdoor activities in Wales, for Schools, Colleges and Youth groups. We offer a fantastic variety of experiences tailored to your individual needs and budget. Activities in South & West Wales, include: Canyoning (aka Gorge Walking), Kayaking, Raft Building and many more.
Canoeing / Kayaking
Canoeing / Kayaking
What is it?
Canoeing and Kayaking are sports that evolved from the boats people would use to travel on waterways. The progression into a recreational activity came in the mid 1800s as people began to race each other and created courses to navigate, and evolved into two separate types of boat; the canoe (often open topped, and being propelled by the use of a single-bladed paddle) and the kayak (more typically having a closed deck, and the paddler using a double-bladed paddle).
What does it involve?
At beginner level, canoeing and kayaking would involve getting to grips with operating the paddle correctly and propelling yourself forwards, but once you have gotten to grips with the technique you can perform tricks, paddle down whitewater rivers at a higher speed and even use small sails to power your movement.
Why do it and what are the benefits?
Canoeing and Kayaking are good for exercising gently - the manner of movement required gradually builds strength in both the upper body and the legs, and there's little risk of any impact injuries in this sport. Being out on the water can be a thrill and a novel experience, especially for younger students who may not have been in such close quarters to the open water before.
What equipment do we need?
It's unlikely you will need to provide any equipment for going canoeing or kayaking as the establishment you visit should supply everything for you as part of the price, but always double check with your chosen providers beforehand to make sure.
Who is it suitable for?
There's no real minimum age for having a go at canoeing or kayaking, but you should feel confident that any youngsters will pay attention to the instructor/be okay on the water before taking them on a trip!
Costs?
Prices will vary between establishments, but about £30-40 per person for a half day is reasonable - be sure to shop around in your local area before deciding on where to go.
Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)
Canoeing and Kayaking are reasonably safe sports that are suitable for a wide variety of ages, so the main thing to keep in mind is to pay attention to the instructor and obey all the safety procedures - especially when it comes to wearing bouyancy aids!
How do we include?
There is a great disabled canoeing/kayaking culture in the UK, so most people should be able to be included - consult your chosen provider to find out what they are set up for.
Doing it abroad?
There should be many places abroad who host canoeing and kayaking, but countries with expanses of open water will obviously have more options - if it's something you want to include in your trip, consider your destination carefully!
Main website:
You can visit here for some good general information, but you must check out the websites of the individual venues to find out the specifications of what they provide.
Venues with this Activity
A spectacular stretch of coastline boasting dramatic cliffs
A great beach, and more: some of the best rock pools in the country, good surfing, masses of wildlife and views of the distinctive island - the Great Mewstone. Wembury is a great starting point for lovely inland and coastal walks to Wembury Woods and the Yealm Estuary, and around Wembury Point. Finish your trip with a slice of Gemma and Jennifer's home-made cake in the Old Mill Café.
We give people the opportunity to experience the outdoor lifestyle in new and challenging ways. From someone who has never challenged themselves to outdoor activities, through to the experienced hiker - we can help anyone achieve their desired adventure.
Pembrokeshire Coast
Orielton Field Centre is ideally placed to explore the diverse environments & habitats that Pembrokeshire has to offer. As a centre we cater for University Groups, Schools and leisure learners.
Lake District
Castle Head Field Centre lies in its own extensive grounds between the southern fells of the Lake District and the shores of Morecambe Bay. The Centre has 120 beds and a number of large indoor spaces including 6 workrooms, student common rooms, a separate staff lounge and a sports hall.
Nurture in Nature
FSC Bishops Wood is an excellent base for primary school trips. At Bishops Wood Field Centre we offer opportunities in both fieldwork and adventurous activities for primary school children. From Literacy through landscape to wilderness bushcraft designed to encourage problem solving and teamwork.
We’re one of Norfolk’s leading outdoor providers to Schools. A Learning Outside the Classroom and LEA approved centre, our activities meet Key Stages 2 and 3 of the curriculum and make a real contribution to a young person’s development. There are lots of ways we can help you.
Carey Outdoor Education Centre provides a fantastic venue for learning and living in the outdoors throughout the year. Educational groups, organisations and groups of friends are all welcome.
We offer a fantastic range of adventure activities for all ages and abilities. We offer school residential trips for up to 80 persons suiting all tastes and budgets.
Discounts are provided for larger groups.
If your kids love watersports, they’ll love our Croft Farm Waterpark activity centre in the heart of the Cotswolds, near to the historic town of Tewkesbury.
Croft Farm has lots of green space for land based activities, as well as superb opportunities for a wide range of water-based fun on its own 12 acre lake and the nearby River Avon.
We are specialists in providing outdoor activities for children on either school residential trips, youth group residentials, kids summer camps, junior and adult netball tournaments and family adventure holidays.
Cardiff Bay is a diverse waterfront built around a 200 hectare freshwater lake known as ‘the Bay’. Find a great mix of Cardiff attractions, entertainment and events, coupled with vibrant bars and shops that create a truly unique atmosphere worthy of any capital city!
Wickedly Wonderful is a summer camp in the UK for children, it regularly receives top reviews in the national press, The Sunday Times and Daily Telegraph.
We offer residential summer camps during the summer and Easter holidays and skiing trips during the February half term holiday for children aged 6 to 13 years.
Whitemoor Lakes occupies a 25 acre grassland site at the end of a shallow 40 acre lake with space for football, volleyball and full-on adrenaline adventure activities.
The Centre offers a wide range of fun-filled activities including sailing, powerboating, windsurfing and rowing, plus archery. With more than 16 land and water-based activities, and now the new Laser Blast action packed group activity open, there has never been a better time to have a go! Half and full day courses. Book now!
Come and visit the North East’s fantastic White Water Rafting Centre today. After a £4.6 million re-development our world class course is ready and waiting for adrenaline hunters and thrill seekers looking to hit the water. With a wide range of exciting features for you to enjoy, prepare for an unforgettable day of White Water Rafting!
The business has evolved out of the simple idea to help children experience some fun and learn more about the outdoors as well as themselves. For many, many years we were called Barnabas Adventure Centres, taking our name from Barnabas, who alongside St Paul, was an adventurer.
Outlook Expeditions is committed to safe, secure and responsible tailor-made expeditions. Every expedition is exciting, inspiring and packed full of adventure. Our expeditions develop young people’s life skills by putting them in the driving seat under the guidance of the finest Expedition Leaders.
Are you looking for amazing experiences, personal and team development or simply the chance to have a lot of fun?
We are a well established, fully accredited family owned school, youth group adventure travel specialist. We offer technical activities that require more experienced instructors at prices that are affordable and great value for money.
Voyager School Travel is the Educational Tours arm of a group of very successful school tours companies. Schools choose Voyager because of our People, who without exception have years of experience in school travel. That experience brings with it a wealth of product knowledge and expertise, as well as a deep understanding of what party leaders require.
At Essex Outdoors we believe passionately in the power of outdoor education.
Taking the classroom outdoors can broaden horizons, promote positive values, and develop confidence and self-esteem. Outdoor learning can also raise social and environmental awareness.
A leading provider in canoe and adventure activities in the river Wye area
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The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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