Schools and groups canoeing at IBC
Age and group sizes
Our sessions are aimed at young people aged 8 to 17 who can swim 25m in light clothing. Our group ratios for kayaking and canoeing are 15 per instructor, 10 per bellboat. A usual group size of 30, further multiples of 15 participants can be added upon request. Powerboating for groups of up to 3. Our narrowboat can take a maximum of 10 passengers.
We welcome SEN groups. To ensure safety it may be necessary to reduce the group size for people with special needs, disabilities or challenging behaviours.
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Activities available
We offer a range of water-based activities. These include canoeing, kayaking, bellboating, powerboating, and narrowboat trips. A whole day can include two or more of these activities. For Paddle Sport, group members should wear old clothes and close toed shoes and bring a full change of clothes and a towel. If the weather is sunny, a cap and sun screen is advisable.
We can also offer first aid courses – please contact us for more information.
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About visiting staff
Whilst the Islington Boat Club takes full responsibility for watersports activities, visiting workers are reminded that when not under watersports tuition they are expected to supervise their own group. Visiting workers are not only welcome, but encouraged, to participate with their own young people in watersports activities. You are reminded, however, that Islington Boat Club cannot be responsible for the safe-keeping of valuable items.
About booking sessions
School bookings may be made directly with the Club through the schools booking form. Please telephone first to discuss your requirements and availability. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis. Bookings cancelled must give a full week’s notice; otherwise you will still be liable for the full fee.
Bookings will not be confirmed until a booking form has been received.
If, for any reason, your group is unable to come, please let us know as soon as possible.
An indemnity form must be completed prior to the start of the session. This can be downloaded with the booking form.
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All visiting groups will need to complete an Indemnity Form.
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Please check for availability BEFORE completing a booking form
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Cost:
Price on application.
Please contact darren@islingtonboatclub.com
School provision
School session provision started in 1972 and, since then, tens of thousands of local children have attended sessions here. We also have considerable experience working with excluded young people who are sent to us via local pupil referral units. We have a large fleet of canoes and kayaks for one to three people or bellboats for 10 people. Powerboats carry three people and the narrowboat, maximum of 10 passengers. All our equipment is maintained to an excellent standard as safety is our number one priority. Our instructors are all experienced and qualified coaches with British Canoe Union and the Royal Yachting Association. All staff have enhanced DBS checks and are first aid trained.
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Schools watersports take place all year round. Protective clothing is provided for inclement weather conditions. The wearing of buoyancy aids is compulsory for all water-based activities. The centre has hot showers and separate changing facilities.
For more information please email darren@islingtonboatclub.com
FAQs for schools and groups
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At what age children can be brought for sessions at The Club?
Our sessions are aimed at young people aged 8 to 17 who can swim 25m in light clothing.
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What sized groups can be accommodated and what are the trainer/pupil ratios?
Our group ratios for kayaking and canoeing are 15 per instructor, 10 per bellboat. A usual group size of 30 further multiples of 15 participants can be added upon request. We welcome groups or individuals with special needs. To ensure safety it may be necessary to reduce the group size for people with special needs or disabilities.
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What activities are available?
We offer a range of water-based activities. These include canoeing, kayaking, bellboats, powerboating, and narrowboat trips.
A whole day can include two or more of these activities. The group members should wear old clothes and shoes and bring a full change of clothes, shoes and a towel. If the weather is sunny, a cap and sun screen is advisable.
We can also offer first aid courses – please contact us for more information.
​
Do visiting staff bear responsibility for the supervision of their pupils when on site?
While the Islington Boat Club takes full responsibility for watersports activities, visiting workers are reminded that when not under watersports tuition they are expected to supervise their own group. Visiting workers are not only welcome, but encouraged, to participate with their own young people in watersports activities. You are reminded, however, that Islington Boat Club cannot be responsible for the safe-keeping of valuable items.
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How do schools go about making a booking?
Bookings may be made directly with the Club through the schools booking form. Please telephone the Club first to discuss your requirements and availability. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis. Bookings cancelled must give a full week’s notice, or will still be liable for the full fee. Bookings will not be confirmed until a booking form has been received. If, for whatever reason, your group is unable to come, please let us know as soon as possible.
An indemnity form must be completed prior to the start of the session. This can be downloaded with the booking form.