Paddle Power

Youth Afloat Centres are approved by the BCU (British Canoe Union) to teach Kayaking, Canoeing, and Bell-Boating. We have a good selection of Kayaks and Canoes as well as having experienced and qualified instructors.

These activities are extremely versatile, in that they can be used to discover nature, carry out treasure hunts and orienteering. Groups can even take part in River Expeditions.

Kayaking

Kayaks are a style of craft which came from the Eskimos. They are covered with a deck to retain heat in colder conditions. They are used in a seated position with double ended paddles. The Eskimos made them from frames of whale bones and/or driftwood and covered these with sealskin.

Canoeing

Canoes, however, are warmer climate boats which come from the North American Indians. They are generally open deckless boats, originally with turned up ends. They are paddled from a kneeling or sitting position using paddles with a blade at one end. The Indians made wooden frames and covered them with either bark or buffalo hide.

Bell-Boating

A Bell-Boat is a large 'double' canoe, a team boat with two hulls, taking up to10 paddlers. As a result of having the catamaran style hulls, it is very stable and virtually impossible to capasize, making it a great boat in which to learn Paddle Power.