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All below course to start no earlier than March/April 2023.

Please read the latest version of our Terms and conditions carefully before proceeding with any bookings

These new Personal Performance Awards are designed to develop enjoyment, safety and skills for those new to Paddlesport.

Paddle Start Award (1 day)

While it can be intimidating taking your first step into watersports, but there's nothing to worry about, really! Relax and enjoy time on the water with this award and start with the basics, including an enjoyable practical, hands on experience. Never tried it before? Come and have a go.

Paddle Discover Award (2 days)

The Discover Award is designed to develop your ownership of paddling, decision making and practical skills for a fun and safe time on the water. Through this award you will learn how to choose and effectively use equipment, whilst developing an understanding of the other factors which affect your paddling, e.g. the environment.

Paddle Explore Award (2 days)

If you want to become independent on the water, go on self-guided adventures and know how to control your craft and stay safe on the water, this is the award for you. In this award you will take ownership of your own decisions and learn to make confidence choices, based on the places you paddle, wind and weather.

British Canoeing Awarding Body (BCAB) Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course (PSRC) (1 day)

Cost £95 per person (min 4 to run, max 8)

The FSRT course is designed for all paddlers, irrespective of craft, to learn simple and safe skills that can be applied to common problems in a sheltered water environment. The aim is to provide the paddler with necessary knowledge which will ensure the safety of them and others whilst paddling. Be prepared, this is a one day course with a large focus on water-based practical skills. You will get wet!

For specific course details take a look at the British Canoeing PSRC webpage

  • Must be 14 years of age
  • Must bring a wetsuit/dry suit
  • Must already hold the Paddle Explore award or paddle to that ability
  • This course is a prerequisite for the BC Paddlesport Instructor qualification.

British Canoeing Awarding Body Paddlesport Instructor (BCAB PI) (2 days)

Cost £250 per person (min 4 to run, max 6)

This two day combined training and assessment course will support you to run games and activities to support learning and inspire adventure and exploration for new paddlers in stable craft. On this practical course, you will learn skills such as kitting up a group and getting afloat, initial familiarisation activities and how to use mini journeys to support learning. This qualification is open to everyone!

For specific course details take a look at the British Canoeing website

Prerequisites

  • PSR certificate gained at least a month before the BCAB PI course to allow enough time to practise and consolidate skills.
  • Reminder: You will be expected to perform a variety of rescues from your chosen craft to all the following: kayak, canoe, sit on top and stand up paddleboard
  • Personal paddling and rescue competence – Paddle Explore award, Two Star or equivalent paddling standard
  • Aged 16 or over
  • Home Nation Coach Registration (CR) Form
  • National Association membership

What to bring and further information

  • Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before your scheduled session time, registration will take place outside of the centre.
  • Please check the weather before booking/attending
  • At least two changes of clothes (including underwear and shoes) suitable for the weather conditions (no jeans), include a waterproof jacket and hat
  • Old trainers needed for the water (something secure, not crocs, flip flops or wellington boots)
  • Towel and sun protection
  • All participants need to arrive ready changed in suitable clothes for the weather conditions, having already visited the toilet and washed their hands. The toilets in the Watersports Centre building will only be available for participants at the end of their sessions.
  • If you are attending for a full day, bring a packed lunch and plenty of drinks and snacks (under 18s are not allowed offsite during the course to buy lunch).
  • Separate male and female changing rooms are available for all participants at the end of the session
  • We do not provide wetsuits, feel free to wear your own (most activities do not involve being in the water, so it is not mandatory unless specified eg windsurfing/BC FSRT etc).
  • Only the participant (and guardian(s) for those under 18) can enter the Watersports Centre operational area, all spectators are welcome to watch from the public benches.
  • The centre reserves the right to alter the activity based on weather or safety concerns on the day.
  • It is the participants responsibility if they have been in contact with a confirmed Covid-19 case to self-isolate as recommended by the government, current guidance.
  • We have undertaken new protocols to mitigate the risks of Covid-19 at the Centre, but all participants (and guardians or bookers for those under 18) must take responsibility for the decision to take on the risk of attending.

Relevant courses

  • RYA First Aid course - ideal for those who need to validate qualifications for example RYA DI/BCAB Paddlesport Instructor or who are in a position of responsibility
  • Volunteer scheme (ages 15+) -a fun way to develop your skills both on and off the water, meet new friends, and learn about working in a busy watersports centre.
  • Private 1:1 tuition – new to the sport? Or want to develop personal sailing/paddling skills you already have?
  • Schools and groups – Whether it be a fun taster session, team building or to gain a National Governing Body qualification we have can create a bespoke session for you.

Cancellations

  • No refunds given
  • Courses will only run if sufficient numbers are booked
  • A full refund will be given if a course is cancelled by the Council, you will be contacted in advance of the course start date with the options available at that time

Where to go

Wimbledon Park Watersports Centre
Home Park Road
Wimbledon
SW19 7HX

We recommend using public transport to get here.

Driving

Sat nav post code SW18 5NW takes you to McCluskey's newsagents, on the corner of Revelstoke Road and Elsenham Street, just outside the park.

There is a small pay-and-display car park by Revelstoke Road, but it is often full.

Free car parking is also available at the Wimbledon Park Road entrance (sat nav SW19 6PE). It is a slightly longer walk across the grass to the Watersports Centre.

For more details email watersports.wimbledonpark@merton.gov.uk 

During the Wimbledon Tennis Championships there is no vehicle access to Wimbledon Park for dropping off and collecting. These parking restrictions may be enforced before the start and after the end date of the championships. Please check the All England Lawn Tennis website for specific traffic restrictions.