Training Sites

The list of slalom training sites is several years old and probably some entries are out of date. If your sessions are listed, please check it and let me know of any updates. In particular, do you have swimming pool sessions for beginners?

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Aberdeen - Aberdeen Kayak Club,  Seaton Park Slalom Site, Seaton Park, Aberdeen.  Flat, moving water training/introductory competition site on the River Don, available all year round during daylight hours.  Club meets Thursdays 6pm - 8pm from April - September. Div 4 Slalom in May.  Contact Dave Kay 01224 321790 or davidak@btinternet.com

Aberfeldy - slalom site at Dunolly: information at http://www.taysideslalom.co.uk/TaysideSlalom/Aberfeldy_Slalom_Info.html

Alva - CR CATS, the most active slalom club in Scotland, train on the river Devon at Alva on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings usually 6.30 - 7.30 pm.

Bala - Bala CC – training site at Bala Mill (20 gates year round). Club meets:
Slalom - Tuesdays and Thursdays – year round (3.45 pm in winter, 5.30 pm in summer) – contact Richard Lee on 01678 520337 or richardlee.wca@virgin.net or Chris Leesmith
Recreation - Friday nights in pool (5.30 – 8.30 pm) in winter  and on Bala Lake in summer (5.30 pm)
Whitewater and surf sessions – Thursdays 5.30 pm (April – October) – around North Wales (Bala, Llangollen, Menai straits, surf beaches)
Weekend sessions arranged to programme throughout year.
(updated 22/11/04)

Basingstoke Canal Canoe Club - the Canal Centre, Mytchett. Tuesday evenings during British Summer Time. We are in the process of establishing ourselves at a new location. Our "Club" night is on a Tuesday evening generally from around 6.30 (ish) and until dusk, our club nights run only during the summer when we have the lighter evenings. Limited slalom activity but coaching can be provided subject to sufficient interest. Contact Tony Gadd Tel (Mob)07796 007036 Tel (Home) 01252 687611.

Bedford - There are 10 permanent slalom training gates (club gates) on flat water outside Viking Kayak Club in the centre of Bedford in Commercial Road. The site is illuminated, but not particularly well, by adjacent lampposts for training after dark.
There are a further 6 permanent slalom training gates 500m upstream of the clubhouse below the twin railway bridges. No illumination. Beware of sudden noise from express trains above! VKC slalom training sessions take place on the club gates on Tuesday evenings in summer 6.30pm to 8.30pm and 10am to noon on Sunday mornings through winter. When river level is high, training takes place on Duck Mill Sluices 500m downstream of the clubhouse. Contact Peter Parker slalom@vikingkayak.co.uk and keep an eye on the slalom section of the VKC Forum on the same domain for further information.
(updated 23/09/10)

Bedford - there are 6 permanent training gates on flat water outside the V.K.C. club house in the centre of Bedford. Paddlers need to slide the gate sets along the bearer lines from an island - this takes five minutes. The site has some lighting so an evening session is possible.
There are about 8 permanent slalom training gates upstream of the clubhouse suspended on fixed lines below a railway bridge - some 500 metres from the put-in spot. These gates are not lit and the railway bridge can be noisy!
Viking K C now run regular slalom training sessions with a thriving group on Tuesday evenings - all interested paddlers are welcome. Be ready to paddle at 7.00pm! Contact Graham Bourne 01234-823650 email grahambourne@yahoo.co.uk
(updated 22/11/04)

Belfast - Shaws Bridge Slalom Course, on the River Lagan. Grade 1-3. Complete new set of Lines and gates. River dredged and new bollards installed. Website http://www.cani.org.uk. Contact Nick Kelly, email nickkelly@bt513ls.freeserve.co.uk or phone 07816 998 582..
(updated 13/9/10)

Bradford and Bingley Canoe Club - Bradford and Bingley CC - Wagon Lane Slalom Site, River Aire, Bingley, West Yorkshire (by Bradford and Bingley Rugby Ground, Wagon Lane).Permanent training gates, floodlights and changing rooms. Main Club Session: Thursday Evening 6.30 - 8pm. See website www.bradbingcc.org.uk for more info or contact bradbingcanoe@gmx.com or Anne Howarth 01756 791648
(updated 11/9/10)

Chelmsford Canoe Club (Essex)- permanent gates  on flatwater - people interested in slalom are free to join us on Tuesday nights 7.00pm - 9.30pm all year round. Also Harefield near Rickmansworth, just off the M25 take the turning towards Maple Cross. There is some small moving water here and a few permanent gates. Contact Anita Bennett (01279)635789.

