As kayaking is becoming an increasingly popular activity for the whole family, people are recognising the need for acquiring the basic skills in a safe, controlled environment.

Here at Sale Water Park, Trafford Water Sports Centre can provide a variety of environments for the novice to learn in relative comfort, the centre is a British Canoe Union approved centre and we are constantly striving to broaden the scope of paddling activities we can provide.

BCU Star Awards

The new Star award scheme was launched in September 2007 and has marked a significant change to how the scheme is to be delivered. The idea is to give new paddlers more choice in their paddling progression whether you want to paddle down rapids in kayaks, through heavy seas in sea kayaks or across serene lakes in a open boat the new 1 & 2 star awards develop generic skills which apply to all disciplines. At 3 star level you begin to specialise in the discipline you would prefer. The Star awards are aimed at the 16+ age range.

Try Kayaking

The try kayaking courses are an ideal way to introduce you to kayaking, under the guidance of one of our instructors we teach you about safety, basic paddling techniques, equipment and what to wear. Games will make up a fairly large part of the course as these improve confidence and an opportunity to put those new found skills into practice.

Price per person: £50.00

Rolling Clinics

Instructor Ratio: 1:4
Experience required: Some basic paddling is a must
For many rolling is the pinnacle of the mystery of kayaking, this 2 hour clinic is aimed at cutting through the mystique, using video and short sessions afloat we hope to have you rolling in no time.

One Star

A Flat water award that demonstrates an individual has basic boat control and foundation skills. The one star can be taken in any kind of paddlesport craft (e.g. sit-on-top, slalom C2, polo boat, sea kayak, racing canoe etc.)

The revamped syllabus allows you to participate in the boat of your choice, this six-hour course will instil confidence in the water and introduce you to basic paddling techniques relevant to the style of craft you wish to learn in.

Price per person: £80.00

Two Star

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: 1 star or equivalent
An improvement award that helps paddlers develop fundamental paddlesport skills on flat water. The emphasis is on gaining a breadth of experience, creating the desired movement of the boat and developing an understanding into how the paddle, boat and water interact.

This new generic award encourages you to develop your skills in both kayak and canoe using the centres brand new Paddlesport fleet you will learn from experienced coaches in an ideal location

Price per person: £140.00

Kayak Three Star

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: 2 star or equivalent
The aim of this award is to mould you into an intermediate paddler and allow you as a competent paddler to be led and contribute to the safe running of a grade 2 river journey.

This new award is discipline specific and will be ran at Sale Water Park and on grade 2 rivers around the northwest.

Price per person: £140.00

White Water Experience Days

Insrtuctor Ratio 1:6
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: 2* or equivalent
These days will give you the opportunity to put all your previous training into practise, you will be planning the trip under the guidance of our experience staff who will guide you through kit selection and pre trip planning, we will be paddling the grade 1/2 rivers of North Wales or the River Irwell near Bury.

Canoe Safety Test

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: 2 star or equivalent
The canoe safety course is aimed at developing water safety skills for both canoeist and passer by, rescue techniques including rescuing unconscious casualties, swamped boats and towing injured canoeists are just some of the skills introduced in this hectic one day training course. This award is a pre requisite for any of the coaching courses.

Price per person: £45.00