Wednesday 22nd July - Club Paddle focused on Wet Exits and Recovery Training Session. A fun and rewarding evening on the River Crouch, with the focus firmly on building confidence and developing essential safety skills. The session included capsize practice, self rescues, assisted rescues and towing techniques, all in increasingly breezy conditions as we paddled past Black Point towards Easter Reach. The changing conditions made for some realistic practice and highlighted just how important these skills are. Dan even managed a full 360° rotation inside his kayak cockpit, followed by a brief spell standing up in his kayak—not an easy challenge with a tidal current and the wind pushing from behind! The evening wasn’t just about getting wet. Every exercise was followed by practical discussion and reflection on what worked well, what could be improved, and how we can continue to develop as a group. We also looked at different rescue techniques, the equipment we carry, and how best to deploy it in a variety of situations. Next week we’ll have another opportunity to build on these skills, this time practising at low water in the middle of the river, where the environment will present a different set of challenges. The more we practise, the more prepared we become when it really matters. 🌊 🛟 We’re excited to introduce Paddle Points , a brand-new section on our blog dedicated to all things kayak-related. Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of useful information, from choosing the right equipment and mastering essential techniques, to kayak safety tips, maintenance advice, and insider knowledge from seasoned paddlers. We’re kicking things off with a focus on kayak safety and skill-building, sharing a curated collection of rescue and technique videos to help you paddle with more confidence, control, and enjoyment. Whether you’re just starting out or refining advanced manoeuvres, online kayak training videos are an invaluable resource for paddlers of every level. From quick tips on grip and stance to step-by-step guidance on complex rescues, these expert-led clips bring the coach straight to your screen. Think of it as your own floating instructor, 24/7 Paddle Points available any time you need guidance… and without the soggy shoes. Here’s our recommended learning path: Online Resource Video's The below resources are publicly available from across YouTube channels, below are selection we believe you may find useful. Getting Past “Tippy Kayak”, and learning to edge your kayak - Click Here Advanced Manoeuvres - Click Here Edging a turn in a sea Kayak - Click Here / Turning tips - edging your kayak - Click Here Learning the reflective brace - Click Here Sea Kayak T Rescue - Click Here Sea Kayak Safety Equipment - Click Here Sea Kayak Safety Line - Click Here Self Rescue Training Drills - Click Here / Self Rescue - Cowboy Style - Click Here / Float Self Rescue - Click Here Worth watching this further video as it’s good example of how to get both boats away from any dangers before attempting the T Rescue style - Click Here Pool Sessions As mentioned before, this is an excellent opportunity to practise a variety of strokes, refine your rescue techniques, and generally sharpen your skills, whether you’re a newcomer to paddling or a seasoned kayaker looking to stay at the top of your game. Future Pool Sessions Planned for CKC Members 19th September - 17th October - 21st November Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Various Club Members

Upcoming Paddle Schedule 2026 See our latest poster for upcoming paddles for CKC across 2026, this is being updated and shared weekly via our Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp social media groups. Cheers Dan

Saturday 18th July - Club Paddle of Wallasea Island. Clockwise navigation of Wallasea Island with lunch break at Paglesham Boatyard before heading to cross the road into Lion Creek. As it was a 5:13m high tide, not high enough to paddle directly across the road this time. We look forward to repeating this paddle on further high-tides across August, October and December. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Various Club Members

Wednesday 15th July - Club Paddle focused on Wet Exits and Recovery Training Session. A brilliant evening out on the River Crouch, making the most of the quiet river and the exposed mudflats up near Black Point on an exceptionally low -0.17m tide. With the earlier strong winds easing just in time, conditions were perfect for getting in some valuable rescue practice. Plenty of time was spent cooling off in the river while practising assisted re-entries into our kayaks—building confidence, improving skills, and having plenty of laughs along the way. The unusually low tide also revealed parts of the riverbed that many of us haven’t seen for years, giving a fascinating glimpse of the Crouch from a completely different perspective. Another great club evening combining skills, safety, and a reminder that every paddle on the River Crouch offers something a little different. 🌅  Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Various Club Members

Explore Paddle Points for kayak safety tips & training videos. Join us for pool sessions & support local environmental initiatives!

Wednesday 8th July - Club Paddle focused on Wet Exits and Recovery Training Session.  🌊 What better way to cool down than deliberately jumping out of your kayak? 😄 With the hot weather this evening, it was the perfect opportunity to practise wet exits and rescue skills. There was plenty of time spent in the water, which made for a very welcome break from the day’s heat! It was fantastic to see so many of our newer paddlers confidently practising capsizes, learning how to be rescued, and then swapping roles to become the rescuer themselves. Building these skills in calm, supportive conditions is a great way to grow confidence on the water. To round off another brilliant club evening, we were treated to a beautiful sunset before heading back to the sailing club for some well-earned drinks and plenty of stories from the water. Great paddling, great company, and another reminder that learning new skills can be a lot of fun! 🚣☀️🍻 Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Various Club Members

Sandford Mill to Heybridge Basin Paddle with Essex Slalom & Kayak Club Great day out on the River Chelmer for a 18km paddle from Sandford Mill to Heybridge Basin, paddle was arranged by Adrian and was great to see both Crouch Kayak Club and Essex Slalom & Kayak Club out on the river together. We look forward to many more paddles like this. Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Various Club Members

🌊 Give Kayaking a Go This Wednesday! 🌊 Thinking about trying kayaking but haven’t taken the plunge yet? This Wednesday is the perfect opportunity! The forecast is looking fantastic – warm weather, calm conditions, and a beautiful river to paddle on. Whether you’re completely new to kayaking or just looking to get out on the water, we’d love to welcome you for a paddle on the River Crouch. ✅ All equipment provided ✅ Just £8-10 per session to hire everything you need ✅ Typical paddles last around 90 minutes or more ✅ Friendly, experienced kayakers will paddle alongside all newcomers during their first few sessions We meet every Wedneday at 5:30pm, on the Water for 6:00pm. No experience is needed – just bring yourself and a sense of adventure. It’s a great way to get active, enjoy the outdoors, and meet other members on the water. Come along and discover why so many people love kayaking. See you on the river this Wednesday! 🚣‍♂️☀️ Yearly membership for CKC is only £22 a year, with Burnham Sailing Club membership also being required yearly if your paddling with us from our Burnham Base Weekly. Details on becoming a member can be found here - https://www.crouchkayakclub.co.uk/membership Email via kayak@burnhamsc.co.uk Regards BSC Kayak Representative / Social Media Rep for CKC Daniel Rodwell Cheers Dan Photos Supplied: Various Club Members

Updated Risk Assessment Documentation Roger Smith, our Health and Safety Officer has recently completed a review of the CKC Risk Assessment Documentation and has kindly updated both the Sea Kayaking & Canal Paddling Risk Assessments. We would encourage all CKC members to review the documents ahead of their next paddles. Please use the buttons below to download the documents. Cheers Roger Smith