Deben Canoe Club

we run courses for complete beginners at the start of each season, typically April to June. These are an ideal introduction to the sport and would then allow you to join us on our regular club paddles
we maintain a list of people who have expressed an interest in courses – please complete this online form: DCC expresion of interest form and we will contact you when courses are announced
you are welcome to join us at a pool session, which would give you a chance to try out a kayak and to speak to one of our coaches about developing your skills. See the calendar for dates
it may also be possible to join us on a Wednesday evening paddle, which run broadly April to September. Please turn up promptly, ready to paddle. However, your participation cannot be guaranteed and would be subject to a conversation with the lead coach on the day, and may not be possible depending on the other circumstances of the paddle (size of the group, experience levels of other paddlers, availability of coaches, the weather and tide, etc.)
you may join us for up to three sessions (either pool or river) before we would need you to formally join the club (this is for insurance reasons)

I have limited experience of kayaking, and would like to try more

we run courses for complete beginners at the start of each season, typically April to June. These would also be ideal for someone with limited experience and no previous formal training. These are an ideal introduction to the sport and would then allow you to join us on our regular club paddles
we also run courses for intermediate paddlers around the same time. Depending on your current level of experience, these might be more suitable
you are welcome to join us at a pool session, which would give you a chance to speak to one of our coaches about your current level of skill, and the scope for you to join our regular club paddles on the river
depending on your level of confidence, you could join us on a Wednesday evening. Please arrive promptly to give you a chance to talk to a coach. They would assess if it is practical for you to join us on the river that evening. This would also depend on demand from members and the available coaching cover that evening, etc.
you may join us for up to three sessions (pool and river) before we would need you to formally join the club (this is for insurance reasons)

I am interested in learning to use an open canoe, can you help?

we do occasionally offer training in open canoes, but not regularly
the club does have open canoes, and these are available for hire by club members who are already confident in their use

I know how to kayak (or canoe), and am interested in trying your club

you are welcome to join us at a pool session, which would give you a chance to speak to one of our coaches to confirm your current skill level
you are welcome to join us on a Wednesday evening paddle. This is an undemanding paddle aimed at novices and families, and so would be an easy introduction to the club. Please arrive promptly so that you can speak to a coach so that they can confirm that you can join us on the river that evening. This would also depend on demand from members and the available coaching cover that evening
assuming you and we were happy with your skills on a Wednesday evening, you could then join us on a Thursday evening, which includes a more demanding group
if you wish to join us October to March, when there are no Wednesday paddles, please join us for a pool session so that you can speak to a coach and confirm your suitability for Thursday paddles
you may join us for up to three sessions (pool and river) before we would need you to formally join the club (this is for insurance reasons)

I don’t have any kit or a boat, can I paddle with your club?

yes, the club has boats and all the necessary equipment, to hire at each paddle, with a charge of £5 a session (in 2024)

If I join the club, may I store my kayak at the centre

no, the club does not have enough room to store members’ boats
local boatyards do offer kayak storage, including the Woodbridge Boatyard which is adjacent to the club. We believe the nearby Deben Yacht Club also offers canoe storage. Please contact the boatyards / other clubs directly if you are interested in this

What are the age limits for children?

children up to the age of 11 must be accompanied by a responsible adult, either on the river or at a pool session
the club does not have any lower age limit – it is up to the accompanying responsible adult to take responsibility
children over the age of 11 may paddle with the club unattended, but a responsible adult must be available if they need to leave the group early. Over the age of 14 the club assumes that the child is responsible enough to arrive and leave on their own

I have a group of (typically, young) people who would like to try kayaking. Can you help?

this enquiry should be passed to the Deben Watersports Centre. Individuals can join the club and paddle on a Wednesday night (subject to the age restrictions above). The club provides opportunities for club members. The centre provides opportunities for groups.

Does your club cater for members with inflatable canoes / Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs)/ Sit On Top kayaks (SOTs)

we do have members with inflatable canoes and whilst they can be impressive craft, the vast majority are much slower than the other boats at the club and so don’t work well in a mixed group. As a result, we generally recommend that you hire our boats rather than paddle an inflatable during club activities
new in 2024, we are investigating starting up an SUP group within the club
as with inflatables, many SOT kayaks are very slow compared with the boats that the club paddles, and so don’t work well in a mixed group. We generally recommend that folk hire our boats rather than paddle a SOT. However, new in 2024, we are planning to allow SOTs on our Wednesday evening paddles, on a trial basis

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