Dublin - Sluice Weir, Lucan, opposite Spa Hotel on river Liffey, all through winter. Sat and Sun mornings are most popular times. Contact Andrew Boland ambrosethecat@eircom.net

Grandtully Rapids, River Tay near Perth - "Tully"  - contact Kev McHugh on 07831469380 or Kevin.Mchugh@canoescotland.com
(updated 20/10/10)

Hambleden Weir - Chalfont Park Canoe Club - near Henley-on-Thames, below Hambleden Weir (recently rejuvenated following work by the EA to improve water conditions). Club days - Wednesday evenings from April to September, Sundays throughout the year. Club members can use the facilities all year round. Heated changing room and boat storage available to members. Contact the Secretary at 22 The Furrows, Harefield, Middx. UB9 6AT, visit our website at http://www.chalfontparkcc.org.uk or email to webmaster@chalfontparkcc.org.uk

Harefield - Coppermill Lock by the 'Coy Carp' pub. The place is often referred to as ‘The Fisheries' which was the pub’s previous name. Ben Collins recommends it as an excellent location, especially for beginners. There's nothing formal organised, but Purley Canoe Club turn up Sunday mornings in play boats quite often.

Hereford - on the River Wye. Flat water with no gates, but people are welcome to join our small training group (and help find a better site) Contact Martin Knight, 01432 351405.

Holme Pierrepont (when the course is available) - Independent Slalom Group - every Tuesday 7pm till 8:30. Coach Paul Smith 01158779790.

Hull - Kingston Kayak Club. Regular outdoor pool sessions for beginners and experienced paddlers throughout the year. Training provided for club paddlers at most race venues from beginner to Division 1 prior to races and at local race venues over the winter. Annual training trip to Grandtully in August. Boats and Kit available for beginners. Website www.kkc.org.uk. Contact Duncan Berriman - duncan@dcl.co.uk or come down to the club house at Albert Avenue.
(updated 13/09/10)

Kirby Lonsdale - Devils Bridge, Kirby Lonsdale

Lancaster - Halton Rapids near Lancaster from 1st November to the 31st January only. Please note that any paddling outside these times could jeopardise the current access agreement, ie, DON'T PADDLE THERE BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND OCTOBER.

Llandysul - Llandysul Paddlers is based next to the river Teifi in West Wales. We have 40 permanent gates on the river as well as a training lake, accommodation for 30 people, showers and a fully fitted kitchen. Llandysul Paddlers' slalom coaching takes place every night of the week for different abilities and we also hold swimming pool lessons.
If you would like any further information please call Gareth Bryant on 01559363209 or email us at bpaddlers@aol.com we also have a website www.llandysul-paddlers.org.uk.
(updated 14/09/10)

Lower Wharfe Canoe Club - on River Foss at Blue Bridge Lane. Gate sessions on Tuesdays/Thursdays 7:00pm - 8:15pm dependant on coach's availability and water levels. Please call Phil Stephenson 01904 620069 to check.

Marple (Manchester Canoe Club) -  Tuesday and Thursday evening training sessions, between 7pm and 9pm all year round. Floodlight sessions during the winter are determined by water levels for beginners. A club session also runs on a Sunday morning from about 10.30, but its worth ringing someone if you are a beginner to see if anyone is going -  most people are at events during the season. Tuesday night is club night, and Thursday night is Slalom training. However in the winter there are only slalomists down on a Tuesday anyway. The site is located at the END of Dale road, Marple, Stockport, on the river Goyt.
We also do some training at Matlock and Llangollen, both of which are only a 1 hour drive away. Contact Tom Carlisle on 0161 449 0911. http://manchestercanoeclub.org.uk
(updated 22/11/04)

Marple (Warrington Canoe Club) - most Sundays 9am till 11am - contact Mike Patrick on 01925 265776.
Note: more coaches needed!

Matlock Bath - Matlock Canoe Club, River Derwent: Wednesday Evenings (Club Night) 7pm until 9pm: Monday Evenings at Matlock Swimming Pool 9pm until 10pm Coach Chris Martin - 01629 55046

Ormskirk - Ormskirk Scouts Canoe Club have use of a private lake on a Wednesday evening. Gates, lighting and coaching are available. Occasional use of pool at Edge Hill College, Ormskirk for rolling and beginners. Contact johnwaughefc@hotmail.com for further information.
(Confirmed 12/09/10)

Pangbourne - the Adventure Dolphin competition group (Pangbourne CC, near Reading) do slalom training every week 12-1pm on Saturdays. Come along if you can and we will introduce you to the group. Contact Aaron Feuillade email aaron.feuillade@btinternet.com for more information.
(Confirmed 22/11/04)

Peterborough - Proteus Canoe Club - Every Sunday afternoon and Wednesday evening from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, all year round.  Permanent gates at Orton Staunch, Orton Mere. Directions available on the Web site, www.proteuscc.co.uk

Preston - Fulwood Leisure Centre indoor pool. Ribble CC have occasional training sessions with gates in the pool. Anyone interested should ring Michael Huddlestan ( 01253 778646) Peter Jones (01772 729137) Terry Maddock (01253 699765) or Robert Byrne (01772 433911). There is a club meet at the Hand and Dagger Pub at Salwick, near Preston on a Wednesday from about 6.30pm.
(Confirmed 22/11/04)

