Each year we hold a couple of taster days for anyone interested in trying Canoe Slalom to come and have a go. These are around normal around the end of April, beginning of May. If you enjoyed the taster you will then be invited to start a course for a few weeks to see if it really is for you. Then once you have been bitten by the canoeing bug you can join the club and form that years beginners group. If you are interested please email book onto these sessions and to be kept informed when they will be. coaching@staffordandstonecc.co.uk
The ideal age for these sessions is 9 to 11, school years 5 & 6. You don’t need any equipment. We will supply everything, you just need to bring some close fitting clothes you don’t mind getting wet in and some old trainers. A wet suit would be good if you have one, shorts and T-shirt are not sufficient and jeans are no good. Bring a change of clothes and a willingness to have lots of fun!!
On arrival you will be met by the Junior coach and support team. They will introduce you to the club, a bit of history about the amazing things we have done over the years and explain a bit about Canoe Slalom. Then it will be time to get kitted up with helmets and buoyancy aids, canoeing cagoule and onto the water. You will be shown the basics of canoeing and will have a chance to paddle around our course. This session always includes plenty of games and fun activities and we cant guarantee you will finish it dry!!
River water is not as clean as drinking or swimming pool water. All participants should shower following the session, either at the club or at home. It is particularly important that at least face and hands are washed before eating or drinking.
A parent/guardian must attend the session and remain present throughout the session.
After the taster session you will be invited to come to a few more taster sessions. Then you will be able to join our the years beginners group and pay the monthly membership fee. If you choose to take a place in the group you will then start paddling every week at Stone and will be coached in the art of Canoe Slalom. Depending on how that goes you might even got to race at one of the Stone Slalom races in the summer or Autumn. Whilst in this group all equipment is supplied. After your first year as a junior beginner you will be moved into the main junior group and will now be a full member of the club. Training will continue as before and you will now hopefully be going to races away from Stone.
It is testament to this beginners group that over the last few years we have had Olympians Lizzie Neave (London 2012), Joe Clarke (Rio 2016 Gold Medalist) and Adam Burgess (Tokyo 2020) all start in the same way as hopefully you will. Who knows where this taster day could take you? Maybe you will just make a cool new group of friends, get fit and active or maybe you could be our next Olympian from Stafford & Stone.
Places are limited, its first come first served so please contact us quickly to book your place. Please use the contact form below.