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?

Paddle Skills Training

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

  • River Soar or Midlands Canals.

  • 2 days, 2 nights.

Gold

  • River Soar, Midlands Canals or River Thames.

  • 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

  • River Soar or River Wye.

  • 3 days, 2 nights.

Gold

Choose from:

  • River Severn

  • River Wye

  • River Thames

  • Caledonian Canal

  • 4 days, 3 nights (Severn, Wye, Thames)

  • 5 days, 5 nights (Caledonian Canal) including camping on arrival, additional training day, and camping at end of expedition.

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).