Navigate white-water rapids or paddle along tranquil canals - canoeing is a varied sport with something for everyone. Girls will grow in confidence and learn new skills as they give canoeing, kayaking or katakanus a try.
Canoeing involves using paddle-propelled boats for fun, expeditions or racing on various types of water.
Stories and expertise
When offering this activity to participants under the age of 18, and in sea, tidal or inland water that is more than 50 metres from land, the provider must be licenced by the Adventurous Activities Licencing Authority.
AALA and the above endorsements are not applicable in Northern Ireland, where you should ask your local Outdoor Activities Adviser to recommend an approved provider.
Instructors should hold the qualification applicable to the nature of the activity from British Canoeing.
If alternative qualifications are held, please seek advice from your Outdoor Activities Adviser or British Canoeing, or contact [email protected] to ensure the instructor’s qualification is appropriate to the nature of the activity.
Girls under 18 wishing to canoe without an instructor must each hold the British Canoeing award relevant to the nature of the activity and gain permission from their Outdoor Activities Adviser.
To do canoeing, girls must be able to:
- swim 50 metres
- keep afloat for five minutes in the clothes normally worn for the activity.
Girls may fulfil these rules wearing a buoyancy aid or life jacket when either is required for the activity.
Include all: If a girl has a medical condition that will affect her ability to swim, ensure that you inform the instructor and make provision to allow her to participate safely.
The Leader must:
- make sure that safety rules and alarm signals have been explained to the girls, and the need for instructions to be obeyed immediately
- make sure the required buoyancy aids/life jackets are used
- follow water safety guidelines and ensure that the responsible adult helpers are familiar with them.
Water should be inspected for signs of visible pollution, for example rubbish, blue green algae or chemicals.
Make sure girls and parents are aware of the dangers and symptoms of Weil's disease and what action to take if infection is suspected. On the day of the activity participants should be advised to cover cuts and grazes with waterproof plasters to help prevent infection.
See our guidance on water activities.
|Section||Number of girls per adult|
How many adults are needed?
Use this calculator to find out the ratio of girls to adults that is required for this activity