Brecon Canoe Club

Sun 13 Aug 2023 Moving Water Skills Day
2023-08-13 00:00 - 23:59 (Europe/London) | Wyedean Canoe Centre, Symonds Yat East, Ross-On-Wye, Herefordshire, HR9 6JL, United Kingdom
A day at Symonds Yat Rapids, intended for our less experienced paddlers to learn moving-water skills as well as more experienced paddlers to practice fundamental white-water skills in kayak or canoe.

Timing to be confirmed, but likely to be 10.30am meet at the venue, aiming to leave the water around 3pm (or when everyone’s had enough!).

Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult (on the riverbank), in case they need to leave the water before the end of the session.

Wear clothing suitable for the conditions – wetsuit highly recommended (you will get wet!) – we can provide cagoules as well as the usual boats, paddles, buoyancy aids, helmets and spray-decks.

Bring packed lunches.

£10 hire fee for club boats, parking and launch fee payable at venue.

Book places by midnight Sun 6th, using the RSVP button below or by e-mail to Steve. Full details will be confirmed in the days before the trip.

Sun 23 Jul 2023 Beginners Trip
2023-07-23 10:30 - 14:30 | Pencelli Canal Basin, Pencelli, Brecon
This will be a trip on the canal aimed at our ‘new’ paddlers but suitable for anyone else who’d like to come along. To keep things simple, we’ll start and finish in the same place (Pencelli canal basin); paddling for around an hour and a half before having a packed lunch then returning to the start – with a few games along the way to keep us interested.

Timings: meet 10.30am, off water 2.30pm.

Wear clothing suitable for the weather, we can provide boats (£10 hire fee), paddles, buoyancy aids, spray-decks, helmets and cagoules.

Bring drink and packed lunch, spare warm layer (in waterproof bag, to go in your boat); towel and change of clothes for end of trip (in case you get wet!).

NB this trip will only run if we have at least 3 members interested (including at least one adult). Confirmation & final details will be sent later in the week to those who book places.

To book places, use the RSVP button below or contact chair@breconcanoeclub.org.uk by midnight Thu 19 July.

Sun 23 Jul 2023 Club Regatta & BBQ
2023-07-23 00:00 - 23:59 | Powys
To end the summer term, some fun games, competition, socialising and food for all – what’s not to like?

Venue tbc (Glasbury if the river’s been re-opened by then; otherwise prob. Brecon Promenade or canal).

Use the RSVP button below or e-mail Steve to express interest.

Sun 9 Jul 2023 Sea Trip
2023-07-09 00:00 - 23:59 | Powys
A trip on the sea for our more experienced paddlers. Depending on interest this could either be a journey in sea kayaks (4-5 available, £25 hire fee) or a ‘rock-hopping’ / surfing trip in river boats (£10 hire fee for club boats). Venue tbc but likely to be Gower or Pembrokeshire, depending on sea conditions.

Use the RSVP button below or e-mail Steve to express interest.

Sun 25 Jun 2023 River or Lake Trip
2023-06-25 00:00 - 23:59 | Powys
This trip will either be on the River Wye or one of our local reservoirs – depending on who wants to come and on weather / water conditions! Aimed at our newer paddlers as well as those more experienced, suitable for anyone able to paddle a few miles in a straight line – in canoe, kayak or SUP.

Use the RSVP button below or e-mail Steve to express interest.

Mon 19 Jun 2023 Summer Training
2023-06-19 18:30 - 21:00 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom
Details as Mon 12 Jun 2023 Summer Training.

We do have spaces for more paddlers, so please e-mail us if you’d like to attend this individual session (or the remaining 5 in this ‘block’).

Mon 12 Jun 2023 Summer Training
2023-06-12 18:30 - 21:00 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom
This will be the first of our next ‘block’ of training, for 6 sessions 12 June-17 July.

We can now confirm that we’ll have the following groups for this block of 6 sessions. We do have space for a few more – so please Buy Tickets or RSVP below (or e-mail us) if you’d like to attend the whole block or just this individual session.

