Brecon Canoe Club

Mon 26 Dec 2022 Boxing Day Paddle (tbc)
2022-12-26 00:00 - 23:59 (Europe/London)
Burn off the Christmas pudding with POSSIBLY a short paddle somewhere in the local area.

Details to follow…

…but if you’re at all 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!).

Sun 8 Jan 2023 White Water River Trip
2023-01-08 00:00 - 23:59
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.

This one is likely to be an ‘exploration’ trip on a grade 2(3) river that we haven’t paddled before (or for a long time), e.g. one or more of the Usk tributaries, the Nedd or Lower Tawe; or a long trip on the Wye from Builth Wells to Boughrood (depending 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 9 Jan 2023 Pool Session (Polo Training)
2023-01-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Brecon Leisure Centre, Cerrigcochion Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9SR, United Kingdom
**The focus for this half-term will be preparation for forthcoming tournaments so we need as many players as possible – both ‘old’ and ‘new’ to come along please**

NB we are moving away from our ‘usual’ alternate weeks of polo / general training to fit with these tournaments – so polo sessions this half-term will be 9, 16 Jan & 6 Feb.

Canoe Polo training for existing AND ASPIRING polo players (aged 11+) – come and develop your kayaking skills through the medium of this exciting game (think 5-a-side rugby in boats – but don’t worry, we’ll start gently!!). Training will include:

boat handling skills;

ball handling skills;

fitness development; and

gameplay.

We are trialling a 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 don’t leave it until 7pm to start getting changed!). Please wear T-shirts as well as swimwear (for warmth and safety 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.

We’ll provide polo boats, paddles, spray-decks, buoyancy aids and helmets (as long as we have enough of the right sizes – we’ll find out on the first evening!).

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!).

No outdoor shoes on poolside please.

Sat 14 Jan 2023 Southwest Regional League Polo Tournament
2023-01-14 00:00 - 23:59 | Leisure@Cheltenham, Tommy Taylors Lane, Cheltenham, GL50 4RN
Indoor tournament for our developing polo squad.

Mon 16 Jan 2023 Pool Session (Polo Training)
2023-01-16 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.

Sat 21 Jan 2023 Southwest Regional League Polo Tournament
2023-01-21 00:00 - 23:59 | Leisure@Cheltenham, Tommy Taylors Lane, Cheltenham, GL50 4RN

Sun 22 Jan 2023 White Water River Trip
2023-01-22 00:00 - 23:59
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 Wye from Newbridge to Builth Wells, though this will depend on who wants to come as well as 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 23 Jan 2023 Pool Session (General Training)
2023-01-23 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 be 23, 30 Jan & 13, 20 Feb (including half-term week).

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 trialling a 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 28 Jan 2023 White Water Rescue Practice
2023-01-28 00:00 - 23:59
One of a series of days that Canoe Wales is paying for Steve to deliver to develop our existing and aspiring leaders and coaches, we may also have one or two spaces for other club paddlers. The aim will be to practise and refreshing our skills in dealing with the type of rescue scenarios we might encounter on club paddling trips on grade 2(3) water. Participants need to be confident grade 2 paddlers with the stamina (and clothing!) to spend considerable time in the water on a winter day! Venue tbc depending on water and weather conditions. Contact Steve ASAP if you’re interested in joining him, Dave, Pete, Sam C and Tanya for the day.

Mon 30 Jan 2023 Pool Session (General Training)
2023-01-30 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 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

Sun 12 Feb 2023 White Water River Trip
2023-02-12 00:00 - 23:59
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 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

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

Sat 25 Feb 2023 White Water River Trip
2023-02-25 00:00 - 23:59
**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 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
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
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 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

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 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 25 Mar 2023 Southwest Regional League Polo Tournament
2023-03-25 00:00 - 23:59 | Leisure@Cheltenham, Tommy Taylors Lane, Cheltenham, GL50 4RN

Sun 26 Mar 2023 White Water River Trip
2023-03-26 00:00 - 23:59
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!).

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.

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 24 Apr 2023 Summer Training
2023-04-24 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.

Mon 8 May 2023 Summer Training
2023-05-08 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
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 15 May 2023 Summer Training
2023-05-15 18:30 - 21:00 | Brecon Promenade, Fenni-Fach Road, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9LL, United Kingdom

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

Sat 27-Mon 29 May 2023 Bank Holiday Weekend Camping Expedition
2023-05-27 00:00 - 2023-05-29 23:59
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…
