Our coaching modules

start kayaking with us

​For beginners, London Tideway Kayak Club offers a unique modular learning system for beginners comprising of 7 modules (detailed below). A lot of paddlers miss out on focused teaching in specific skills like water safety, wash hanging, and use of the river flow to their advantage. So all our paddlers will have their own checklist with the skills in each module so that coaches can make sure that nobody misses teaching in any of the key skills that make a competent, capable paddler.

You and your coaches will both have access to an individual online checklist so you can both see your progress and set goals. 

our Learning Modules

1: Paddling Basics
Module 1 consists of three lessons and covers the fundamental basics of paddling:
- The basic stroke
- Understanding equipment
- Support stroke
- Backward stroke
- Brief introduction to tides, river flow and river rules
- How to get in and out of the boat properly
2: Understanding Paddlesport
​Module 2 is a theory-based module, covering:
- Different types of canoes and kayaks
- Introductions to different types of competition
- Governing Bodies
- Individual Responsibility
- Role of London Tideway Boat Club
3: Staying Safe
​Module 3 equips paddlers with the skills and understanding to stay safe around the club and on the river, with both a theory and a practical element.
Theory:
- River rules
- London Tideway safety & safeguarding policy
- What to do in the event of capsizing
- Understanding the river
Practical: 
- Self-rescue (both in single and double kayak)
- Using throw lines
- Emptying boats
- Assisting rescue of other paddlers
4: Learning Good Technique
​Module 4 focuses on learning good technique to increase power and efficiency. It starts with an on-land theory talks and demonstrations covering all the key elements and understanding of what makes good technique; paddlers then practice and enforce this knowledge on the water with our coaches demonstrating and guiding them. Coaches will get coaches to practice core-balance drills on the water, pause-stroking; focus on high arms, good rotation, a strong catch etc.
5: Practice and Reinforcement
Module 5 will focus on spending lots of time in the boat, reinforcing all the skills paddlers have learnt, paddling in different conditions, in different K2 combinations. Paddlers will also have the opportunity to try different paddling disciplines such as surf ski.
6: Moving to Less Stable Boats
​Once paddlers have cemented proper paddling skills, core strength, and technique, they can start trying less stable boats in Module 6.
7: Personal Performance Awards
​Module 7 will teach and provide assessment for the three British Canoeing Personal Performance Awards (Start, Discover and Explore awards) which recognise and develop paddlers' water skills. After completion of this module, paddlers will be awarded independent paddling status.

Give it a go. Enquire today.

info@londontideway.org
07940 353398
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Vesta Rowing Club, Putney Embankment, SW15 1LB

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