Reading Canoe Club - Based on the river Thames, a floodlight set of gates means we are able to offer fully coached slalom session throughout
the year. We offer introductory sessions for those that have either not tried slalom or have not competed before, junior and senior sessions. We also organise moving water sessions at other sites in the area, and coaching weekends. One to one coaching sessions aimed at improving your performance are available by arrangement. The slalom training gates are ideally situated next to the club house which has full changing facilities with hot showers and full clubhouse facilities.
A location map can be found on the Reading Canoe Club web site. Non-members are welcome to come down and see what we can offer. Club members benefit from use of the training facilities at any time, including a fully equipped weights room and ergo trainers. The also organise circuit training sessions, coached weights sessions, and numerous paddler and coach education workshops aimed at improving fitness, core stability and performance. The club has ample boat storage and a range of club boats and equipment. Contact either Chris Masters on 0118 961 0038 or Nigel Winters on 0118 9734 314, e-mail readingslalom@winters.demon.co.uk, or visit the club web site at www.reading-canoe.org.uk
(updated 12/09/10)

Regents Canoe Club - every Monday 6.30-8.00pm and Thursday (7.00-9.00pm), all year round at the club site on Regents Canal, off Graham Road, London N1 - as flat as flat can be. The club is mainly into white water, rather than slalom, but an adjustable slalom course is laid out on the canal basin. The club offers several beginners' courses each year and regular pool sessions. Website at www.regentscanoeclub.co.uk and email web@regentscanoeclub.co.uk
(updated 11/09/10)

Regents Canoe Club - every Monday and Thursday, 6.30-8.00pm all year round at the club site on Regents Canal, off Graham Road, London N1 - as flat as flat can be. We do not really have a coach anymore, but our higher division paddlers are always willing to share their knowledge with others. The club also offers several beginners' courses each year. Website at www.regentscanoeclub.co.uk and email info@regentscanoeclub.co.uk
(Confirmed 23/06/05)

River Wear - Durham Kayak Club have poles up on the River Wear - MORE INFORMATION PLEASE - EMAIL

Rugby - Rugby Canoe Club - every Wednesday evening from 7.00pm until 9.00pm all year round, on the canal by the Royal Oak, Hillmorton, Rugby.  Monday evenings in the Summer when it's light on Draycote reservoir, just outside Rugby. Contact Jeff Asplin on 01788 336210 for further details.
(updated 22/11/04)

Salisbury Canoe Club - every Wednesday evening from 6.30pm to 8.00pm all year round, on the River Avon in Salisbury next to Waitrose's car park. We hang gates from the dual carriageway bridge, which is floodlit underneath as there is a footpath next to the river. Contact the Slalom Rep Pete Ambrose peterambrose@lineone.net or check out www.salisburycanoeclub.org.uk
(updated 09/09/10)

Sedburgh - Crook ‘o Lune and Stangerthwaite near Sedburgh. LIMITED ACCESS TO PRIVATE WATER. Roy Garriock has access: contact him Roy.Garriock@mwpm.mwhglobal.com - he is a Level 4 Kayak Coach and offers coaching at £40 per person for a full day, minimum of 2 people.

Selkirk - river sessions usually Sunday Netherdale to Melrose and Thursday at Fairnilee. Pool sessions on Tuesday night from 7 o'clock to 8.30 o'clock. Coaches Alan Dickie (0175 052 212 email allandickie995@hotmail.com and Steve Gill.

Shepperton Weir - next to Shepperton Lock. Gates are up permanently, and can be used year round.  Club nights are Mondays and Wednesdays 1800 (Shepperton SCC), Thursdays 1900 (Addlestone) and floodlights will be on then. Often, Saturday and Sunday mornings there are people there too. Sean Hudson and Gordon Walling (0208 2242743) coach the Addlestone sessions.
To get to the Weir, take the road south from Shepperton, past the church, and turn left into Ferry lane, or from the south go over Chertsey Bridge, at mini roundabout turn right towards Shepperton, then second right to Church square and then first right into Ferry Lane. Park by the lock (considerately please!) walk over the lock gates, and you are there.

Stafford and Stone Canoe Club - on the River Trent at Westbridge Park, Stone, just off the A34. Beginner's Sessions April to October Mondays 6.30 - 8.30pm. Clubnight for more experienced slalom paddlers Tuesdays 7 - 9pm. Contact Andy Neave 01785 817404 or e-mail andy.neave1@btopenworld.com

Tees Barrage - Cleveland CC Slalom Master Class and Junior Class meets at Teesside WW Course Wed evenings Floodlit) and Sat mornings. Open to Cleveland CC members and invited paddlers. Interested paddlers and or coaches should contact Len Smith on 01642 678000 or e mail kanu@4seasons.co.uk

Windsor - Windsor & District Canoe Club - every Wednesday evening from 6.30 pm all year around, on the river Thames at Windsor.  Wednesday is also club night so why not treat yourself to some refreshments/food.  Please contact Paul Mew on 01753 851837, visit www.windsor.canoe-club.co.uk or email info@windsor.canoe-club.co.uk for more information or just come along.
(updated 22/11/04)