NEW TO THE CLUB?
PaddlePlus is a members club open to the whole community. We're here for people who love getting outside and having fun!
The club has a huge spread of interests, ages and experience. We run 2 sessions on each club night, one specifically aimed at families and one aimed at adults.
Children over the age of 8 are welcome, those a little younger may be ok, but do need a parent on the water with them. (why wouldn't you all have a paddle together anyway?)
But how do you know you'll love us?
You can try us with our free 4-week Taster Membership, without committing to a Full year-long Membership. Once a Full Member you'll have access to all our weekend trips and activities.
HOW DO TASTER MEMBERSHIPS WORK?
Sign up for a Taster Membership via our website, it's free and lasts for 4 weeks, during that period you can book on to any of our indoor or outdoor sessions (but not trips). Sessions are run at our Kilby Bridge and Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre sites
You'll pay per session, per person, which start at just £5 each including boat, paddle and buoyancy aid, via our Club Calendar. There's up to 5 sessions a week throughout the summer!
At the end of the 4 weeks, we hope you'll want to stay for a lifetime of fun and adventures, and we'll email you with the next steps.
I'M NOT SURE WHERE TO START
Feel free to join any session, you're sure to receive a warm welcome.
On arrival, once checked in, have a chat over a tea or coffee with one of our friendly volunteers. You be shown whats where and how it all works before being introduced to your group and its leaders. From there we'll help you get kitted up, find you an appropriate craft, paddle and buoyancy aid to keep you safe.
Once on the water, you can expect a short journey with enough encouragement and instruction to get you comfortable in your craft, before returning to the site to put your kit away.
You'll find that lots of help will be on hand, not just from the leaders, we all muck in.
Throughout your session there will be plenty of time for questions and we'll tell you everything you need to know to get started with PaddlePlus.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Do:
Dress appropriately for the weather
Wear insulating layers - synthetic thermals, fleeces and gym kit (non-cotton) are ideal as they are lightweight and dry quickly - several thin layers are better than one thick coat
A wetsuit can form part of this insulation, but fleeces and thermals are normally more comfortable, wetsuits are designed to keep you warm when submerged in water
A waterproof/windproof outer layer to keep the wind off and prevent splashes is great
Wear old lightweight trainers or plimsolls, nothing bulky
Keep laces short
Dig out those neoprene booties you bought at the beach last summer!
Wear a hat in the colder months
Bring a towel and a change of clothes for after the session (We have showers at LOPC)
Don't:
Paddle barefoot
WEAR JEANS – they soak up water and become heavy when wet.
HOW DO I REGISTER AND BOOK A SESSION?
Visit our Members Area to register your membership, then you'll be able to book your sessions.
During busy times we may need to operate a waiting list, either to join or for specific sessions.
If you or your child have any additional needs, such as a physical disability or special educational needs, don't worry - it's likely we can still facilitate your Taster Membership. Please give us a heads up on the booking form, or contact one of our Welfare Officers in advance for a chat.