Learn to Canoe
Beginner | Adult (16+) | Full Day | Ratio 1:4
£ 80 Per Person
Learn to canoe on the Forth & Clyde Canal, just 20 minutes from Glasgow, with a full‑day course designed to help you feel confident, balanced, and in control on the water.
We’ll start with a quick introduction before getting you kitted out and comfortable in your canoe, then guide you through the essentials—how to set up your boat, launch safely, and use efficient paddling strokes to move, steer, and manoeuvre with ease. As your confidence grows, we’ll help you refine your technique, explore how trim and balance affect your boat, and learn simple rescue skills that keep you safe on sheltered water.
After some practice time, we’ll head out on a journey along the canal, giving you the chance to put everything together at your own pace and develop practical, transferable journeying skills. You’ll get the opportunity to paddle solo and as part of a team, learning how communication and coordination make canoeing smooth, efficient, and enjoyable. Your coach will keep things relaxed and supportive, with optional challenges and plenty of encouragement throughout the day.
By the end of the session, you’ll feel comfortable paddling, steering, and controlling your canoe, with the knowledge you need to paddle safely and independently on sheltered water.
Once you’re back on dry land, you can warm up with our hot showers and enjoy a tea or hot chocolate before you head off.
Want to take your paddling further and explore some of the stunning lochs around Glasgow and the Trossachs? Have a look at our Canoe Adventure Days.
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Clothing: Please wear suitable lightweight and warm clothing that you do not mind getting wet, it is quite likely you will fall in at some point! We will not be travelling to far so for those that do get cold easily it is not far back to the shore to get warm again. If you do have your own wetsuit or waterwear, please feel free to bring it!
Footwear: Securely attached and close toed footwear is required to, so unfortunately no crocs, flip flops or sandals! We can not see what is on the bottom of the lochs and rivers, and we do not recommend using bare feet to find out.
Weather: Our sessions will go ahead in all but the most inclement weather, so make sure you bring your waterproofs, a sun hat, and plenty of water to stay hydrated, this way you will be prepared for whatever weather Scotland throws our way.
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This activity will take place at our riverside activity hub Twechar Outdoor Pursuits!
Our facilities include hot showers, lockers, toilets, tea and coffee machines and plenty of parking!
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Yes, our activities will proceed as planned, rain or shine! We believe a little rain adds to the adventure and provides an authentic outdoor experience. Our instructors are experienced in managing sessions in all weather conditions, ensuring safety and enjoyment throughout.
We recommend wearing appropriate clothing, such as waterproof jackets and sturdy footwear, to keep comfortable. If conditions become unsafe due to extreme weather, we will inform you of any changes to the schedule.
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We understand that plans can change. Our refund policy is as follows:
Full Refund: Cancellations made at least 28 days before the activity date will receive a 100% refund.
Partial Refund: Cancellations made between 14 and 28 days before the activity date will receive a 50% refund.
No Refund: Unfortunately, cancellations made less than 14 days before the activity date are non-refundable.
However, we’re here to help! If you need to cancel within 14 days of your activity, please contact us as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to offer credit for a future booking or reschedule your activity to another date.
We want to ensure you have the best experience possible, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions or concerns.