Kayaking
Kayaking is a great way to get out on the water and explore nature, whatever your age or ability
The traditional kayak has a covered deck and one or more cockpits, each seating one paddler, who propels the craft with a double-bladed paddle. Modern kayaks vary in design depending on the environment in which they are intended for use.
UHCC members enjoy many styles of kayaking, from touring canals and slow flowing rivers, to exploring the coast in sea kayaks, surfing the waves and experiencing the thrills of white water creeks and rivers.
Types of Kayak
Sea Kayak
Very long, narrow, with keel and skeg
For travelling long distances at speed
Touring Kayak
Long, narrow, with keel and skeg
For travelling long distances on flat water
Crossover Kayak
Hybrid of touring and white water design
For touring and low grade white water
White Water Kayak
Short with flat or rounded hull
For manoeuvering on white water
Playboat
Very short with blunt stern and bow
For freestyle kayaking
Surf Kayak
Short with board-like hull and fins
For surfing and carving waves
Inflatable Kayak
Packs down for easier storage
For use on sheltered flat water
Sit on Top (SOT) Kayak
Cockpit-less design
Use is dependent on design
Pedal Kayak
Similar to SOT but propelled by foot pedals
Tandem Kayak
Multiple cockpits
For two or more paddlers
Kayaking with UHCC
Our Sunday Bark Store sessions are the perfect place to give kayaking a try and improve your flat water paddling skills. You can bring along your own boat or try one of ours - we have a variety of white water and sea kayaks.
Once you are confident controlling a kayak in this sheltered water environment you can progress to try touring on one of our flat water trips, explore the coast in a sea kayak, or try white water or surf kayaking.
We also run pool sessions from October to April and lake sessions in summer, where you can learn rescue techniques and rolling as well as other flat water skills.