Junior ‘Learn to Kayak’ Beginners Course, working towards the British Canoeing Paddle Discover and Paddle Safer Awards (with the option to include some ‘transferable’ canoe and/or SUP skills):

Finn, Gethyn (not 12th), Rhys (own kayak), Seth

Adult ‘Learn to Kayak’ Beginners Course, working towards the British Canoeing Paddle Discover and Paddle Safer Awards (with the option to include some ‘transferable’ canoe and/or SUP skills):

Ashley, Martin (not 3 Jul), Paul

Youth Developers, continuing to work towards the British Canoeing Paddle Explore Award and further developing skills in kayak, canoe and SUP:

Fleur, Lauren, Sam Ho (not 10/17 Jul) [joined when appropriate by Edith, Natalie and any ‘graduates’ from the Beginners course]

Casual Paddling, self-led or tagging-along with another group

Mike B (when available)

Venue

Brecon Promenade – meet by the Club’s store adjacent to the toilet block in the ‘upper’ car park (https://what3words.com/tigers.loitering.bandage) – NOT in the car park next to the river / boathouse (although some of us might end up operating from there).

Times

Meet at 6.30pm, ready in your paddling clothes. We want to have everyone kitted-up and getting on the water by 7pm, so late arrival has quite a disruptive effect!

We’ll aim to be getting off the water around 8.30pm, before it gets dark.

Parents or other adults must be available at the start and end of the session to help under-18s with kit and to carry boats; and throughout the session in case they need to get off the water early.

Facilities

There are no indoor changing facilities on site, so it’s a case of changing in the car park. Toilets may be open but only until 7pm – they cost 20p to get in.

Cost

Courses: £36.

Developers & Casual Paddlers:

using Club boat: £8 per session or £36 for 6 sessions booked in advance (no refunds for missed dates).

using own boat: £3 per session.

We’ll usually collect fees by Direct Debit through our membership system, unless you make other arrangements with us (no cash!).

All existing Club members must also have up-to-date membership of both the Club and Canoe Wales – we’ll send separate reminders for those of you who need these! Any new members will need to join formally after their first three sessions.

Equipment and Clothing

We’ll provide boats, paddles, buoyancy aids, helmets and spray-decks for those who need them – but if you have your own, please bring them along

Although deliberate immersion isn’t always part of the plan (and even when it is, it’s usually towards the end of the session) there’s always a chance of accidental capsize, so kit should take account of this (and the general weather conditions).

At the very least, wear clothing layers of the type you might wear to go walking – ideally synthetic materials that stay warm and don’t get too heavy when wet. Most people wear swimwear underneath. And a waterproof jacket (to keep off the rain and wind, rather than keep you dry if you capsize!) – we do have a limited number of canoeing cagoules, but not enough of the right sizes for everyone.

Footwear that you don’t mind getting wet, not too large (chunky trainers don’t fit well in kayaks; neoprene wet-shoes are ideal; sandals or crocs no good as they fall off!).

If you want to be assured of staying warmer if you fall in, a wetsuit is the next step. Ones made specifically for paddling are called Long Johns (or Long Janes) and don’t have sleeves, for maximum mobility (worn with e.g. rash vest beneath and/or fleece above). But a standard surfing-type ‘full’ wetsuit is also fine as a starter. Again, we do have a very limited number of wetsuits, which you’re welcome to check-out on the first evening in case we have one that fits you…

Don’t forget a towel and complete change of clothes for the end of the session, in case you do fall in!!

We’ll be sure to talk about kit on the first couple of sessions so you can get an idea of what’s out there before you commit to spending £££, but if you do want some ideas…

Good local(ish) stores to look at are Up and Under and Canoe and Kayak Store – both will offer discounts for club members on request…

We are still trialling our new online booking process with this block of sessions, giving you currently 3 options for booking:

if you have one of our new website-based membership accounts (which you’ll have received a separate e-mail about), you can now ‘buy tickets’ direct via PayPal using the ‘tickets’ section below (you’ll be asked to login to your account – please try this out and let us know if you have any problems;

or you can still use the ‘RSVP’ section below to ‘express interest’ in attending individual sessions or the whole block;

or you can drop us an e-mail at mail@breconcanoeclub.org.uk to let us know you’d like to come along to one or more sessions (or if you have any questions!).

NB our plan is to gradually extend and improve the direct online process once we know whether it works!

Sun 11 Jun 2023 Sea Trip
2023-06-11 00:00 - 23:59 | Powys

Mon 5 Jun 2023 Summer Training
2023-06-05 18:30 - 21:00 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom
Details as Mon 17 Apr 2023 Summer Training.

Please e-mail us if you’d like to attend this individual session.

Sun 4 Jun 2023 British Canoeing Awarding Body Paddlesport Safety & Rescue Course
2023-06-04 09:00 - 17:00 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom
This is a commercial course being run by Steve, discounted places may be available to BCC members, depending on numbers. More details from Steve or via his website (‘more info’ button below).

