Bishop's Stortford, England

Bishops Stortford Canoe Club

Bishops Stortford Canoe Club is a volunteer-run flatwater racing club at Southmill Lock on the River Stort. It trains novice and experienced paddlers for marathon and sprint racing, with year-round Sunday sessions, beginner equipment and three guest visits before joining.

Flatwater kayaking
Sprint
Marathon

Visit official joining page Club website

Information checked 24 September 2026View sources

Before you join

Adult beginners: Novices and experienced racers arrange a first visit with the club secretary. Prospective members attend three charged Sunday sessions as guests before joining. Beginners start on Sundays, while other training depends on experience, age, season and coach availability. Summer tasters can have a waiting list.
Junior paddlers: The club's FAQ gives age eight as general guidance, not a fixed minimum. Height, build, water confidence, coordination and balance are assessed individually. A parent or guardian must remain on site throughout sessions for children under 14.
Equipment: The club provides suitable craft and equipment for beginner sessions. As paddlers progress into racing, it recommends buying personal safety kit, a racing paddle and eventually a boat. Club equipment and the venue are not offered for general hire.
Accessibility: The current site links an access checklist signed in 2017. It records level entry with a small threshold aid, an accessible toilet, wheelchair-width changing-room access and reservable parking. It also warns that shower access is narrow, the bank can be muddy and assisted water entry is difficult. Ask what has changed before visiting.
Where the club paddles: The clubhouse is beside Southmill Lock, about one mile south of the town centre. It can be reached along the towpath. Drivers must follow the club's Styleman's Lane directions, observe the parking rules and attend only when the club is in session because there is no public vehicle access at other times.