DofE Canoeing

Canoeing Expeditions

  • Interested in DofE Expeditions by canoe?
  • Want to try something different?
  • Develop a new skill and gain a qualification?
  • Explore the network of canals in the Midlands?
  • Or a trip along the Welsh border?
  • Or try to spot Nessie as you wild camp by Loch Ness?

Training & Planning

Personal Paddling Skills

  • Lift, carry, launch the canoe.
  • Efficient forward paddling.
  • Steering the canoe.
  • Manoeuvring & Turning.
  • Moving sideways.
  • Preventing a capsize.
  • Returning and getting out.
  • Securing.

Safety & Rescue

  • Capsize, swim, self-rescue.
  • Peer rescue.

Safety & Leadership Skills

  • Personal risk management.
  • Awareness of others.
  • Team Building.
  • Water Safety Code.
  • Observation & Recording.
  • Impact of weather.

Theory

  • Equipment & Clothing
  • Safety & First Aid
  • Access & the environment

Leave No Waste Camping

  • Tent pitching.
  • Campsite Management.
  • Cooking & fuel safety.

Planning

  • Food & Menu Planning.
  • Route Planning.

Practice Expedition

  • Put into practice what you've learnt.
  • Supervised by our team of qualified & friendly leaders.
  • Review & debrief at end of expedition to highlight successes and adjustments.

Bronze

  • Midlands Canals
  • 2 days, 1 night

Silver

  • Rivers Soar or Trent, or Norfolk Broads.
  • 3 days, 2 nights.

Gold

  • Rivers Soar or Trent.
  • 3 days, 2 nights.

Qualifying Expedition

  • Supervised by our team of qualified & friendly leaders.
  • Achieve your Aim.
  • Fulfil the DofE 20 Expedition Conditions.
  • Review & debrief at end of expedition with Assessor.
  • Personalised Assessor Report uploaded to eDofE.

Bronze

  • Midlands Canals
  • 2 days, 1 night

Silver

  • Rivers Soar, Trent or Wye.
  • 3 days, 2 nights.

Gold

  • Rivers Severn or Wye or Caledonian Canal.
  • 4 days, 3 nights + day before pre-expedition checks & refresher training.

All Packages include:

  • Online Factsheets including kit lists, menu ideas and other key information.
  • Camp site fees for all participants & 2 school staff performing pastoral duties included.
  • Inclusive use of our Group Equipment - tents, stoves, maps, map cases and group first-aid kits.
  • Inclusive use of Paddle Equipment - canoes, paddles, buoyancy aids, helmets, throw lines, dry bags.
  • All Launch Fees & Rivers/Canals Licences.
  • Includes all fuel (gas cylinders compatible with our Trangia stoves).
  • Dedicated admin and organisation that is "second-to-none".
  • Green Forms for all Gold Expeditions.
  • Participant Joining Instructions prior to each event.
  • Generic & Area-Specific Risk Assessments.
  • Public Liability Insurance (£10million), AALA and AAP Licences.
  • Expedition On-Call Support – dedicated “home contact” support during expeditions.

Not sure?

How about a come and try session? We can also offer a Taster Session (5 hours) at a suitable location for £40 per person (minimum 6 participants).