The British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) Paddlesport Safety & Rescue course aims to provide paddlers with the key safety and rescue skills required to operate safely and to be able to deal with common problems in a sheltered water environment. The course is designed for all paddlers irrespective of their chosen craft. The objective is to introduce, explore and practise simple strategies and safe skills that can provide you with the tools to solve common paddling issues.

The Paddlesport Safety & Rescue course is a pre-requisite for the British Canoeing Awarding Body Paddlesport Instructor Award.

NB we will aim to arrange a Zoom meeting one evening 7-9pm before this course to run through some of the introductory and ‘theoretical’ elements – probably either Wed 24 May or Sat 3 Jun.

Sat 27-Mon 29 May 2023 Bank Holiday Weekend Camping Expedition
2023-05-27 00:00 - 2023-05-29 23:59 | Powys
EARLY WARNING!!! We’re planning a ‘camping expedition’ on the Wye for the late May Bank Holiday weekend; details to be confirmed. Suitable for anyone who can handle 3 days’ paddling and camping!! RSVP even if you might be interested and we’ll work on details to suit those who want to come…

Mon 22 May 2023 Summer Training
2023-05-22 18:30 - 21:00 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom

Mon 15 May 2023 Summer Training
2023-05-15 18:30 - 21:00 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom

Sun 14 May 2023 Canal Trip
2023-05-14 00:00 - 23:59 | Powys
Particularly recommended for those of our paddlers working towards the Explore Award, this will be suitable for all our paddlers, from beginner to expert, who’d like to explore a section of the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal (and who can paddle a few miles in a straight[ish] line!).

Likely to be 10am to 3pm, bring packed lunch.

Full details to follow, but if you’re interested please let us know using the RSVP button below or by e-mail to the organiser (numbers may be limited, so please book early!).

Mon 8 May 2023 Summer Training
2023-05-08 18:30 - 21:00 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom

Mon 24 Apr 2023 Summer Training
2023-04-24 18:30 - 21:00 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom

Mon 17 Apr 2023 Summer Training
2023-04-17 18:30 - 21:00 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom
This will be the first of our weekly summer training sessions, which will continue throughout the spring and summer terms.

Our first ‘block’ of training will be for 6 sessions (interrupted by two bank holidays!):

Mon 17 April

Mon 24 April

NO SESSION on Mon 1 May (Steve is away over the Bank Holiday weekend)

Mon 8 May – we will run a session on the coronation Bank Holiday

OPTION: Sun 14 May Canal Trip, recommended for all participants working towards the Explore Award

Mon 15 May (focusing on rescues, including the Paddle Safer Course)

Mon 22 May

NO SESSION on Mon 29 May (we have an expedition over the Bank Holiday weekend)

OPTION: Sat 27-Mon 29 May 2023 Bank Holiday Weekend Camping Expedition, come for one or more days to hone your skills

Mon 5 Jun (recap and skills assessment)

We can now confirm that we’ll have the following groups for this block of 6 sessions. We do have space for a few more – so please Buy Tickets or RSVP below (or e-mail us) if you’d like to attend the whole block or just this individual session.

Adult Kayak Beginners Course, working towards the British Canoeing Paddle Discover, Paddle Safer and Paddle Explore Awards (with the option including some ‘transferable’ canoe and/or SUP skills) – led by Steve, assisted by other coaches as available:

Dani (from 24th), Jack, Lily (from 24th), Stuart

Adult Kayak Developers Course, working towards the British Canoeing Paddle Explore Award (with the option of including some ‘transferable’ canoe / SUP skills) – led by Dave:

Huw (not 15th), Katie (from 24th), Lee, Mel (from 8th)

Youth Developers Course, working broadly towards the British Canoeing Paddle Discover and Paddle Explore Awards in kayak, canoe and SUP – led by Olly and Sam C (when available) or joining with one or more adult groups:

Fleur, Lauren, Sam Ho [plus Edith, Natalie]

Polo Skills / Fitness Training – led by Jess (except 8 May): NB we’re intending to use polo or slalom boats predominantly for these sessions, so that everyone can keep up at a similar pace – so if you’d prefer to use your own plastic boat you might need to be prepared to work just that bit harder than everyone else!!

Suspended pending further interest – paddlers currently appended to youth / casual groups

Casual Paddling, self-led or tagging-along with another group

Mike B, Pete J [plus Chris D, Sam Ha from 24th]

Venue

Brecon Promenade – meet by the Club’s store adjacent to the toilet block in the ‘upper’ car park (https://what3words.com/tigers.loitering.bandage) – NOT in the car park next to the river / boathouse (although some of us might end up operating from there).

