Each Spring, we hold taster sessions for juniors who are interested in trying Canoe Slalom to come and have a go. The next junior taster sessions will be the 5 and 6 April. Please see below for further information and note that places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
Spring 2025 junior taster session poster
Reserve a place on the 5 & 6 April taster session
Email beginners@staffordandstonecc.co.uk for further information
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 get 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 decade or so we have had Olympians Lizzie Neave (London 2012), Joe Clarke (Rio 2016 Gold Medalist, Paris 2024 Silver Medalist) and Adam Burgess (Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024 Silver Medalist) 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.