Canoe & Kayak Club

A wonderful way to exercise on the River Thames

The Canoe & Kayak Club offers light, easy exercise on a beautiful stretch of the Thames, in the company of others of a similar ability.

The club, based in the Paddock of Phyllis Court, has racking for 36 craft. There are three craft specifically for Phyllis Court members to try under supervision, normally as a taster session. We use two types of craft:

• The Canadian-style canoe, which is usually paddled with two or more occupants
• A variety of kayaks, used almost exclusively by single paddlers

Members can access the river via the Club’s pontoon.

The club arranges excursions every Wednesday and some Sunday mornings, normally at 10.30am for an 11.00am start from the Paddock. Depending on river and weather conditions, we venture upstream to Marsh Lock or downstream to Hambleden Lock. On the first Sunday of the month the group regularly travels further afield, for example along the Hennerton Backwater to Wargrave or to the Flower Pot pub at Aston.

Other trips involving car topping or a trailer are planned over the summer seasons.

Your safety is paramount. All paddlers are mandated to be able to swim 50 metres, wear a buoyancy aid and only go afloat in the company of other paddlers. All regular members have the opportunity to undertake a British Canoeing 1 Star qualification within six months of joining. Membership of British Canoeing is compulsory and offers many benefits, allowing you access to the waterways of the UK.