Times

Meet at 6.30pm, ready in your paddling clothes. We want to have everyone kitted-up and getting on the water by 7pm, so late arrival has quite a disruptive effect!

We’ll aim to be getting off the water around 8.30pm, before it gets dark.

Parents or other adults must be available at the start and end of the session to help under-18s with kit and to carry boats; and throughout the session in case they need to get off the water early.

Facilities

There are no indoor changing facilities on site, so it’s a case of changing in the car park. Toilets may be open but only until 7pm – they cost 20p to get in.

Cost

Courses: £36.

Polo / Fitness Training, Casual Paddling

using Club boat: £8 per session or £36 for 6 sessions booked in advance (no refunds for missed dates).

using own boat: £3 per session.

We’ll usually collect fees by Direct Debit through our membership system, unless you make other arrangements with us (no cash!).

All existing Club members must also have up-to-date membership of both the Club and Canoe Wales – we’ll send separate reminders for those of you who need these! Any new members will need to join formally after their first three sessions.

Equipment and Clothing

We’ll provide boats, paddles, buoyancy aids, helmets and spray-decks for those who need them – but if you have your own, please bring them along

Although deliberate immersion isn’t always part of the plan (and even when it is, it’s usually towards the end of the session) there’s always a chance of accidental capsize, so kit should take account of this (and the general weather conditions).

At the very least, wear clothing layers of the type you might wear to go walking – ideally synthetic materials that stay warm and don’t get too heavy when wet. Most people wear swimwear underneath. And a waterproof jacket (to keep off the rain and wind, rather than keep you dry if you capsize!) – we do have a limited number of canoeing cagoules, but not enough of the right sizes for everyone.

Footwear that you don’t mind getting wet, not too large (chunky trainers don’t fit well in kayaks; neoprene wet-shoes are ideal; sandals or crocs no good as they fall off!).

If you want to be assured of staying warmer if you fall in, a wetsuit is the next step. Ones made specifically for paddling are called Long Johns (or Long Janes) and don’t have sleeves, for maximum mobility (worn with e.g. rash vest beneath and/or fleece above). But a standard surfing-type ‘full’ wetsuit is also fine as a starter. Again, we do have a very limited number of wetsuits, which you’re welcome to check-out on the first evening in case we have one that fits you…

Don’t forget a towel and complete change of clothes for the end of the session, in case you do fall in!!

We’ll be sure to talk about kit on the first couple of sessions so you can get an idea of what’s out there before you commit to spending £££, but if you do want some ideas…

Good local(ish) stores to look at are Up and Under and Canoe and Kayak Store – both will offer discounts for club members on request…

We are still trialling our new online booking process with this block of sessions, giving you currently 3 options for booking:

if you have one of our new website-based membership accounts (which you’ll have received a separate e-mail about), you can now ‘buy tickets’ direct via PayPal using the ‘tickets’ section below (you’ll be asked to login to your account – please try this out and let us know if you have any problems;

or you can still use the ‘RSVP’ section below to ‘express interest’ in attending individual sessions or the whole block;

or you can drop us an e-mail at mail@breconcanoeclub.org.uk to let us know you’d like to come along to one or more sessions (or if you have any questions!).

NB our plan is to gradually extend and improve the direct online process once we know whether it works!

Mon 27 Mar 2023 Pool Session (General Training)
2023-03-27 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
Details as Mon 20 Mar 2023 Pool Session (General Training).

e-mail the organiser if you are not already block-booked but wish to book for this individual session.

Sun 26 Mar 2023 White Water River Trip
2023-03-26 00:00 - 23:59 | Powys
One of our ‘easier’ white water trips aimed at new and developing white water paddlers (but also open to those with more experience) – ask if you’re not sure.

The intention for this one is to paddle the River Barle (in Somerset), though this will depend on numbers willing to drive that far, as well as river levels (the fallback might be something local)…

…so if you’re at all interested please let us know using the RSVP button below or by e-mail to the organiser (numbers are strictly limited, so please book early!).

Sat 25 Mar 2023 Southwest Regional League Polo Tournament
2023-03-25 00:00 - 23:59 | Leisure@Cheltenham, Tommy Taylors Lane, Cheltenham, GL50 4RN
Indoor tournament for our developing polo squad.

Mon 20 Mar 2023 Pool Session (General Training)
2023-03-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
NB we are moving away from our ‘usual’ alternate weeks of general / polo training to fit with polo tournaments – so ‘general training’ sessions this half-term will just be 20 & 27 Mar.

