Information about canoeing in Norwich and Norfolk will be posted here.
Norwich canoe club is one of the biggest in the United Kingdom and teaches the sprint and marathon types of canoeing. Their aim is to pass on their wealth of experience in canoeing onto partakers of any age or sex. They pride themselves on a sociable but competitive atmosphere consisting of veterans, juniors and many paddlers. Regular training sessions take place on the water and on ground with the aim for partakers to compete at local, national and international events.
An individual may start as a novice paddler and move up to being an athlete capable of competing at international events through training, using the ideal facilities and by growing in the strong supportive club atmosphere. The work they do has been tried and tested by athletes who have become National Champions. The club has also produced a European marathon Champion and a World Masters Champion. Many club members go with the Great Britain canoeing team to coach and to act as staff.
The club has obtained the three prizes available for Sport England’s Top Club, namely Top Community Club, Top Performance Club and Club Mark. These are accreditations from Sport England and the British Canoe Union. They have proven that the club is a safe environment, child friendly and that the club provides a quality experience to its members. Ian Wynne is an honoury member of the club and is a bronze Olympic medallist.
This club can be found in Trowse in Norwich, Norfolk. Learning to canoe with Norfolk canoe club is a possibility with courses lasting over six weeks, whose sessions are on Saturday mornings to afternoon time. With these courses you can earn BCU 1 star level. All teachers are certified by the British Canoe club and the lessons are for a person of any age or of any level of canoeing experience. Taking lessons makes you a temporary member of the club.
The club utilises Whitlingham boathouses based in Whitlingham Country Park with safe access to the River Yare for any age involved in rowing and canoeing. The centre holds training events and produces athletes of local, national and international standard. Annual membership is subject to fee and is divided into senior, family and under 18’s memberships. A gym and social membership is also available.
Norwich Canoe Club is not the only canoeing club in Norwich. The Eagle Canoe Club is based in Helford Street, Norwich only one mile from the city centre and is owned by the Norfolk Youth and Community service. In 2009 the club received accreditation from the British Canoe Union. Founded in 1998, the club provides instructors and a safe environment to teach canoeing and kayaking.
The club prides itself on its family friendly atmosphere and all equipment can be borrowed so it’s not necessary to buy or bring your own equipment. Situated on the River Wensum, star award courses are provided on Monday nights and club nights, for all ages and abilities, are on Wednesdays. There are many social events too like barbecues and pool nights.
Out and About on the Beautiful Broads
The one thing that everyone loves to do is to get out and about to enjoy some leisure time. Doing this in a canoe can be a little daunting to some, but for others, they would not have it any other way. In Norfolk, there is a whole host of waterways just waiting to be explored. Solo trips are available for the very adventurous, but for those who want something a little more organized, there are planned trips where groups of people canoe together.
The Trip
The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads have a wonderful variety of rivers which offer a great spectrum of water conditions for the canoeist. Experience levels are not that important since there will be something available even for the novice. Those rivers outside the scope of the Broads Authority will carry the canoeist away from powered boats so if is peace and quiet one is looking for, this may be the place to aim for. No licenses are required here but do take care of safety measures first. Licenses are required on the navigable stretches though.
Experts Only
On rivers where there is a lot of traffic, or where there is a tidal flow, it can sometimes get a little rough. This is really not for the novice so it is best to leave these areas to those who know how to get out of difficulties.
What Can Be Seen?
Birds and wildlife are in abundance along the unbeaten tracks particularly. Since the canoeist is practically silent, this gives him the opportunity to get up close and personal with some marvelous wildlife which probably cannot be experienced anywhere else in the UK. Photographers flock here for migration periods and they certainly get more than they bargained for. Even in January there is plenty of activity here so give this a try.
The Best Rivers
The River Bure – the bulk of the Broads is founded on this river and it flows down to Great Yarmouth. Parts of the river meanders through reed beds and grassland to tree covered sections and it is here one may be lucky enough to see both Kingfishers and otters too.
The River Wensum – some of the most stunning waters in Norfolk without a doubt. For the more experienced canoeist since there are some difficult parts to traverse. However, waiting for the expert are the only trout and barbel stocked waters so do not forget to take that fishing rod.
The River Waveney – again, unspoiled beauty meets the canoeist with a chance to see the shy otter here. Some parts are in private hands and this has brought issues in the past. Check with authorities before venturing here.
And Lastly …
Some river areas are privately owned so check before setting out. Permission is usually granted but this has to be sought to avoid problems. Do not go out alone, and always wear a buoyancy aid. Take training where necessary and only paddle within the scope of the ability of the individual.
