Axe Vale Canoe Club

Axe Vale Canoe Club are excited to offer a Saturday morning (10am-12:30pm) Junior Academy session for those 11–16-year-olds.

This progressive program is designed to equip you with the fundamental paddling skills needed to paddle safely in sheltered water. We aim to start you on a journey to becoming a confident progressive paddler, potentially in a range of craft.

There are three awards to work towards:
- Paddle Start Award, the basic introduction to kayak/canoeing,
- Paddle Discover Award, becoming more confident and skilled through varied experiences, and
- Paddle Explore Award, becoming competent, skilled and able to plan a journey.

There is no set timeframe or fixed itinerary for the awards or assessments, as Paddle UK has designed the new scheme around the learner and their journey. Sessions will be fun-filled and occasionally wet. We have chosen a Saturday morning because we believe this will better suit young people and their families' lifestyles, creating a more positive and less stressful learning experience.

Youth members can still enrol on the week night courses if they so wish, however we feel that the Saturday morning option would be of more benefit for those that fall within this age bracket.

The summer course fee includes club membership, boat, and equipment.

We have several spaces available for enthusiastic, dedicated beginners. All participants must be able to swim 50 metres, but buoyancy aids will be provided for assistance. The club's insurance covers third-party liability, but not personal accident cover.

Any attendee with additional needs must contact Donna Vincent on 07866 531982 prior to booking on the course to check if the course and our provision are suitable for them, as we paddle on complex water, and this may not suit everyone.

Venue:         Axe Vale Canoe Club, Axmouth Harbour, Seaton, EX12 4AA

Course J1:  Saturday - 2nd May 2026 to 30th May 2026
Times:         Meet at 10:00 am at the Club House, Seaton. We will be off the water at 12:30 pm.
Cost:          £60 (including membership for the year)

Course J2:  Saturday - 20th June 2026 to 25th July 2026
Times:         Meet at 10:00 am at the Club House, Seaton. We will be off the water at 12:30 pm.
Cost:          £60 (including membership for the year)

Following the completion of each course, attendees will move to a Wednesday evening session (18:30-20:30) to progress their learning and experience (to allow the next Saturday course to be run).

 Booking Opens 22nd March 2026 - Please use the ‘AVCC on WebCollect’ on-line application process.

Click the ’Apply Here’ button, sign-up for WebCollect (or Sign-in if you have used it before),
and on the AVCC page, select the ‘Saturday Junior Course (J1)’.

For further details and information about this course and the club, please contact:
Donna Vincent on 07866 531982 or Graham Baker on 07734572786.

Click here to read our Event/Course Data Processing Notice.

Sessions are mainly water-based, and the water can still be cold in the summer months, so dressing appropriately is necessary. You will need a set of spare dry clothes to change into after

Below is a suggested list of appropriate paddle wear
- Wetsuit & rash vest
- Tracksuit (man-made fabric) and thermals (man-made fabrics)
- Fleece top
- Long-sleeved/long-legged preferred unless we are having a heat wave…
- Footwear (e.g. neoprene boots, trainers – NO flip-flops/sandals/ crocs)
- Waterproof over trousers if you have some which you don’t mind using (We can supply them, but yours may fit better.
- A towel for a shower when you get off the water.
- For those who wear glasses, something to tie them on (so they do not get lost in the river).
- Black bin liner for wet clothes following the session or similar.
- Snacks/drinks- no fizzy drinks.

During the course, you will be required to capsize and swim a short distance to the bank. You will be carefully supervised and, if necessary, assisted.

Notes:

All members or other persons who attend club tours or meets do so at their own risk. Neither the Club nor its officers can accept any liability for any loss or injury of any kind sustained at headquarters or whilst on a Club tour, meet or other activity. Please note that third party insurance and liability whilst taking part in Club activities is included, however members are advised to make their own arrangements regarding personal accident insurance.
No parking is permitted within the Axe Yacht Club, but there is ample parking nearby. Beach access via the key fob is not granted to junior members of the club.

Medical Conditions

Please tell us of any medical conditions that may affect your ability to canoe/kayak. It is your responsibility to inform the club of any new health issue that may arise in the future that may affect your canoeing. Canoeing is strenuous and adventurous, and if necessary, first aid will be administered by a qualified person. Please talk to a member of the coaching team if you have any questions.