Training will include:

Introductory kayaking for beginners;

‘Wet skills’ for developing kayakers – covering capsize confidence, recovery strokes and rescues; and

Rolling clinics to learn, improve or practise the art of kayak rolling

We are still trialling our new online booking process with this block of sessions, giving you currently 3 options for booking:

if you have one of our new website-based membership accounts (which you’ll have received a separate e-mail about), you can now ‘buy tickets’ direct via PayPal using the ‘tickets’ section below (you’ll be asked to login to your account – please try this out and let us know if you have any problems;

or you can still use the ‘RSVP’ section below to ‘express interest’ in attending individual sessions or the whole block;

or you can drop us an e-mail at mail@breconcanoeclub.org.uk to let us know you’d like to come along to one or more sessions (or if you have any questions!).

NB our plan is to gradually extend and improve the direct online process once we know whether it works!

Arrival & Changing

Please arrive in time to be changed and ready to enter poolside for 7pm.

Please wear T-shirts as well as swimwear (for warmth as well as modesty!).

Make your way straight to the changing rooms – there is no need to check-in at reception.

Please wait at the changing room exits before going poolside – we’ll need to be given the ‘all-clear’ that the previous group has left before we enter.

Feel free to bring your own boats & paddles – as long as they’re clean. Deposit them by the external doors in the car park before the start of the session.

On Poolside

Parents are welcome on poolside to help children carry boats and get kitted-up, also to help them empty boats if required during the session (we’ll show you how!). You might even be able to help in the water, if this is something you’d be willing to do – in which case, come prepared with swimwear!

No outdoor shoes on poolside please.

Sat 18 Mar 2023 Southwest Regional League Polo Tournament
2023-03-18 00:00 - 23:59 | Leisure@Cheltenham, Tommy Taylors Lane, Cheltenham, GL50 4RN

Mon 13 Mar 2023 Pool Session (Polo Training)
2023-03-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
Details as Mon 9 Jan 2023 Pool Session (Polo Training) – Brecon Canoe Club.

Fees to be collected by Direct Debit as usual…

Sun 12 Mar 2023 White Water River Trip
2023-03-12 00:00 - 23:59 | Powys
One of our ‘harder’ white water trips aimed at paddlers with enough white water experience and skill to handle either grade 3 rapids, a long trip, or new-river-exploration (or all 3!) – ask if you’re not sure.

The intention for this one is to paddle the River Dart (in Devon), though this will depend on numbers willing to drive that far, as well as river levels (the fallback might be something local like the Rhondda Fach)…

…so if you’re at all interested please let us know using the RSVP button below or by e-mail to the organiser (numbers are strictly limited, so please book early!).

Mon 6 Mar 2023 Pool Session (Polo Training)
2023-03-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom

Sat 25 Feb 2023 White Water River Trip
2023-02-25 00:00 - 23:59 | Powys
**NB this one is a Saturday, rather than our usual Sunday**

One of our ‘easier’ white water trips aimed at new and developing white water paddlers (but also open to those with more experience) – ask if you’re not sure.

The intention for this one is to paddle one of our less-frequented local grade 2 rivers such as the Irfon, Ithon or Neath, though this will depend on who wants to come as well as river levels (the fallback might be the Wye between Builth Wells and Llyswen)…

…so if you’re at all interested please let us know using the RSVP button below or by e-mail to the organiser (numbers are strictly limited, so please book early!).

Mon 20 Feb 2023 Pool Session (General Training)
2023-02-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
Details as Mon 23 Jan 2023 Pool Session (General Training) – Brecon Canoe Club.

e-mail the organiser if you are not already block-booked but wish to book for this individual session.

Mon 13 Feb 2023 Pool Session (General Training)
2023-02-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom

Sun 12 Feb 2023 White Water River Trip
2023-02-12 00:00 - 23:59 | Powys
One of our ‘harder’ white water trips aimed at paddlers with enough white water experience and skill to handle either grade 3 rapids, a long trip, or new-river-exploration (or all 3!) – ask if you’re not sure.

The intention for this one is to paddle the Upper Wye (above Rhayader), though this will depend on numbers and river levels…

…so if you’re at all interested please let us know using the RSVP button below or by e-mail to the organiser (numbers are strictly limited, so please book early!).

Mon 6 Feb 2023 Pool Session (Polo Training)
2023-02-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
Details as Mon 9 Jan 2023 Pool Session (Polo Training) – Brecon Canoe Club.

e-mail the organiser if you are not already block-booked but wish to book for this individual session.
