About Us
Lancaster and District Canoe Club (LDCC) was founded in 1984 by a small group of canoeists who had discovered other Lancaster paddlers whilst exploring nearby rivers.
Run on an entirely voluntary basis, the club has over the years introduced the sport to many local people, several of which are now fully qualified instructors!
When We Paddle
In the summer months, April to October, we meet on Thursday evenings from 6.00pm at The 33rd Scout HQ on Halton Road.
In the winter months, we meet at the club hut on Saturdays from 9.00am, and usually paddle nearby in the vicinity, subject to paddling conditions, or go further afield on a trip. We also have regular practice pool sessions.
Places We Paddle
Below are some of the locations that we paddle throughout the year. We are based at 33rd Sea Scout Hut on the River Lune; this is our base location throughout the summer on a Thursday evening. We paddle the other rivers during the winter season.
River Lune
Accessed from the 33rd Sea Scout hut this is a section of flat water, that is ideal for beginners and people wanting to practice skills in a safe environment. From here we can paddle up to Denny Beck Bridge and we also have access to the canal.
Halton Rapids
A few hundred metres of rapids between two weirs. This is an ideal training ground for white water beginners and we use this spot to introduce members to moving water.
River Leven
Excellent short blast with plenty of playwaves, weirs and rapids. Runs at a variety of levels, often for days after rain as Windermere lake drains. This is one of the rivers we progress onto after members have some moving water experience, it has a variety of features to suit novices and more experienced paddlers.
Upper Lune
A classic section with easy access. The narrow gorges are still fun even in low water. This is one of the rivers we progress onto after members have some moving water experience, it has a variety of features to suit novices and more experienced paddlers. (This river is more dependent on water levels)
The Sea
Seasonal trips to the coast for those seeking ocean adventures.
Carnforth Swimming Pool
We rent Carnforth swimming pool which is a great place for practicing capsizing for beginners and practicing rolling and rescues for people with more experience.
Our Volunteers
Our dedicated Coaches, Instructors and Leaders are mostly made up of members who started paddling through the club and wanted to become more involved and give something back.
All of our coaches give their time and experience on an entirely voluntary basis and are very friendly and helpful.
We have a range of Paddle UK qualified instructors and coaches as well as many experienced paddlers who support our members to develop their paddling skills.
Volunteer Opportunities
We’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with:
- Coaching assistance
- Event organization
- Equipment maintenance
- Administration
Interested in volunteering?
John Gibbison (Gibbi)
Lead Coach, Chair, Committee
Adam Lackey
Secretary, Welfare Officer, Instructor / Leader, Committee
Paul Britton
Treasurer, Paddling Support, Committee
Thomas Barrat
Paddling Support
Dave Horn
Coach
Rachael Dyer
Coach
Simon Goddard
Equipment Officer, Paddling Support, Committee
Paul Simpson
Health and Safety Officer, Coach
Simon Chapman
Leader, Committee
Dylan Roberts
Instructor / Leader, Committee
Miles Hester
Instructor / Leader, Youth Rep, Committee
Dean Spencer
Committee
Julie Southworth
Paddling Support, Committee
Paul Jackson
Committee
Chris Bowler
Equipment Officer, Paddling Support, Committee
Susan Dewick
Paddling Support / Committee
Our Courses
We offer courses to beginners and help our members to develop paddling skills.
Our courses include use of club equipment, tuition to become proficient in the basics of kayaking. We also arrange sessions at Carnforth Swimming pool to help you learn to capsize, exit your boat safely and gain confidence on the water.
When Are Our Courses
We usually arrange beginners courses in the spring starting from late March or early April.
How Much Does It Cost and Can I Book a Place?
Please contact us for details about courses and costs.
Can I Join as a Member?
You can join as a beginner after completing one of our courses. If you’re an experienced paddler please get in touch to discuss coming down to one of our club nights.
Our membership prices are:
- £40 for adults
- £30 for children (under 18s)
- £100 for families
Policies
Club Policies and Guidance
- Kit Use/Rental & Club vs Peer Paddle Definitions (PDF)
- Club Constitution (PDF)
- Changing Room Guidance (PDF)
- Code of Conduct (PDF)
- Photographic Filming Equipment Guidance (PDF)
Health and Safety / Risk Assessments
- Club Trips Risk Assessment (DOC)
- Club Hut Risk Assessment (DOC)
- General Paddlesport Risk Assessment (DOC)
Welfare Policies and Guidance
- Coaching Children Rule of Two (PDF)
- Volunteers Safeguarding Practice (PDF)
- Guidance on Digital Communications (PDF)
- Physical Contact Guidelines (PDF)
- Anti Bullying Policy (PDF)
- Paddling Trips and Events Safeguarding Guide (PDF)
- Welfare Officer Role (PDF)
- Safeguarding Policy (PDF)
- Safeguarding Children Policy (PDF)
- Safeguarding Adults Policy (PDF)
- Whistleblowing Policy (PDF)
- Protecting Children with Disabilities (PDF)
- Managing Challenging Behaviour Policy (PDF)
- Data Protection Policy (ODT)
- Safer Recruitment of Volunteers Policy (PDF)
Contact Us
For all enquiries about beginner sessions or joining as a competent paddler or anything else, get in touch!
Phone
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