Leeds Canoe Club

Before you join

Adult beginners

The introductory course runs across two Wednesday pool sessions and must be paid for beforehand. Participants need some swimming ability, but no distance is specified. Novices must demonstrate a confident boat exit in the pool before other club activity. Experienced applicants should send the club a short account of their paddling experience to arrange an initial visit. Continuing after the introduction requires membership. Owner and booking pages differ on fees and leave the age-18 category unclear; confirm both before applying.

Junior paddlers

Child and family subscriptions cover under-18s, but the youngest accepted paddling age is not established. Ask which activity suits the child and how supervision works. Club advice normally requires a parent or guardian unless consent has been given. The linked parent code calls for a fresh consent form for each unaccompanied junior trip. Constitution rules also prohibit a junior paddling alone from the clubhouse or taking a boat without a responsible adult. A non-paddling adult holding the child subscription does not receive boat-use rights.

Equipment

Club equipment is free to members for organised activity. Boats and paddles are available alongside safety kit: a buoyancy aid, helmet and spraydeck. The adult holding a non-paddling child subscription has no equipment entitlement. Confirm sizes and availability for your session. The pool introduction asks for swimwear and a T-shirt. November-March outdoor beginners need a wetsuit and dry cag as well as the listed layers. That river clothing rule does not apply automatically to the warm-water introduction.

Accessibility

Armley's operator lists a level entrance, automatic doors, accessible changing and hoists for the pool and changing areas. These describe the leisure centre. They do not confirm kayak transfers, accessible launching at Kirkstall or personal care from the club. Discuss the actual session, assistance and changing arrangements with the club and venue before booking.

Where the club paddles

Pool practice uses Armley Leisure Centre, Carr Crofts, LS12 3HB. Summer river evenings use Kirkstall Training Ground on Bridge Road, LS5 3BW. Confirm the meeting instructions and trip level directly. The two maps show the named pool and club areas only. Neither pinpoints an entrance, parking place or safe route to the River Aire weirs.

Something out of date? Email support@sportshq.app with the details and an official source.