You must enable Javascript to make full use of this site.
Member Login
Text size - A | A | A
You need to install flash to make full use of this page.
Home >> Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
A. Yes it certainly will! Two of our disciplines are Olympic sports – Sprint racing and Slalom. The Sprint Racing will be held at Dorney Regatta Lake in Eton and for the slalom they are building a new whitewater course at Broxborne, Hertfordshire. For more information about our Olympic paddlesport go to our World Class Web pages - WCP.
back to top
A. Tim Brabants won Gold in the 1000m in Beijing (in addition to his bronze medal in the 500m and his 1000m bronze medal from Sydney). His fastest time for 1000m is 3 mins 24.412 seconds! Ian Wynne won a bronze medal at the Athens Olympics, and his fastest time for 500 metres is 1min 38 seconds! Lucy Hardy was a finalist in the 500m in both Athens and Beijing and her fastest time for this distance is 1min 54 seconds!
A. Both originate from ancient craft which were used for hunting, food gathering and travel. A kayak is based on the Inuit boats, you use a double ended paddle and sit in the boats. A canoe is often associated with the North American Indians but in fact has been used by many cultures across the world. It can be paddled kneeling or sitting and a single blade paddle is used. . In the UK we tend to use the word canoeing to cover both – which can be confusing – that’s why you’ll hear us talk about Paddlesport as it covers everything!
A. If you go to our Find a Club or Centre page that will give you the places closest to where you live. For more information on getting started go to 'OUR SPORT' and 'Getting Started'.
A. Most clubs and centres will say that you have to be able to swim 50mts in light clothing
A. The main benefit is third party liability insurance and licenses to paddle on 4,500km of Britiain's navigations and canals. Other benefits include; a yearly directory, six editions of Canoe Focus magazine and discounts from selected partners. For more information click on the main tab 'MEMBERSHIP'.
A. Before you are properly kitted out a pair of light-weight tracksuit bottoms or leggings and some plimsole-like shoes/trainers (preferably without a big sole) are good to wear on your bottom half. Avoid wearing cotton if possible as it tends to get heavy and cold when wet! (unless its really hot) A light weight, fitted top with a thin cagoule which is lose fitting for good range of movement is also useful for your upper body. You will also need at least a helmet and bouyancy aid and possibly a spray deck which goes on top of your clothing before you grab your boat and paddle and take to the water. If you are a beginner then these should be provided by the club or centre you are at.
A. The best option at the moment is to visit our Coaching pages and go to 'How to become a new BCU coach' and then 'How to find a coaching course' On this page is a link to a list of Level 1 and 2 Training and Assessment Directors from which you can look up a course deliverer in your area to contact and find out what courses are running, where and when.
A. In the Youth section of our website sit our Paddlepower pages where a resource order form is available to download which you can then post to us along with a cheque. If needs must then you can order over the phone with a credit card. Starter packswill shortly be available to order on the BCU E-shop.
A. Paddlepower Start is geared towards young people and paddlesport start is for adults.
Q. Is there an age limit for Paddlepower?
